What are the responsibilities and job description for the Motion Control Engineer position at Subcritical Systems Inc?
ABOUT SUBCRITICAL SYSTEMS
Subcritical Systems, Inc. is a venture-backed startup in Austin, Texas building the accelerator driven systems and the only US commercial manufacturer of accelerator cavities. What Space X did for rockets, we plan to do for accelerator cavities and commercialize across applications of power production, medical isotopes, semiconductors and waste transmutation.
We are in the process of building the Energy Amplifier, a novel nuclear fission system in which a particle accelerator drives a subcritical core, making meltdown physically impossible for clean power production. Due to its inherent safety, our system has a more streamlined licensing process. Our founding team includes successful entrepreneurs with a track record of building several multibillion dollar companies in deep-tech, and scientists who were leading U.S. national labs with deep experience in accelerator & nuclear technologies.
We are actively hiring to expand our team as we work toward licensing, regulatory submissions, and construction of our first energy amplifier. More information is available at subcritical.com.
ROLE SUMMARY
This is a hands-on engineering role at a small Austin startup building next-generation nuclear energy systems. You'll own the full lifecycle of motion control systems, from concept and analysis through fabrication, installation, and commissioning. You’ll work directly alongside physicists, mechanical engineers, and tradespeople in a demanding technical environment (ultra-high vacuum, cryogenic, radiation, and chemical conditions).
This is an ideal role for someone with strong first-principles instincts who is equally comfortable at a whiteboard and on the floor with a scope.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Engineering Analysis & Commissioning
- Perform engineering analyses of kinematic and dynamic responses of motion control systems, including control loop design and tuning, and motion system commissioning.
- Utilize motion control development software and PLC/HMI integration as needed. Maintain proficiency in use of the software so that tasks can be completed in a timely fashion.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work with engineers and scientists in defining requirements, designing, analyzing, fabricating, installing, and testing/commissioning components and systems.
- Design systems for the environment they will be used in, including ultra-high vacuum, cryogenic, radiation, and chemical applications.
Design & Fabrication
- Work with design staff to generate components and assemblies in a 3D CAD tool using Siemens NX.
- Initiate and support procurement and fabrication of small and large-scale complex motion control components and assemblies. Act as Technical Representative for major procurements:
a. Generate pre-solicitation technical and funding documents.
b. Review and approve submittals and contractor changes.
c. Define inspection requirements; perform/witness inspections and tests.
d. Provide approval of final products and/or services.
Safety
- Perform all job functions in a safe and responsible manner and encourage the same in fellow employees.
- Take a proactive view of safety.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent.
- 3 years of relevant experience.
- Strong working knowledge of the underlying engineering: force/torque transmission, materials, control loops. Not just the software that solves them
- Sound judgment with servomotors, stepping motors, encoders, and their drivers; able to defend design choices in a review.
- Ability to read and interpret mechanical, P&ID, weld, and fabrication drawings, and to produce clean engineering documentation independently
- Bias for action and ability to coordinate effectively across engineers, scientists, trades, vendors, and executives.
BENEFITS
We offer health, dental, and vision insurance.
LOCATION & WORK POLICY
This role is fully in person in Austin, Texas. Our facility is located next to Austin Airport.
HOW TO APPLY
Apply on LinkedIn or submit your resume and a brief cover letter to careers@subcritical.com with the subject line "Motion Control Engineer - Application". Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.