Thermal Engineer, Turbomachinery
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 Con v ers ion 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 turbomachinery aerodynamics engineer to join the turbomachinery team and advance power generation capability. In this role, you’ll be responsible for thermal analysis of cutting edge turbomachinery rotors and static structures. You’ll be working with cross-functional team members to define a high efficiency, highly producible cycle design. As an early hire in turbomachinery, you will be able to directly influence design decisions on the system architecture.
Key Responsibilities
Analyze rotating and static components to define their maximum operating temperature
Develop thermal isolation strategies to keep components below their maximum operating temperature
Define turbine blade operating temperatures for creep and stress rupture life calculations
Define insulation strategies for the power conversion system to minimize waste heat losses
You Will Be Successful in This Role If
You are excited to be a part of a complex turbomachinery product from the beginning
You thrive in ambiguous environments without defined turbomachinery design best practices
You want to be part of turbomachinery design beyond a singular aerodynamic, structural or manufacturing perspective
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
3 years experience in thermal analysis of complex rotating components
Experience with a finite element thermal analysis tool such as Ansys Thermal
Preferred Skills and Experience
Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
Experience with turbomachinery in a design or test environment
Experience with conjugate heat transfer analysis
Experience with heat exchanger design
Experience with supercritical C02
Experience analyzing turbomachinery at a component design level
What We Offer
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
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 $140,000 — $215,000 USD