Computer Aided Design Designer

ABOUT SUBCRITICAL SYSTEMS

Subcritical Systems, Inc. is a venture-backed startup in Austin, Texas building the accelerator driven systems and the only US commercial manufacturer of accelerator cavities. What Space X did for rockets, we plan to do for accelerator cavities and commercialize across applications of power production, medical isotopes, semiconductors and waste transmutation.

We are in the process of building the Energy Amplifier, a novel nuclear fission system in which a particle accelerator drives a subcritical core, making meltdown physically impossible for clean power production. Due to its inherent safety, our system has a more streamlined licensing process. Our founding team includes successful entrepreneurs with a track record of building several multibillion dollar companies in deep-tech, and scientists who were leading U.S. national labs with deep experience in accelerator & nuclear technologies.

We are actively hiring to expand our team as we work toward licensing, regulatory submissions, and construction of our first energy amplifier. More information is available at subcritical.com.

ROLE SUMMARY

We are seeking a creative CAD Designer to join our growing team in a full-time, on-site role located in Austin, TX. In this role you will work closely with our engineering and scientific teams to develop designs for subcritical assembly and particle accelerator components and systems. Your work will deeply influence the design and realization of the world's first accelerator-driven system for power generation.

This is an ideal role for an ambitious, creative, and hard-working Designer who wants to apply their expertise to a first-of-its-kind nuclear power system and, in doing so, help transform the global energy landscape.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

CAD Modeling & Design

• Work closely with engineers and scientists to design Energy Amplifier components and systems.
• Create and maintain 3D CAD models, assemblies, layouts, schematics, and technical drawings.
• Generate complete drawing packages, BOMs, and documentation to support fabrication and assembly.
• Apply GD&T, DFM, and DFA practices to ensure drawings are clear, manufacturable, and accurate.

Engineering Collaboration

• Support engineers in preparing mechanical assembly packages.
• Work closely with engineers to incorporate design intent into manufacturable drawings.
• Translate engineering requirements into detailed drawing packages.

Vendor & Supplier Interface

• Interface with suppliers, vendors, and fabrication shops to communicate drawing requirements and resolve build issues.
• Apply familiarity with machining and metalworking to ensure designs are practical and cost-effective to produce.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Associate of Science degree in Mechanical Design, Drafting, or related field with 2+ years of experience supporting mechanical engineering projects.
• Proficiency with NX, SolidWorks, Solid Edge, Pro-E, or similar 3D CAD tools (NX preferred).
• Ability to create, revise, and check mechanical drawings using GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
• Experience applying design-for-manufacturing (DFM) and design-for-assembly (DFA) principles to support engineering intent.
• Familiarity with machining and metalworking processes.
• Experience working in a team environment with engineers, technicians, and vendors.
• Strong work ethic, resilient, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative startup environment.

Preferred

• 1+ years of experience in mechanical design for high-tech applications.
• Extensive familiarity with fabrication processes including machining, welding, and forming.
• Familiarity with revision control, configuration management, and drawing release workflows.
• Ability to create CAD libraries of standard parts, hardware, and templates to improve team efficiency.
• Hands-on experience assembling mechanical prototypes, fixtures, or test jigs.

BENEFITS

We offer health, dental, and vision insurance.

LOCATION & WORK POLICY

This role is fully in person in Austin, Texas. Our facility is located next to Austin Airport.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply on LinkedIn or submit your resume and a brief cover letter to careers@subcritical.com with the subject line "CAD Designer - Application". Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.