Build Engineer, Turbomachinery

We are seeking a Build Engineer, Turbomachinery to help bring high-speed rotating hardware from design into reality. This is a hands-on role ideal for new graduates or early-career engineers who want to learn by building, assembling, and integrating complex turbomachinery systems. You will work closely with design, test, and manufacturing teams, helping prepare hardware for first-article testing and system validation.

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain real-world experience with high-speed, high-temperature rotating machinery while making a direct impact on a first-of-its-kind nuclear microreactor program.

Responsibilities

Hands-On Builds & Assembly

• Responsible for assembly and integration of prototype and first-article turbomachinery hardware, including compressors, turbines, rotors, electric motors, bearings, seals, and housings
• Develop precise assembly instructions, alignment procedures, and torque specifications
• Support rotor stacking, bearing installation, balancing, and alignment operations
• Document assembly activities, as-built observations, and lessons learned
  
  

Process & Tooling Support

• Help develop and maintain build tools, fixtures, and workholding solutions
• Support creation of work instructions and standard operating procedures for assembly processes
• Provide feedback to design and manufacturing teams to improve hardware assembly and integration
  
  

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with design engineers, test engineers, and technicians to prepare hardware for testing and validation
• Participate in troubleshooting assembly issues and contribute to iterative improvements
• Receive mentorship from senior build engineers while gradually taking on more responsibility
  
  

Learning & Growth

• Gain experience with high-speed rotating machinery, tight tolerances, and precision assembly
• Learn industry best practices for turbomachinery build, integration, and first-article readiness
• Develop problem-solving skills and hands-on engineering judgment in a fast-paced startup environment
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field (or expected graduation within 6 months)
• Strong interest in hands-on mechanical assembly, rotating machinery, or turbomachinery systems
• Basic understanding of GD&T, fits, torque, and alignment principles
• Comfort reading and interpreting mechanical drawings and CAD models
• Willingness to learn, take initiative, and work safely with precision hardware
  
  

Desired Qualifications

• Prior hands-on experience from internships, co-ops, class projects, or design competitions (SAE, Formula SAE, robotics, etc.)
• Familiarity with mechanical assembly, rotor balancing, or bearing handling
• Interest in turbomachinery, power generation, or high-speed rotating systems
• Excited to work in a fast-paced, innovative startup environment
• Prior nuclear experience is not required
  
  

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to work extended hours and occasional weekends to support build schedules
• Must work 100% onsite at Radiant’s El Segundo headquarters