Fluid Systems Engineer
Job description
About the role
The owns the end-to-end lifecycle of fluid systems critical to uranium enrichment, driving architecture decisions from initial concept to stable production. This role is responsible for ensuring that pressurized and unpressurized fluid systems are highly reliable, manufacturable, and safe under all operating conditions. You will perform detailed system-level sizing and performance analysis to define requirements and establish appropriate operating margins for critical fluid transport and storage. The position requires translating high-level operational needs into concrete hardware concepts, evaluating multiple design architectures and trade studies for performance, safety, and manufacturability. You will design components and assemblies, producing original CAD models, detailed drawings, and precise specifications that guide manufacturing and testing. A core responsibility is conducting structural and mechanical analysis to verify survivability under pressure, thermal stresses, and dynamic operational loads. You will lead first-article builds and work hand-in-hand with manufacturing teams to refine processes, ensure build consistency, and scale production efficiently.
Key facts
What you'll do
Perform system-level sizing and performance analysis for fluid systems to establish requirements and define operating margins for enrichment operations.
Translate requirements into hardware concepts, evaluating alternative architectures and design trades to optimize performance, safety, and manufacturability.
Design pressurized and unpressurized components and assemblies, producing original CAD models, detailed engineering drawings, and comprehensive specifications.
Conduct structural and mechanical analysis to ensure survivability of systems under pressure, thermal loads, and operational conditions encountered in enrichment facilities.
Drive design-for-manufacturability improvements that enable efficient, repeatable production and reduce complexity during scale-up.
Lead first-article builds and validate hardware against requirements while working directly with manufacturing teams to establish robust production processes.
Plan and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing protocols to verify that critical fluid hardware meets all performance and safety criteria.
Define concepts of operations for fluid systems, covering commissioning, acceptance testing, steady-state operation, and response to upsets.
Participate in internal and external design reviews with cross-functional partners, suppliers, and stakeholders to ensure alignment and compliance.
Develop detailed test protocols and procedures that validate system performance, integrity, and compliance with enrichment process requirements.
Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for production or field issues related to fluid systems, implementing effective and lasting solutions.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate fluid systems with broader plant infrastructure, including utilities, controls, and process equipment.
Apply first-principles thinking to solve complex challenges in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and mechanical behavior within enrichment contexts.
Communicate technical designs, decisions, and status updates clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences, facilitating alignment and understanding.
Drive accountability and transparency in system design, testing, and deployment, embodying the urgent, ownership-based culture of the team.
Requirements
Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Engineering Physics, or a related technical field.
Possess +4 years of professional experience in fluids system design, analysis, or hardware development within relevant industrial contexts.
Demonstrate the ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary to meet project deadlines and respond to operational needs.
Show proficiency with finite element analysis (FEA) tools and modern CAD software for modeling and documenting fluid systems.
Bring experience with gas dynamics, thermal analysis, and finite element analysis to solve engineering challenges in pressurized systems.
Have hands-on experience with pressurized systems, including valves, regulators, piping, tubing, and pressure vessels, even if not exclusively focused on these areas.
Demonstrate a track record of owning operation-critical hardware from initial concept through detailed design and into production support.
Be comfortable collaborating across disciplines with manufacturing, safety, and operations teams to align on goals and constraints.
Exhibit strong communication, organization, and technical leadership skills to manage complex system development efforts.
Nice to have
Experience in nuclear fuel cycle or enrichment environments, or familiarity with high-assurance industrial processes.
Background in developing systems under strict quality and regulatory frameworks relevant to critical industrial infrastructure.
Practical notes
Engagement: Full-time
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Compensation: $100,000-$175,000 annually
Equal Opportunity Employer
General Matter is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with General Matter is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.