About the RoleAalo Atomics is seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer with expert knowledge of ASME BPVC Section III to lead design of reactor vessel and pressure-boundary systems for our sodium-cooled, graphite-moderated reactor.
This hands-on role is for an independent engineer who can contribute immediately in a fast-paced startup environment. You will develop code-compliant designs, supporting analyses, and technical documentation while partnering with manufacturing, materials, quality, and licensing teams.
In addition to reactor pressure vessel design, you will play a central role in Aalo's ASME certification efforts-supporting demonstration projects for our N, G, and GC stamps and establishing the Section III design and compliance framework that underpins our path to fabrication.
ResponsibilitiesSection III Design & Code Compliance- Lead mechanical design and ASME BPVC Section III compliance for reactor vessels, pressure-boundary components, supports, and penetrations.
- Perform and own Section III code calculations for pressure, thermal, fatigue, buckling, seismic, and other design-basis and service-level loads.
- Classify components and systems per NCA/NB/NC/ND requirements, establishing the design classification framework for reactor pressure-boundary and safety-related equipment.
- Apply Section III rules (Subsections NB, NC, ND, NF, and NE as applicable) to pressure vessels, piping, supports, and containment structures, ensuring correct load combinations, stress limits, and service-level criteria.
- Develop Design Specifications, Design Reports, and Overpressure Protection Reports in accordance with Section III requirements.
- Evaluate elevated-temperature design considerations including creep, creep-fatigue, and thermal ratcheting where applicable.
ASME Stamp Certification- Support demonstration projects for ASME N-stamp (nuclear vessels), G-stamp (nuclear supports), and GC-stamp (nuclear containment vessels).
- Develop the technical deliverables, procedures, and documentation required for stamp certification, including Quality Assurance program support, Design Reports, and coordination with the Authorized Nuclear Inspector (ANI).
- Work with quality and manufacturing teams to establish compliant fabrication, examination, and testing processes that satisfy stamp requirements.
Design Execution- Own designs from concept through release, fabrication support, testing, and verification.
- Create CAD models, drawings, specifications, and calculation packages.
- Partner with cross-functional teams (manufacturing, materials, quality, licensing) to resolve design, fabrication, and compliance challenges.
- Lead design reviews and communicate technical assumptions, risks, and trade-offs.
- Support prototype builds, supplier engagement, fabrication issues, and testing.
Basic Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
- 7+ years of relevant mechanical design experience with pressure vessels, pressure-retaining equipment, or nuclear mechanical systems.
- Expert knowledge of ASME BPVC Section III and its application to pressure-boundary design, including familiarity with Subsections NCA, NB, NC, ND, and NF.
- Demonstrated experience with Section III design classification (safety class, seismic category, quality group) and the application of code rules to establish design requirements.
- Experience performing or reviewing Section III code calculations, including stress analysis, fatigue evaluation, and load-combination assessments.
- Experience designing vessels, shells, heads, nozzles, penetrations, flanges, or similar structures.
- Strong understanding of pressure-vessel mechanics, fatigue, buckling, thermal stress, and load combinations.
- Ability to independently drive ambiguous technical work to documented engineering decisions.
- Proficiency with 3D CAD and FEA or structural-analysis tools.
- Ability to work on-site in Austin, TX or Idaho Falls, ID.
Preferred Experience- Experience supporting ASME stamp certification (N, G, GC, NPT, or NA) including demonstration project planning, ANI coordination, and Design Report preparation.
- Experience designing nuclear components in accordance with ASME BPVC Section III.
- Experience with sodium-cooled, liquid-metal, high-temperature, or other advanced reactor systems.
- Familiarity with elevated-temperature design, creep-fatigue, thermal transients, and high-temperature alloys (including ASME Section III Division 5 or Code Case N-47/N-861).
- Experience developing Design Specifications, Design Reports, and Overpressure Protection Reports per Section III.
- Experience with stainless steels, nickel-based alloys, weldments, and high-temperature fabrication.
- Familiarity with ASME BPVC Sections II, V, IX, and XI.
- Experience supporting fabrication, welding, inspection, pressure testing, or nonconformance resolution.
- PE license is a plus.
Requirements: - Based in the United States
- Willing to work on-site in Austin, TX or Idaho Falls, ID.
What We Offer:- Competitive salary based on technical level
- Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Corporate Gym Membership
