Lead CAD 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 Role

We're seeking a CAD Designer to lead our design and drafting efforts. This role requires strong 3D modeling and drafting expertise, a deep understanding of mechanical design principles, and experience translating complex engineering concepts into production-ready documentation. It's ideal for a designer who thrives in a fast-paced, highly technical environment and who enjoys solving real engineering challenges through meticulous design execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop high-quality 3D CAD models, assemblies, and detailed drawings for mechanical systems and components using SolidWorks or Creo.
• Collaborate with engineers and fabricators to ensure all designs meet DFM and DFA principles and production constraints.
• Generate engineering drawings with complete GD&T, tolerances, and BOMs in accordance with ASME standards.
• Support system-level design by coordinating interfaces across structures, thermal systems, enclosures, and electrical integration points.
• Manage design data, revisions, and release processes using PDM and PLM tools.
• Participate in design reviews, tolerance stack-ups, and fit-check studies to validate form, fit, and function.
• Provide guidance and technical support to junior designers and drafters on CAD practices, standards, and design methodologies.
• Contribute to the refinement of internal design standards, CAD libraries, and workflows to enhance efficiency and consistency.

You Will Be Successful in This Role If

• You bring expert-level CAD execution to every project, producing models and drawings that engineers and fabricators can rely on without rework.
• You apply GD&T fluently, treating it as a functional engineering language rather than a notation exercise.
• You design with manufacturability in mind, partnering closely with fabricators to surface and resolve issues early.
• You hold a high bar for documentation quality, with the attention to detail and organization to keep complex assemblies traceable through revisions.
• You collaborate effectively with engineers across mechanical, thermal, and electrical disciplines to make system-level designs come together.
• You raise your hand when you see a better way to do something, contributing to design standards and workflows that benefit the whole team.

Basic Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Design, Drafting, or a related discipline.
• 8+ years of professional experience as a mechanical designer in a hardware development environment.
• Expert-level proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, or NX).
• Strong understanding of GD&T, dimensioning, tolerancing, and drawing standards (ASME Y14.5).
• Experience designing machined, sheet metal, and fabricated components.
• Ability to collaborate closely with engineers and manufacturers to resolve design challenges.
• Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience in aerospace, energy, or defense hardware environments.
• Knowledge of materials, coatings, and high-performance fabrication methods.
• Proficiency with PDM and PLM systems (e.g., Windchill, Teamcenter, SolidWorks PDM).
• Hands-on experience with prototype assembly and testing.

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).