Senior Lead Engineer, Nuclear & Mechanical Systems

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS’ expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide. We have an opening for a Mechanical Engineer for Nuclear Design opening with our team in Rancho Bernardo. With consultative direction, this position exercises considerable latitude in determining technical objectives for the review, research, design, development, and/or solution(s) for a designated engineering system(s) or project(s)/program(s). Functioning in an advisory or leadership role participates in the planning and oversight of the successful resolution and implementation of engineering problem(s) and provides direction and guidance to professional and support staff. Formulates technical plans, typically multi-year, for solution(s) development, documentation, and deployment of the engineering solution (s), as well as responsible for meeting various compliance, reporting, and safety standards. Evaluates the integration of the engineering solution within the overall engineering environment; and responsible for planning/overseeing documentation, testing, maintenance, and engineering updates. Communicates with engineering professionals, solution users, and management throughout the solution development cycle; represents the company as a prime technical contact on assigned system(s) or project (s)/program(s); selects, motivates, and develops professional and support staff; interacts with senior internal and external personnel on technical matters requiring coordination between the organizations; anticipates future engineering needs; and, develops new or expands existing business opportunities. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITES: Maintains the strict confidentiality of sensitive information. Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company. Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices. Lead the mechanical design, development, and optimization of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) including core mechanical, thermal and structural design. Perform engineering calculations, simulations, and design analyses to support reactor development and licensing submissions. Contribute to system integration across nuclear, mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation and controls (I&C) disciplines. Ensure all design work complies with applicable U.S. nuclear codes and standards, including ASME BPVC, ANSI, and IEEE standards. Support the development and maintenance of design basis documentation, technical specifications, and engineering change packages. Maintain thorough documentation of engineering analyses and design decisions to support licensing traceability. Experience with passive safety systems is preferred. Lead and mentor a high-performing engineering team (mechanical, thermal, and structural analysts) in the design, development, and optimization of advanced reactor core structures, coolant loops, and auxiliary systems. Establish technical direction, define design milestones, and ensure rigorous adherence to nuclear safety, quality assurance (NQA-1), and project schedules. Spearhead comprehensive thermal, mechanical, and structural analyses of core components operating under high-temperature environments with novel coolant fluids. Oversee computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate flow distributions, thermal stresses, fatigue, creep, and material integrity. Integrate reactor physics, thermal principles, and mechanical packaging constraints to optimize core performance, fuel handling efficiency, and passive safety features Support the development of design bases, safety analysis reports (SAR), and licensing documentation in collaboration with regulatory affairs and nuclear safety teams. Collaborate with materials scientists, manufacturing experts, and supply chain partners to select advanced alloys compatible with high-temperature reactor environments. Performs other duties as assigned. We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.