Motion Control Engineer

ROLE SUMMARY

This is a hands-on engineering role at a small Austin startup building next-generation nuclear energy systems. You'll own the full lifecycle of motion control systems, from concept and analysis through fabrication, installation, and commissioning. You’ll work directly alongside physicists, mechanical engineers, and tradespeople in a demanding technical environment (ultra-high vacuum, cryogenic, radiation, and chemical conditions).

This is an ideal role for someone with strong first-principles instincts who is equally comfortable at a whiteboard and on the floor with a scope.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Engineering Analysis & Commissioning

• Perform engineering analyses of kinematic and dynamic responses of motion control systems, including control loop design and tuning, and motion system commissioning.
• Utilize motion control development software and PLC/HMI integration as needed. Maintain proficiency in use of the software so that tasks can be completed in a timely fashion.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work with engineers and scientists in defining requirements, designing, analyzing, fabricating, installing, and testing/commissioning components and systems.
• Design systems for the environment they will be used in, including ultra-high vacuum, cryogenic, radiation, and chemical applications.

Design & Fabrication

• Work with design staff to generate components and assemblies in a 3D CAD tool using Siemens NX.
• Initiate and support procurement and fabrication of small and large-scale complex motion control components and assemblies. Act as Technical Representative for major procurements:
• Generate pre-solicitation technical and funding documents.
• Review and approve submittals and contractor changes.
• Define inspection requirements; perform/witness inspections and tests.
• Provide approval of final products and/or services.

Safety

• Perform all job functions in a safe and responsible manner and encourage the same in fellow employees.
• Take a proactive view of safety.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent.
• 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong working knowledge of the underlying engineering: force/torque transmission, materials, control loops. Not just the software that solves them
• Sound judgment with servomotors, stepping motors, encoders, and their drivers; able to defend design choices in a review.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical, P&ID, weld, and fabrication drawings, and to produce clean engineering documentation independently.
• Bias for action and ability to coordinate effectively across engineers, scientists, trades, vendors, and executives.

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 "Motion Control Engineer - Application". Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.