Plant Engineer

Company DescriptionHadron Energy specializes in Micro Modular Reactor (MMR) development, design, and research based in the San Francisco Bay Area. As the leading MMR developer, Hadron Energy is building factory-produced, transportable microreactors that provide 24/7 carbon-free power for data centers, government facilities, industrial sites, and remote communities. Our mission is to create a brighter, healthier, and more equitable energy future.Balance of Plant Engineer – Role DescriptionThis is a full-time on-site role for a Balance of Plant (BOP) Engineer, based in the San Francisco Bay Area. The position is ideal for candidates with strong mechanical or systems engineering experience who are passionate about designing and integrating the supporting systems that enable reliable and scalable nuclear power generation.The Balance of Plant Engineer will lead the design, analysis, and integration of all systems external to Hadron’s microreactor core—including heat exchangers, power conversion systems, cooling loops, structural interfaces, and auxiliary systems. This individual will collaborate closely with reactor, thermal-hydraulic, electrical, and controls engineers to ensure the overall plant design meets performance, safety, and manufacturability requirements.You will play a critical role in developing Hadron’s next-generation micro modular reactor platform—translating conceptual designs into detailed engineering systems and ensuring seamless mechanical and thermal integration across all subsystems in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.ResponsibilitiesLead the design and development of Balance of Plant systems, including primary and secondary heat transport, power conversion, and auxiliary systemsPerform system-level modeling, thermal-hydraulic analyses, and flow simulations to optimize performance and safety marginsCollaborate with nuclear, mechanical, and structural engineers to ensure seamless integration between the reactor module and external systemsSupport component specification, material selection, and vendor coordination for critical BOP subsystems (heat exchangers, pumps, valves, condensers, piping, etc.)Develop P&IDs, system flow diagrams, and interface control documents to define plant configuration and system boundariesConduct trade studies on system configurations, materials, and technologies to maximize efficiency, maintainability, and scalabilityContribute to system safety assessments and design reviews in accordance with NRC and ASME standardsCollaborate with manufacturing and procurement teams to ensure BOP systems are compatible with modular, factory-built assemblySupport prototype development, testing, and commissioning activities as the design maturesDocument system requirements, analyses, and results to support design certification and licensing submittalsQualifications & SkillsetsBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Nuclear, or Systems Engineering (PhD preferred for senior roles)5+ years of experience in thermal-fluid systems, plant design, or power generation systemsStrong proficiency with thermal-hydraulic modeling and simulation tools (e.g., RELAP5, MATLAB, Modelica, ANSYS Fluent, COMSOL)Knowledge of heat exchangers, pumps, valves, piping design, and pressure boundary componentsExperience with system integration, interface control, and mechanical design for power or process plantsFamiliarity with ASME Section III, ASME B31.1, or equivalent design codesUnderstanding of nuclear safety, containment, and regulatory frameworks is a plusStrong analytical, organizational, and communication skillsAbility to thrive in a collaborative, multidisciplinary startup environmentPassion for advancing clean energy and engineering solutions that drive a sustainable future