Build Engineer

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 Role

As a build engineer on the mechanical engineering team, you will sit at the intersection of design and fabrication, solving case-by-case R&D manufacturing challenges for complex, highly constrained hardware. Your focus will be on manufacturing and machining methods, DFM, system assembly, and coordination with vendors and machine shops to enable the rapid production of components and subassemblies for the Ward-series nuclear reactors. 

This role is deeply hands-on and highly collaborative. You will work daily with mechanical system leads, technicians, and external partners to adapt designs, develop fabrication approaches, and assemble novel systems. You will be well-positioned to influence subsystem architecture, with a focus on manufacturability and design reliability.

Key Responsibilities 

• Develop manufacturing approaches for high-complexity mechanical components
• Partner closely with mechanical system leads to influence part geometry, interfaces, and architectures with a strong focus on manufacturability, assembly, and testability
• Question requirements, delete parts and processes, simplify/optimize, and accelerate hardware production
• Diagnose and resolve build issues in real time, iterating on designs as needed to unblock progress
• Manage transition of parts and assemblies from development to high-rate production
• Resolve and analyze manufacturing discrepancies while interfacing with the quality team (resolving issues for design, fabrication, and assembly)
• Work directly with external vendors and machine shops to communicate intent, review manufacturability, and solve fabrication challenges

You Will Be Successful in This Role If

• Bring a practical, hands-on engineering mindset and enjoy solving real-world manufacturing and fabrication challenges.
• Have a strong eye for manufacturability, balancing design intent with efficient machining, assembly, and fabrication methods.
• Collaborate effectively with engineers, technicians, vendors, and machine shops to move ideas from concept to production quickly.
• Take ownership, adapt to changing priorities, and thrive in fast-paced R&D environments where creative problem-solving is essential.

Basic Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• 1+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing or production (internship and school projects experience qualify)
• Ability to work effectively in hands-on manufacturing and assembly environments, including tight or confined workspaces that require physical dexterity.
• Comfortable working in industrial settings with routine exposure to noise, odors, and fabrication-related fumes, while following all safety protocols.
• Flexible and willing to support critical project timelines, including extended hours or weekend work when needed.

Preferred Skills and Experience 

• Master’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, materials or industrial engineering
• Experience with the build, assembly, or integration of large mechanical assemblies
• Knowledge of metallic manufacturing techniques and processes (ie. welding, metal forming, fastening, drilling, bonding and automation)
• Knowledge of machining methods (ie. CNC mill, lathe, wire EDM, waterjet)
• Mechanical component and/or tooling design and analysis experience using 3D CAD software
• Experience with design for manufacture and assembly (DFMA)
• Experience transitioning complex products from R&D to high-volume manufacturing in a fast-paced environment

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).