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Pilot Captain

Hawthorne

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 are seeking a full-time, single-pilot Phenom Captain to transport key executives and other employees to and from our factory in southern California to our test site in Utah and elsewhere. This role is central to our ability to build reactors quickly and act inside our competitors’ OODA loops. You will be expected to operate with urgency, ownership, and a high bar of knowledge and professionalism. You will help us to move with agility and speed without compromising safety.

This is a fully onsite role based in Southern California near LAX. Pilots are expected to be available for flight with 2 hours notice a minimum of five days per week to support a highly mobile, responsive workforce.

Key Responsibilities

You will operate mostly autonomously, observing FARs, company policies, procedures,  and guidance under the supervision of the Director of Flight Operations.

  • Conduct flight operations, usually single-pilot PIC and occasionally as a PIC or SIC in a crew, as needed.
  • Assist occasionally with flight scheduling in the absence of the Director of Flight Operations.
  • Verify the assigned aircraft is airworthy, that all required documents are onboard the aircraft, and complete appropriate weather, fuel, and flight planning.
  • Ensure that the proper amount and grade of fuel is loaded on the aircraft.
  • Prepare and file FAA flight plans for each leg.
  • Ensure that weight and balance calculations for each leg are properly completed.
  • Ensure that weather conditions and aircraft performance limitations are sufficient for FAR Part 91 and company policies and SOPs.
  • Interact professionally with passengers to facilitate their missions. Brief them and fly them to ensure their safety and comfort. Assist with luggage and boarding/deplaning.
  • Advise the Director of Flight Operations whenever crew duty time, crew rest or weather requirements may affect the successful completion of the flight.
  • Keep the Director of Flight Operations informed of any factors that may require a change in itinerary
  • Maintain certification, currency and medical qualifications as required by the FAA and the company.

Basic Qualifications

  • 3500 hours total time, 1500 hours multi-engine, 1000 hours turbine, and 200 hours in type, or can be approved by the insurance carrier.
  • ATP MEL with EMB-500 or EMB-505 PIC type rating.
  • Experience in a fast jet, if typed in 100 only.
  • Current FAA second-class medical or better.
  • 12-month CAE or FlightSafety simulator current
  • Excellent judgment and decision making.
  • Experience flying from and into high-traffic, international and austere airports, and in mountainous areas in changing weather, day and night.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience as single-pilot turbine PIC.
  • Previous Part 135 Captain in passenger-carrying operations.
  • Typed in both Phenom 100 and 300.
  • Aerobatics, upset-recovery training, or other aircraft energy management training and skills.
  • Experience working in a high-growth or startup environment.

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

$180,000 - $210,000 USD

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