Plant Layout Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

About the Company

General Matter is enriching uranium in America. 

Our goal is to design, build, and operate the world's lowest-cost enrichment services in the United States. 

Our mission is to restore America's ability to produce nuclear fuel-fuel that will power AI, advanced manufacturing, critical industries, and the next generation of nuclear reactors. 

Ultimately, our work will help power national ambitions and enable a high-energy society. 

We were incubated by Founders Fund, like Anduril and Palantir before us, and are backed by top-tier investors. Our lean, world-class team of engineers and operators is applying a first-principles approach to solving the problem of nuclear fuel production. 

We are a mission-driven company with a culture of urgency, accountability, and transparency. 

Help us build a high-energy society by making the cleanest, safest form of baseload energy the most affordable. 

About This Role 
We are seeking a Mechanical Designer to develop and maintain the 3D CAD model for piping and mechanical systems in a complex nuclear enrichment facility. This role emphasizes detailed routing, spatial integration, and layout optimization, ensuring designs are accurate, constructible, and coordinated across disciplines. The ideal candidate has strong plant design software expertise and experience translating design intent into precise, model-centric layouts. 

Responsibilities 

• Own and maintain the 3D CAD model for piping and mechanical systems, ensuring alignment with process and mechanical specifications.
• Develop, update, and maintain piping component libraries, data attributes, tagging, and system standards to ensure consistency between P&IDs, 3D models, and documentation.
• Perform detailed routing of pipes, valves, specialty components, and supports, considering space constraints, accessibility, maintainability, and constructability.
• Coordinate with structural, HVAC, and electrical systems to avoid clashes and optimize layouts.
• Conduct clash detection and interdisciplinary model reviews using plant design tools.
• Produce isometric drawings, general arrangement drawings, spool sheets, and installation documentation for fabrication and construction.
• Define spool breaks and support modular construction where applicable.
• Collaborate with engineers to ensure design intent, constructability, and field installation requirements are incorporated.
• Maintain as-built documentation and update models throughout the project lifecycle. 

Basic Qualifications 

• Associate's degree or equivalent experience in Mechanical Design, Drafting, or related field.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience modeling piping systems in 3D plant design platforms.
• Proficiency with plant design software (e.g., AutoCAD Plant 3D, AVEVA E3D, SmartPlant 3D, CADWorx, or similar).
• Strong understanding of piping systems, mechanical components, and industrial layout principles.
• Ability to interpret P&IDs and specifications into accurate 3D models.
• Experience producing piping isometrics, general arrangement drawings, and fabrication documentation. 

Preferred Skills 

• Experience in nuclear, chemical, petrochemical, or other complex industrial facilities.
• Familiarity with spec-driven piping, automated part selection, and component catalogs.
• Knowledge of piping line numbering, tagging systems, and engineering data attributes.
• Experience modeling pipe supports, equipment connections, and maintenance clearances in dense layouts.
• Familiarity with model coordination and clash detection tools (e.g., Navisworks).
• Understanding of fabrication and field installation practices, including spool breaks and field fit.
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, multidisciplinary environments. 
  

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary.

Equal Opportunity Employer

General Matter is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with General Matter is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Compensation and Benefits

The base salary range for this role is $80,000-$170,000 annually. 

Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. Please note that the stated salary range is an estimate and may be adjusted based on market conditions, business needs, or other factors. 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.