Legal Counsel

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.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Transactions & Project Finance

Draft, review, negotiate, and manage commercial agreements including supply agreements, vendor contracts, construction agreements, technology licenses, and NDAs

Support and progressively lead project finance transactions, including term sheets, credit agreements, security documents, and financing structures

Assist in structuring and negotiating EPC agreements and other contracts supporting nuclear facility development

Partner with business leaders on contract strategy, risk assessment, and commercial negotiations

Manage contract lifecycle processes, execution workflows, renewals, and contract administration systems

Regulatory & Compliance

Support legal analysis related to DOE, NRC, FERC, and other federal and state regulatory frameworks

Assist in developing and maintaining company compliance programs, policies, and training initiatives

Support export control compliance activities, including 10 C.F.R. Part 810 requirements

Advise internal stakeholders on government contracting requirements and obligations associated with DOE programs and agreements

Employment & Corporate Matters

Provide legal support on employment matters including offer letters, equity arrangements, employment policies, and separation agreements

Coordinate immigration matters and outside counsel relationships for sponsored employees

Assist with development and maintenance of employee handbooks and HR policies

Support venture financing transactions, SAFEs, convertible instruments, and other corporate transactions

Advise on intellectual property protection, confidentiality programs, and invention assignment matters

Assist with corporate governance activities, board resolutions, entity management, and corporate recordkeeping

Manage outside counsel relationships and support legal budget oversight

Basic Qualifications

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school

A member of the California State Bar or eligible to register as Registered In-House Counsel with the State Bar of California.

3–6 years of legal experience with significant exposure to commercial contracts and transactional matters

Demonstrated ability to draft, negotiate, and manage commercial agreements with increasing independence

Strong business judgment and ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical guidance

Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative startup environment with significant ambiguity

Strong ownership mentality and willingness to operate independently when needed

Preferred Skills and Experience

Experience with project finance transactions, construction contracts, EPC agreements, or infrastructure projects

Experience in energy, advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, aerospace, defense, nuclear, or other regulated industries

Familiarity with nuclear regulatory frameworks, including NRC licensing, DOE programs, Price-Anderson, and export controls

Background in a major law firm with experience supporting energy, project finance, infrastructure, or M&A transactions

Prior in-house legal experience at a startup or high-growth technology company

Experience supporting immigration programs, including H-1B, O-1, TN, and PERM processes

Familiarity with government contracting requirements and federal regulatory compliance

Experience working with DOE, NRC, FERC, or other government agencies

Strong interest in helping build legal processes, systems, and infrastructure from the ground up

What We Offer

Competitive base salary

Equity ownership in a rapidly growing advanced energy company

Comprehensive medical benefits

Free daily lunch and dinner provided onsite

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

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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 $200,000 — $260,000 USD