Turbomachinery Mechanical Designer

About Valar Atomics

At Valar Atomics, we're redefining what's possible in energy. Our mission is to make clean, high-temperature nuclear power scalable—unlocking abundant energy for industry, hydrogen, and next-generation manufacturing. We are a team of builders, engineers, and operators who believe nuclear energy should be fast to deploy, factory-made, and built for the real world. Our first pilot plant in Orangeville, Utah will demonstrate how advanced nuclear systems and fuel fabrication can power the future.

Joining Valar Atomics means becoming part of a company where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level.

The Team

As part of the Engineering organization, Power Conversion develops the technologies that efficiently transform reactor-generated heat into usable electrical power. The team focuses on maximizing system performance, reliability, and commercial viability.

The Role

Valar Atomics is seeking a turbo machinery mechanical design engineer to join the turbo machinery team and advance power generation capability. In this role, you’ll be responsible for the mechanical design of static and rotating components of Valar’s power generation turbo machinery. You’ll be working with cross-functional team members to define a manufacturable, high efficiency, robust design. As an early hire in turbo machinery, you will be able to directly influence design decisions on the system architecture.

• Lead mechanical design of assigned components across the power conversion discipline
• Facilitate required analyses to further the design and procurement of your components.
• Own all aspects of bringing assigned components to test and to full scale production
• Develop detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies, and engineering drawings (Solid Works, Creo, or NX), applying advanced GD&T and tolerance analysis.
• Select component materials that balance capability versus lead time and cost considerations
• Interface with internal and external machine shops to develop a manufacturable design

• You are excited to be a part of a complex turbo machinery product from the beginning
• You thrive in ambiguous environments without defined turbo machinery design best practices
• You want to be part of turbo machinery design beyond a singular siloed discipline

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• Excellent judgement in material selection for new components
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and good judgement of when to use them
• Minimum 3 years of experience as a mechanical designer
• Experience with high temperature components and materials

• Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• Experience with material selection of high temperature metals
• Experience with basic structural or thermal analysis for component sizing
• Experience with turbo machinery mechanical design
• Experience in gas turbines, gas compressors, turbopumps, or turboexpanders
• Experience with supercritical C02

• Competitive base salary
• Equity ownership in a rapidly growing advanced energy company
• Comprehensive medical benefits
• Unlimited PTO
• Free daily lunch and dinner provided onsite
• Generous PPE stipend
• High-impact startup environment with significant ownership and autonomy
• Opportunities for rapid career growth and internal advancement
• Direct collaboration with experienced operators, engineers, and industry leaders
• The opportunity to help build and scale transformative energy technology from the ground up

Valar Atomics is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

We are committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment and will provide reasonable accommodation as required by law.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder).

Salary $140,000—$215,000 USD