ABOUT SUBCRITICAL SYSTEMS

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

We are in the process of building the Accelerator Driven System — an inherently safe, novel nuclear fission system in which a particle accelerator drives a subcritical core, making meltdown physically impossible for clean power production. 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 hands-on Senior Manufacturing Process Technician to join our growing team in a full-time, on-site role located in Austin, TX. In this role you will carry out the specialized processes that produce SRF cavities and cryomodule components for our high-power proton linear accelerator: precision machining, electron beam welding, brazing and heat treatment, chemical processing, ultra-high vacuum (UHV) work, and ISO 4 cleanroom assembly. You will lead production steps, refine standard operating procedures, and mentor other technicians as a subject matter expert on SRF cavity fabrication. You will run and learn equipment including 5-axis CNC machining, an electron beam welder, vacuum and hydrogen braze furnaces, UHV assembly stations and vertical test cryostats. The position is non-exempt, with overtime and after-hours work as approved, such as for long furnace runs or test cycles.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Move parts through each production step and keep work on schedule.
• Write, test and improve work instructions and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Train and coach other technicians on equipment and procedures.
• Keep travelers, build records and process data complete and accurate.
• Identify process problems, support root-cause analysis, and recommend fixes to engineering.
• Help install, start up and qualify new production equipment.
• Run CNC machines, manual mills and lathes, saws, wire EDM, the press, the plate roller and the shear.
• Read engineering drawings and GD&T, and inspect parts to print.
• TIG and orbital weld steel and stainless steel parts, and prepare weld joints to SRF cavity specifications.
• Learn to run the electron beam (e-beam) welder, including setup, fixturing and weld records.
• Prepare and fixture parts for brazing in the hydrogen furnace, and load, run and unload the vacuum and air furnaces to recipe.
• Work in the ISO 4 cleanroom under strict gowning and particulate-free handling protocols.
• Assemble cavities and cryomodule parts on UHV stations and assembly rails, helium leak check assemblies, and support pumpdowns.
• Support vertical testing and cryomodule assembly.
• Measure parts with the CMM, FARO arm, laser tracker, surface plate and hardness tester, record results, and flag parts that do not meet specification.
• Follow all furnace, hydrogen, chemical and cryogen safety rules.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• High school diploma or GED; a technical or associate degree, or equivalent experience, preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience as a manufacturing, process or lab technician in precision or high-tech manufacturing, or equivalent military, trade or lab experience.
• At least 1 year of experience leading work or training others on the production floor.
• Hands-on skill in at least two of the following: machining, TIG welding, furnace work or vacuum systems.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and use precision measuring tools.
• Follows written procedures exactly and keeps clean, accurate records.
• Strong safety habits around chemicals, gases, high heat and heavy equipment.
• Eager to learn new processes and grow into a subject matter expert.
• Clear communicator with engineers, technicians and managers.
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs. and wear required PPE, including acid PPE, cleanroom garments and welding gear, while working around acids, hydrogen, cryogens, high heat, radiation-shielded areas and overhead cranes.
• Willing to complete required safety training, including chemical, cryogen and oxygen deficiency hazard (ODH) training.

Preferred

• Experience building SRF cavities in industry or at a national lab or accelerator facility.
• Electron beam welding experience.
• Vacuum or hydrogen furnace experience.
• ISO 4–5 cleanroom and UHV assembly experience.
• CNC programming or setup experience, HAAS preferred.
• AWS welding certification.
• CMM, FARO arm or laser tracker experience.

BENEFITS

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 "Senior Manufacturing Process Technician - Application". Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.