Senior Test Engineer — Fuel Handling System

About Aalo Atomics Aalo Atomics is pioneering a new era in clean energy with factory-fabricated microreactors designed to deliver affordable, scalable, and reliable nuclear power. Our mission is to make nuclear energy globally accessible, starting with the Aalo-1, a 10 MWe reactor leveraging cutting-edge safety, modularity, and efficiency. Based in Austin, TX, we’re rapidly growing as we work to deploy the world’s first fleet of advanced microreactors. Join us and help revolutionize energy for a sustainable future. About the role: As a Test Engineer on the Fuel Handling System (FHS) team, you will design, build, and operate the test infrastructure required to validate complex mechanical systems operating in challenging environments. This includes mechanisms, sealing systems, sodium-compatible components, and fluid systems used in fuel handling, cleaning, and storage. You will play a critical role in turning concepts into reality—building test rigs, running experiments, diagnosing failures, and driving rapid iteration. This role is highly hands-on and requires both engineering judgment and practical fabrication skills. You will work in an environment where requirements are evolving and ambiguity is high. Success in this role requires ownership, creativity, and the ability to move quickly to unblock progress. Responsibilities: Design and build test rigs for mechanical, thermal, and fluid system validationExecute tests on components such as valves, seals, hoists, and handling mechanismsDevelop test strategies for systems operating in sodium, inert gas, and high-temperature environmentsInstrument systems (pressure, temperature, force, radiation proxies, etc.) and collect high-quality dataDiagnose failures and work with design engineers to iterate quicklyPerform hands-on fabrication, assembly, and modification of test hardwareDevelop procedures for testing sodium vaporization, sealing performance, and mechanism reliabilityDocument results and clearly communicate findings, risks, and blockersSupport system integration and commissioning effortsTravel occasionally to test sites or reactor installations Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field6+ years of hands-on engineering experience (industry, internship, or equivalent)Experience with fabrication, assembly, or electro-mechanical testingStrong mechanical intuition and troubleshooting abilityComfortable working with incomplete requirements and high ownership Preferred Experience: Experience with fluid systems (valves, seals, hydraulics, or gas systems)Designing and building custom test rigs or experimental setupsExperience with high-pressure, high-temperature, or hazardous systemsFamiliarity with instrumentation and data acquisition systemsExperience diagnosing mechanical failures and root cause analysisExposure to sodium systems, vacuum systems, or inert gas environmentsHands-on project experience (e.g., Formula SAE, robotics, lab systems, hardware startups) Physical: Comfortable working in a hands-on lab and factory environmentAbility to lift up to 25 lbs and stand for extended periodsWillingness to perform hands-on work including assembly, plumbing, and troubleshooting Requirements:  Based in the United StatesWilling to work on-site in Austin, TX What We Offer: Competitive salary starting at $125,000Health, Dental, Vision InsurancePaid Time OffCorporate Gym Membership Additional Information:  Aalo Atomics provides a collaborative and supportive work environment, opportunities for professional growth, intellectually challenging careers, and competitive compensation. Aalo Atomics is an equal opportunity employer and considers all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants must be U.S. Citizens or U.S. Persons in compliance with 10 CFR Part 810 and may not hold non-compliant foreign citizenships. Direct applicants only. No recruiters or staffing agencies, please. Locations: Austin, TX