Lead Test Engineer, Power Generation
El Segundo, CA - USA
Department:
Job Summary
Radiant is seeking aLead Test Engineer Power Generationto own the strategy execution and team leadership for testing the power generation system including turbomachinery heat exchangers controls and primary cooling systems. This role is ideal for a hands-on technical leader who enjoys building test infrastructure running complex hardware and mentoring engineers and technicians whileremainingdeeply involved in day-to-day testing.
You will lead testing development for our high-speed machinery and own creating our test site from the ground test infrastructure will be used to iterate quickly on our designs evaluating vibration performance thermal behavior and system reliability in development and transition into acceptance testing for production units. This role works closely with mechanical design analysis manufacturing and operations teams to ensure turbomachinery designs arevalidated robust andproduction-ready.
Responsibilities
Test Site & Infrastructure Development
Lead requirements definition design and implementation ofRadiantstest site
Design build commission andmaintaintest rigs fixturesinstrumentationand support systems forturbomachinery heat exchangers controls and primary cooling systems
Establish operating procedures safety controls and facility readiness for high-speed high-energy and high-temperature test environments
Test Strategy Planning & Technical Ownership
Own and lead the turbomachinery test strategy across development qualification and production acceptance phases
Define testobjectives plans success criteria instrumentation strategies and data requirements for high-speed rotating machinery and supporting thermal-fluid systems
Serve as the technical authority for vibrationrotordynamic and bearing-related testing
Translate analytical predictions (critical speeds stability margins transient response) into targeted test campaigns thatvalidatedesign assumptions and retire risk.
Balance test coverage technical risk schedule and hardware availability to enable rapid iteration whilemaintainingsafety and rigor
Test Execution & Data Analysis
Plan and execute development qualification and acceptance tests including startup/shutdown transient off-design and endurance testing
Operate test hardware hands-on with a strong emphasis on repeatability data quality and safety
Analyze test data to assess vibration behaviorrotordynamicstability bearing performance thermal response and overall system performance
Compare test results against analytical predictions and work with design teams to resolve discrepancies
Collaborate with mechanical engineers to conduct root cause investigations identify anomalies or failures and implement corrective actions supported by test evidence
Technical Leadership & Team Development
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to test engineers and technicians
Act as a player-coach: remain hands-on while scaling testing capability throughput and organizational maturity
Support hiring onboarding and technical development of turbomachinery test personnel
Develop work estimates test schedules and status updates for program leadership
Review and approve test procedures reports and data packages
Establish standards for test documentation data management and knowledge capture
Help matureRadiantsturbomachinery test processes labs and safety culture over time
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner closely with turbomachinery mechanical engineers to ensure designs are testable and adequatelyvalidated
Reviewcomponentand system-level design documentation with an eye toward test coverage instrumentation and risk
Collaborate with thermal manufacturing quality and operations teams to support prototype first-article and production hardware testing
Represent testing in design reviews test readiness reviews and technical leadership discussions
Required Qualifications
Bachelors orMasters degree in Mechanical Engineeringor a related field or equivalent experience
8 years of experience in testing development or validation of turbomachinery rotating equipment or complex mechanical systems
Hands-on experience testing high-speed rotating machinery and high-temperature hardware
Experience correlating test results with analytical predictions and design intent
Demonstrated technical leadership and ability to drive complex test efforts to completion
Strong written verbal and organizational skills
Desired Qualifications
Prior experience leading or mentoring test engineers or technicians
Experience with power generation or otherhigh-reliabilitypower generationsystems
Strong understanding ofrotordynamics vibration and bearing behavior as applied to real hardware testing
Familiarity withrotordynamicanalysis tools ( or equivalent) from a test correlation or validation perspective
Familiarity with relevant industry standards (API ASME ISO)
Startup or fast-paced hardware development experience
Prior nuclear experience is notrequired
Additional Requirements
Willingness to work extended hours or weekends as necessary to accomplish program objectives
Must work 100% onsite at Radiants El Segundo headquarters
Benefits and Perks
Stock: Substantial incentive stock plan for all full-time employees.
Medical: 100% up to base silver level plan for employee 50% dependents offers up to Platinum plans.
One Medical: Sponsored memberships for employees and their dependents.
Vision: 100% top tier plan coverage 50% for dependents.
Dental: 100% top tier plan coverage orthodontia extra 50% for dependents.
Voluntary life accident hospital critical illness commuter and FSA/HSA are offered as employee contributed benefits.
8-weeks of paid parental leave for all parents. Additional paid pregnancy leave for CA employees.
Daily catered lunch. Free snacks and drinks.
Flexible PTO policy. Remote workday allocation.
Company and team-bonding events happy hours and in-person camaraderie.
Beautiful El Segundo headquarters close to the Pacific Ocean.
Total Compensation and Benefits
Radiant compensates people for impact and invests in those who continue to raise the bar. Radiants new hire compensation package includes base salary substantial equity grants and comprehensive health benefits. Total compensation and level are determined through a rigorous evaluation of interview performance experience education and qualifications and are designed to support continued growth as scope responsibility and impact expand at Radiant.
The best of todays advanced reactor builders dont wait for job postings. They join the winning team. If thats you contact us directly for immediate opportunities: .
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity or expression pregnancy age national origin disability status genetic information protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Unfortunately we are unable to provide visa sponsorship at this time.
This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicants capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.
Required Experience:
IC