Mechanical Design Engineer - Plant Piping Systems

General Matter • Los Angeles, CA

20h • $90,000 - $175,000

About The Position

General Matter is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to transform conceptual process designs into fully engineered systems for a large-scale nuclear enrichment facility. This role focuses on detailed mechanical design, including piping systems, component selection, and structural analysis, ensuring that complex process architectures are realized safely and reliably. The ideal candidate will combine expertise in mechanical engineering fundamentals with experience in high-hazard or industrial plant environments, delivering robust solutions for advanced nuclear energy production.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in mechanical design for industrial plants, chemical facilities, or similar high-hazard environments.
• Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, structural analysis, and material selection.
• Proficiency in piping design standards (ASME, ANSI, or equivalent) and familiarity with pressure vessel codes.
• Experience with CAD tools for mechanical design and layout.
• Ability to interpret P&IDs and process documentation and translate them into detailed mechanical designs.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills for cross-functional collaboration.
• Evidence of exceptional ability (prior projects, portfolio of work, completed products, etc).

Nice To Haves

• Experience in nuclear, chemical, petrochemical, or gas processing facilities.
• Familiarity with stress analysis tools and piping flexibility analysis (e.g., Caesar II or similar).
• Knowledge of compressible flow, vacuum systems, and cryogenic piping design.
• Procurement experience for large-scale facilities, including vendor engagement and managing long-lead components.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment, balancing technical rigor with practical constraints.

Responsibilities

• Translate P&IDs and process architecture outputs into detailed mechanical designs for piping and equipment systems.
• Perform component sizing and selection (pipes, valves, fittings, supports) based on process conditions (flow, temperature, pressure).
• Collaborate on routing plans and layouts for piping systems, ensuring efficient and maintainable configurations.
• Conduct structural and flow analysis to validate mechanical integrity and performance under operating conditions.
• Specify materials, thicknesses, and support methods to meet safety, regulatory, and operational requirements.
• Prepare detailed engineering drawings, BOMs, and procurement specifications for mechanical systems.
• Select components that meet technical requirements while considering availability and lead times, ensuring designs can be executed on schedule without compromising quality or safety.
• Collaborate with process engineers, structural engineers, and procurement teams to ensure seamless integration of designs.
• Participate in design reviews and risk assessments, providing technical justification for design decisions.
• Support installation planning and provide technical oversight during construction phases as needed.

Benefits

• In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level