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 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 mechanical design engineer to join the turbomachinery 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 turbomachinery. You’ll be working with cross-functional team members to define a manufacturable, high efficiency, robust design. As an early hire in turbomachinery, you will be able to directly influence design decisions on the system architecture.

Key Responsibilities

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 (SolidWorks, 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 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 siloed discipline

Basic Qualifications

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

Preferred Skills and Experience

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 turbomachinery mechanical design

Experience in gas turbines, gas compressors, turbopumps, or turboexpanders

Experience with supercritical C02

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