Fluid Systems Engineer - Heat Exchangers

Job DescriptionJob Description

Role Overview

As a key contributor to the development of our supercritical CO2 (sCO2) heat engine, you will design critical hardware at the core of our microreactor’s power conversion system. This role demands a balance of innovative design thinking and pragmatic engineering, with a strong focus on long-term production requirements such as performance, reliability, mass, cost, and manufacturability. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience bringing complex thermal hardware from concept through production and is energized by our mission to build the world’s first mass-produced nuclear reactors—delivering portable, clean power to remote regions globally.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform conceptual and detailed mechanical design of heat exchangers—including shell-and-tube, finned tube, and printed circuit heat exchanger (PCHE) configurations—for the reactor’s secondary cooling loop.

• Conduct thermal and fluid flow modeling to assess heat exchanger performance across various operating conditions.

• Collaborate with structural and materials engineering teams to select high-performance alloys and manufacturing processes suited for high-temperature and irradiated environments.

• Support and interpret FEA and CFD analyses to validate design assumptions and optimize component geometries.

• Partner with fabrication vendors to prototype hardware and refine manufacturing processes through hands-on trials.

• Ensure compliance with applicable engineering codes, safety standards, and nuclear regulatory requirements (e.g., ASME Section III).

• Participate in technical design reviews, contribute to safety case development, and perform risk assessments.

• Document design rationale, specifications, and performance metrics in a clear, traceable, and auditable format.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or a related discipline.

• Minimum 3 years of experience in heat exchanger or thermal systems design in a high-performance hardware environment.

• Proficiency in thermal and fluid modeling using tools such as ANSYS, STAR-CCM, or equivalent.

• Familiarity with high-temperature alloys and advanced fabrication techniques, such as welding and diffusion bonding.

• Strong mechanical design capabilities and CAD proficiency (e.g., Siemens NX, SolidWorks, or similar).

• Excellent communication skills and a disciplined approach to technical documentation.

• Basic programming knowledge (e.g., Python, C++, or similar).

Qualifications

• Experience designing compact heat exchangers or recuperators in nuclear, aerospace, or high-temperature process industries.

• Familiarity with ASME codes and standards applicable to nuclear heat exchangers and pressure components.

• Demonstrated experience in design for manufacturability (DFM) and working directly with suppliers to produce and iterate on prototypes.

Additional Requirements

• Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed to support mission-critical milestones.

• This role is 100% onsite at our El Segundo, CA headquarters.

Company DescriptionTaur Industries, an engineering-focused recruitment company, takes pride in connecting top-tier talent with organizations in need. We are Engineers recruiting Engineers. Visit our website for more information : https://taur-industries.ca/Company DescriptionTaur Industries, an engineering-focused recruitment company, takes pride in connecting top-tier talent with organizations in need. We are Engineers recruiting Engineers. Visit our website for more information : https://taur-industries.ca/