Doug Bernauer
CEO and Co-founder
Radiant

Abstract

Radiant is a startup developing a 1.2MWe portable micro-HTGR reactor.  Founded by former SpaceX engineers, the company’s mission is to become the foremost advanced nuclear technology company, our first product will directly replace diesel generators used in remote locations and as backup power sources.  Focusing on the smaller reactor size presents unique challenges in design for transportation, waste management, and economics.  The presentation will demonstrate these unique aspects along with the design in general, and will focus on key strengths of Radiant’s development methods and culture. Radiant has raised 3M, has 9 full time staff, and is hiring for internships and full time positions in business administration roles as well as many engineering areas: Mechanical, Nuclear, Materials, Software, and Electrical. Radiant is located in El Segundo, CA.

Biography

Doug brings over 12 years of experience from SpaceX where he led the development of the Falcon 9 ground support systems, Falcon 9 first HITL integration, the Grasshopper rocket, Hyperloop pusher vehicle and 0.8 mile long vacuum chamber, and The Boring Company designs.  His expertise is in power, communications, control systems, failure modes and effects analysis(FMEA), but as a jack of all trades he has learned everything within reach about portable nuclear fission power systems.  From experience with working on how to get power on Mars, Doug realized that nuclear technology would be required to move beyond the Moon, but that earth needed help first. He co-founded Radiant as a fast paced nuclear technology company modeled on burgeoning new aerospace culture, targeted at earth based applications to address energy resilience, clean water supply, and clean charging power for electric vehicles.

Doug is married with 4 kids and enjoys history, economics, music, and gaming.

Thursday, September 2. 2021
4:00 pm seminar

Hybrid Option

https://ncsu.zoom.us/j/98284322003
or
Room 1202 Burlington Labs
(Refreshments)