About the role
Hexium is modernizing Atomic Vapor Laser Isotope Separation (AVLIS), a laser-based isotope enrichment technology originally developed and demonstrated at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). We are advancing AVLIS into a scalable, industrial-grade enrichment platform designed to strengthen domestic energy infrastructure, industrial resilience, and national security.
Role
We're hiring a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the translation of decades of AVLIS research and development into modern, manufacturable hardware. Working on-site at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in CA, you'll work through legacy technical records to identify the most relevant mechanical designs, reconstruct them as modern 3D assemblies, and identify gaps requiring further engineering. You'll collaborate with national laboratory scientists and engineers as needed to resolve technical questions and inform the modernized design.
From there, you'll advance designs through simulation, prototype hardware, and test fixtures, while serving as a mechanical design authority for Hexium's initial prototype and pilot systems. This is foundational engineering work that will bridge national laboratory R&D with the systems needed to advance AVLIS toward commercial application.
This role can be based in either Livermore, CA (on-site at LLNL) or Austin, TX. Austin-based engineers will travel to LLNL frequently, approximately 50% during the first year. Livermore-based engineers will work on-site at LLNL full-time. As the program moves toward prototype and pilot systems, we expect the role to center on Austin or a future Hexium production facility, but relocation is not required.
Key Responsibilities • Review and assess legacy AVLIS mechanical designs and technical records at a DOE national laboratory, working within required classified-handling procedures • Own mechanical design of chamber and vacuum systems, including all system interfaces • Apply vacuum system design to materials compatibility selection, outgassing mitigation, and contamination control • Convert legacy designs into modern 3D CAD assemblies and validate them via thermal/structural simulation • Work directly with national laboratory scientists and engineers to close technical design gaps • Collaborate with Hexium's Integration Team on prototype procurement and testing requirements • Qualify vacuum suppliers and custom equipment fabricators • Define facility and utility interface requirements for prototype and pilot systems • Partner with Nuclear Safety on design compliance
Required Qualifications • 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience, including vacuum system design and/or precision mechanical hardware • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field • Proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks, Creo, or similar) • Must currently hold an active DOE Q clearance or active DOD Top Secret clearance, or have held DOE Q / DOD Top Secret clearance within the past 18 months • Must be a U.S. Person (required for access to export-controlled technical data) • Based in, or willing to relocate to, Livermore, CA or Austin, TX • If Austin-based: willingness to travel to LLNL approximately 50% of the time during the first year
Preferred Qualifications • Experience with specialty alloys and refractory metal fabrication • Experience with high-temperature vacuum processes • FEA/thermal simulation experience • Background in safety-critical hardware (aerospace, nuclear, defense)
Physical Requirements • Extended periods reviewing physical archival documents and fine-detail technical drawings, requiring sustained close visual focus • Fine motor skills and dexterity for precision component assembly and inspection • Ability to work in confined spaces around vacuum hardware • Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs • Extended periods standing/moving within a lab environment • Ability to travel frequently by air, approximately 50% during the first year for Austin-based roles
Work Environment
Livermore-based: on-site at a DOE national laboratory in Livermore, CA, with standard site security and classified-handling protocols. Austin-based: Hexium’s Austin office and lab, with frequent travel to LLNL. Work at LLNL follows site security and classified-handling protocols.
Benefits • Stock Options • Paid Time Off • 401(k) Matching • Medical, Dental, Vision insurance • HSA & FSAs
E-Verify: Hexium Inc. participates in E-Verify. All new hires are required to complete the I-9 employment eligibility verification form and provide documentation to confirm their identity and authorization to work in the United States.
Screening: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.
Hexium Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Hexium Inc. is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities upon request. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact [name removed] at [email removed].
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