Chief Hardware Engineer

Join Picogrid as a Chief Hardware Engineer, where you'll lead the development of cutting-edge hardware solutions. You will be responsible for overseeing the design, prototyping, and testing of innovative hardware products, ensuring they meet both performance and quality standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring your vision to life while dri…

Join Our Team as a Reactor Operations EngineerRadiant Industries is on the lookout for a skilled Reactor Operations Engineer to develop and implement essential procedures for our innovative nuclear microreactor technology. This position presents an extraordinary chance to merge engineering, operations, and human factors in a highly technical and regulated setting. You will work alongside a diverse team to transform intricate hardware and software designs into clear, actionable procedures that comply with DOE and NRC standards. Your efforts will empower Reactor Operators (ROs) and Senior Reactor Operators (SROs) to efficiently and safely conduct testing, commissioning, and operational activities.This role transcends traditional systems engineering; you'll also gain practical experience as a Reactor Operator (RO), directly shaping the development of operational software, procedures, and digital twin simulations. Your contributions will play a vital role in enhancing operator efficiency, safety, and the real-world execution of our state-of-the-art microreactors.

About VardaUnlocking the potential of Low Earth Orbit. At Varda, we are at the forefront of developing commercial space infrastructure, ranging from in-orbit pharmaceutical production to cost-effective reentry capsules.Our vision encompasses innovative products, such as life-saving pharmaceuticals and advanced fiber optics, which can only be manufactured in the unique environment of space. We are dedicated to fostering innovation in the orbital economy, creating essential products and infrastructure that allow space to directly enhance life on Earth. Our mission is to extend the economic frontiers of humanity.Our exceptional team is equipped to achieve this ambitious goal, comprising industry veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies, and Silicon Valley. Founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov, Varda enjoys robust support from elite investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital.Headquartered in El Segundo, California, we have established offices and a production facility for building, integrating, and testing our vehicles, equipment, and materials. Additional offices are located in Washington, DC, and Huntsville, AL.Join us at Varda and contribute to the thriving ecosystem of space!About This RoleWe are on the lookout for a highly skilled and self-driven Astrodynamics Engineer (also known as mission design, trajectory design, or flight dynamics) to become part of our dynamic startup. Within the Autonomous Systems team, you will take on a technical leadership role, responsible for creating, designing, and implementing comprehensive mission planning and orbital mechanics profiles for next-generation reentry vehicles, paving the way for the future of space manufacturing.

Join Radiant Industries as a Senior Thermal Engineer, where you will play a crucial role in developing innovative thermal solutions for our cutting-edge projects. You will collaborate with a dynamic team of engineers and scientists to enhance product performance through advanced thermal management techniques.

About VardaLow Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is pioneering the creation of commercial space infrastructure, ranging from in-orbit pharmaceutical manufacturing to efficient reentry capsules.Our innovative approach aims to manufacture products in space that can significantly enhance life on Earth, from critical pharmaceuticals to advanced fibers. Varda is at the forefront of transforming the orbital economy through the development of both the necessary products and infrastructure. Our mission is to broaden the economic horizons of humanity.Our exceptional team, consisting of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, leading pharmaceutical firms, and Silicon Valley, is well-equipped to achieve this vision. Founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov, Varda has garnered substantial investment from notable investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital.With our headquarters in El Segundo, California, we have a dedicated office and production facility where we design, integrate, and test our vehicles and technologies. Additional offices are located in Washington, DC, and Huntsville, AL.Join Varda to contribute to the establishment of a vibrant in-space economy.

Radiant Industries is on the lookout for a Lead Electrical Motor Design Engineer to spearhead the architecture, technical direction, and implementation of high-speed alternators and primary loop motors for our cutting-edge nuclear-driven power generation systems. This pivotal role will oversee the electric machine design function that is essential for the commercialization of the world's first mass-produced nuclear reactors.In this position, you will establish a technical vision for motor design while steering efforts in structural, thermal, and system integration. As a player-coach, you will actively engage in design work while mentoring a team of engineers to ensure the delivery of safe, reliable, and production-ready generator systems.This hands-on technical leadership position comes with substantial cross-functional impact.

Varda Space Industries builds commercial space infrastructure, including in-orbit pharmaceutical manufacturing and reentry capsules designed for cost efficiency. The company specializes in products enabled by microgravity, such as advanced fiber optics and pharmaceuticals, aiming to bring the benefits of space manufacturing to people on Earth. Founded in 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov, Varda’s team draws on backgrounds from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical firms, and Silicon Valley. The company is supported by Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, and Founders Fund. Headquarters and production are based in El Segundo, California, with offices in Washington, DC, and Huntsville, Alabama. Role overview The Lead Principal Mechanisms Engineer for Payloads leads the design and development of complex electromechanical flight hardware. This hardware must operate reliably in orbit, withstand hypersonic reentry, and return to Earth for further analysis and development. This position shapes the payload architecture for missions focused on pharmaceutical manufacturing and hypersonic reentry testbeds. The engineer guides projects from initial concept through detailed design, ensuring mission requirements are met throughout each stage.

Vardaspace is seeking a Mission Operations and Automation Engineer in El Segundo, California. This role centers on improving automation within mission operations for advanced space technologies. Role overview Work closely with teams from different disciplines to refine and implement automation processes. The focus is on increasing operational efficiency and reliability, directly supporting mission success. Impact The Mission Operations and Automation Engineer will help strengthen Vardaspace’s mission operations and contribute to the development of new space solutions. Collaboration and technical insight are key to supporting ongoing and future projects.

About Matter IntelligenceMatter Intelligence is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge airborne and spaceborne sensing systems that integrate precision optics, innovative thermal architectures, spacecraft engineering, and AI-enhanced data analysis. Our advanced systems function effectively in challenging orbital and airborne environments, unlocking new possibilities for Earth observation capabilities.With a proven track record of delivering technologies to Mars for NASA/JPL, designing advanced sensors for U.S. defense, and establishing core infrastructure at OpenAI, our team is now focused on creating the next generation of sensing systems for both space and airborne applications.About the RoleWe are looking for a Senior Thermal Engineer who will take charge of the thermal architecture, analysis, and verification of our precision optical payloads and spacecraft systems. This role encompasses ownership of thermal performance from the initial concept stage through integration, testing, and, where applicable, on-orbit operations.You will be responsible for developing and maintaining intricate thermal models, steering thermal trade studies, supporting STOP performance, and collaborating closely with systems, optomechanical, electronics, and AI & T teams to ensure that flight hardware meets all performance requirements throughout every mission phase.This is a hands-on, analytical, and leadership-focused role suited for an engineer seeking significant technical ownership over hardware that operates in flight.Key ResponsibilitiesThermal Architecture & DesignDefine and lead the thermal architecture for optical payloads and spacecraft subsystems.Design both passive and active thermal control solutions, including radiators, heat pipes, thermal straps, insulation, and cryogenic interfaces.Translate mission-level thermal requirements into subsystem- and component-level designs.Support thermal trades to effectively balance performance, mass, power, and complexity.Thermal Modeling & AnalysisDevelop, maintain, and correlate detailed thermal models using industry-standard tools (e.g., Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT).Conduct steady-state and transient thermal analyses across all mission phases (launch, ascent, on-orbit hot/cold cases, safe modes).Perform in-depth thermal analysis of precision optical elements (mirrors, mounts, focal plane assemblies), including thermo-elastic distortion.Execute thermal assessments at the circuit card and chassis level.

Senior Materials Engineer (Metallurgy)Join Radiant Industries as a dynamic Senior Materials Engineer, where you'll be responsible for the testing and qualification of materials, particularly metals, for our innovative Kaleidos 1MW nuclear microreactor. We’re looking for an individual who takes pride in their work, is highly skilled in materials selection, testing, and analysis, and thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. You will play a crucial role in ushering in the era of the world's first mass-produced, rapidly-deployable nuclear reactor.Responsibilities & DutiesPlan and execute comprehensive materials testing to derive essential material properties for informed design decisions.Spearhead the qualification of all metallic components utilized in the design of the Kaleidos reactor.Conduct rapid prototypic testing to mitigate risks associated with design and integration.Collaborate closely with the manufacturing team to develop and validate application-specific manufacturing processes including welding, brazing, coating, casting, and heat treatments.Provide expert advice on materials selection for various components within the Kaleidos project.Identify and manage equipment necessary for materials characterization and testing.Assess and ensure the quality and accuracy of material property data for our materials database.Define and enhance manufacturing processes to achieve the desired material properties.Required Qualifications & SkillsBachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Materials Science and Engineering, or Mechanical, Aeronautical, Nuclear, or Chemical Engineering with a focus on materials science.5+ years of experience in the development, testing, and analysis of materials for challenging load scenarios and environments.Desired Qualifications & SkillsMaster’s or PhD degree in a related field is preferred.

For over five decades, ENSCO Inc. has been at the forefront of delivering innovative engineering, scientific, and advanced technology solutions to both government and private sectors globally.Our commitment to excellence drives us to develop and implement sophisticated technologies that ensure mission success. We specialize in systems engineering, integration, and advanced technology services aimed at enhancing the safety, security, and resilience of critical operations across terrestrial, aerial, and space domains, as well as the information systems that interconnect them.Discover more about ENSCO.Position OverviewENSCO Inc. is on the lookout for a talented SATCOM Test & Evaluation Engineer. Join our dynamic systems engineering team as we define the future of space communication systems that support the US Space Force (USSF) satellite communications. This role involves collaborating in a multidisciplinary environment to support Systems Engineering & Integration (SE&I) activities.The ideal candidate will interface with SE&I team members, contractors, government personnel, and USSF representatives, taking a lead role in working groups to facilitate technical discussions, identify and mitigate risks, address requirement gaps, create briefings, track action items, and document meeting minutes.As part of the MILSATCOM Systems Engineering, Integration, and Test (MSEIT) initiative, we provide cutting-edge SE&I support to the USSF’s Space Systems Center (SSC). Our mission is to aid the Space Force in acquiring state-of-the-art satellite communications systems that provide secure, survivable, and protected communications for our nation's military personnel. We seek individuals who thrive in collaborative settings and are eager to tackle the complexities of integrating advanced space and ground communication systems. This role is based on-site in El Segundo, CA.Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:Developing Test and Evaluation strategies, creating Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP) content, and formulating verification plans.

Join our dedicated team at Able Services as an Engineering Facility Helper in El Segundo, CA. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals looking to start their careers in the engineering field. You will play a vital role in supporting our engineering team by maintaining and ensuring the efficiency of our facilities.

Join us at Radiant Industries as a Build Engineer specializing in turbomachinery, where you'll transform innovative designs into high-speed rotating hardware. This hands-on position is perfect for recent graduates or early-career engineers eager to dive into the assembly and integration of complex turbomachinery systems. You will collaborate closely with design, testing, and manufacturing teams, preparing hardware for first-article testing and system validation.This role offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience with cutting-edge, high-speed, high-temperature rotating machinery while contributing to a groundbreaking nuclear microreactor program.

Mattel, Inc. seeks a Quality Engineer II based in El Segundo. This role centers on maintaining product quality and contributing to continuous improvement efforts across teams. Key responsibilities Collaborate with team members from various departments to develop and implement testing strategies. Detect and resolve quality issues as they appear during the product lifecycle. Assist in improving and updating quality processes to support ongoing enhancements.

Join Varda Space Industries as a Mechanisms Engineer specializing in Payloads, where you will play a crucial role in the design and development of advanced mechanisms for our space systems. Your expertise will drive innovation and ensure the successful deployment of payloads in the ever-evolving landscape of space exploration.

About Radiant IndustriesRadiant Industries, based in El Segundo, CA, is pioneering the development of the world's first mass-produced, portable nuclear microreactors. Our flagship product, Kaleidos, is a 1-megawatt, fail-safe microreactor designed for mobility and operational longevity, capable of running for up to five years without refueling. This groundbreaking technology is set to replace diesel generators in various critical applications, including hospitals, data centers, remote locations, and military bases. Our innovative approach integrates modern software engineering with nuclear development to deliver safe, factory-produced microreactors using proven materials. Founded in 2020, Radiant is preparing to test its inaugural reactor at the Idaho National Laboratory next year, with customer deliveries commencing in 2028.Position Overview: Control Systems Test EngineerWe are looking for a driven and meticulous Control Systems Test Engineer to join our dynamic team. In this crucial role, you will take charge of developing, maintaining, executing, and automating comprehensive test cases throughout the testing lifecycle for our reactor control systems. You will work collaboratively with systems engineers, controls developers, and software teams to uphold the highest standards of quality and reliability in our safety-critical control software.Key ResponsibilitiesAnalyze and assess control system Simulink models and related design documents to gain insights into system behavior and expected performance.Interpret system requirements for the reactor control system to establish thorough test coverage.Create and manage detailed test artifacts, including:Unit test casesSoftware-in-the-Loop (SiL) test casesHardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) test casesHardware test casesConduct all testing phases:Unit testingSiL testingHiL testingFull hardware testingAutomate testing workflows for SiL, HiL, and hardware test cases utilizing scripting languages such as Python or Go (Golang).Organize and oversee structured test campaigns, including regression suites.

While we may not have current openings, we are eager to connect with skilled engineers who are passionate about innovation and excellence in their field. If you believe you could be an invaluable addition to our team, we encourage you to reach out.Please submit your information, and we will contact you when a suitable opportunity arises.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Thermal-Hydraulics Engineer to join our dynamic team at Radiant Industries. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, analyzing, and optimizing thermal-hydraulic systems to enhance our product offerings. Your expertise will play a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency and reliability of our engineering solutions.As a key member of our team, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop innovative designs, conduct simulations, and perform experiments. If you are passionate about engineering and eager to take on new challenges, we invite you to apply!

Join picogrid as a Field Operations Engineer and play a pivotal role in enhancing operational efficiency and driving performance. In this dynamic position, you will be responsible for overseeing field operations, ensuring the successful implementation of projects, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions.

Join our innovative team at Mattel, Inc. as an Associate Packaging Engineer. In this dynamic role, you will assist in developing and optimizing packaging solutions for our iconic toy brands. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, you will contribute to design improvements, cost efficiencies, and sustainability initiatives.