Senior Nuclear Test Engineer

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

We are hiring a Senior Nuclear Test Engineer to develop test methods, write procedures, and execute testing that supports Aalo’s reactor development. You will turn engineering requirements into measurable acceptance criteria and produce traceable evidence of component and system performance, reliability, and readiness.

This hands-on role owns assigned testing from method development and test setup through execution, analysis, and reporting. You will support components and systems as they progress from prototyping into verification, qualification, and commissioning, working with design engineers, instrumentation and controls specialists, manufacturing, operations, Quality, and Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS).

What you’ll do

• Develop test methods and write test procedures that map engineering requirements to measurable acceptance criteria. Define prerequisites, boundary conditions, operating envelopes, equipment configurations, instrumentation and calibration needs, and required data.

• Design, procure, assemble, and commission fixtures, test stands, and supporting equipment for mechanical, electrical, thermal, fluid, and integrated-system testing. Build for instrumentation access, serviceability, and repeatable operation.

• Plan and execute performance, endurance, environmental, transient, and failure-mode testing as appropriate to program needs. Support qualification, factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), and commissioning in coordination with the responsible engineering and Quality teams.

• Specify measurements for temperature, pressure, flow, force, displacement, strain, vibration, electrical response, and other required parameters. Work with I&C specialists to integrate and verify sensors, controls, interlocks, and data acquisition.

• Develop and maintain testing procedures and operating instructions to support consistent execution and audit readiness. Participate in hazard reviews and establish safe startup, shutdown, and abnormal-condition responses with the responsible teams.

• Execute testing against controlled procedures and document results and deviations. Lead setup verification, shakedown, operation, and post-test inspection; determine whether unexpected results arise from instrumentation errors, control-system faults, or equipment behavior.

• Analyze results using sound experimental methods and measurement uncertainty awareness. Prepare technical reports that compare results with acceptance criteria, explain anomalies and limitations, and recommend corrective actions or follow-on tests.

• Maintain traceable test records, equipment configurations, revisions, and calibration status under applicable nuclear quality and documentation requirements.

• Coordinate procurement, fabrication, technicians, vendors, and test facilities to deliver reliable test capability as priorities evolve.
• Improve reusable test methods and equipment to support consistent verification, qualification, and production-support testing across Aalo’s hardware programs.

Required qualifications

• Education: Degree in an engineering discipline, such as nuclear, mechanical, electrical, chemical, or a related field.

• At least five years of relevant, hands-on engineering experience, including direct engineering or testing experience with nuclear components or systems in nuclear power, reactor development, nuclear research, or the nuclear supply chain.

• Practical experience developing and executing tests for physical hardware, components, or integrated systems, with strong engineering fundamentals and an understanding of how operating conditions and system interfaces affect test results.

• Working knowledge of nuclear quality assurance and design-control practices, including controlled procedures, configuration management, traceable records, and documentation of test deviations.

• Demonstrated experience authoring and executing formal test protocols and preparing technical reports within a controlled documentation process, including requirements traceability, revision control, deviation documentation, and evidence-based acceptance decisions.

• Experience turning technical questions or incomplete requirements into repeatable test methods, functioning test setups, and interpretable results; background in design of experiments, root-cause analysis, uncertainty analysis, or reliability-focused testing.

• Hands-on ability to work from engineering drawings, schematics, CAD, and technical discussions to assemble, integrate, and troubleshoot test fixtures, instrumentation, and equipment.

• Ability to assess measurement quality, interpret instrument data, evaluate results against acceptance criteria, and investigate unexpected behavior under real operating conditions.

• Ability to identify and control test hazards, including electrical, mechanical, thermal, and pressure hazards as applicable, using established procedures and controls.

• Clear technical writing and communication, effective collaboration across engineering and shop-floor teams, and ownership through procurement delays, test failures, and changing priorities.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with nuclear equipment qualification, environmental or seismic testing, or commercial grade dedication (CGD).

• Experience applying ASME NQA-1 or 10 CFR 50 Appendix B quality assurance requirements to testing, where applicable to the program.

• Experience with FAT, SAT, commissioning, or acceptance testing of nuclear equipment and systems.

• Specialized experience in thermal-fluid testing, electrical or I&C testing, materials compatibility, pressure integrity, or failure analysis.

• Experience establishing reusable test methods or transitioning development testing into qualification and production-support programs.

Work location and environment

Candidates must be based in the United States and willing to work on-site in Austin, Texas. This role involves hands-on work with components, test rigs, laboratory systems, and development equipment, following applicable safety procedures and controls.

Requirements:

• Based in the United States
• Willing to work on-site in Austin, TX

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary based on technical level
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Corporate 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.