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Structures Engineer, Turbomachinery Static Hardware

Torrance, CA

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 Conversion 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 structures engineer to join the turbomachinery team and advance power generation capability. In this role, you’ll be responsible for analyzing static components for 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 

  • Analyze components for structural margins in a variety of operating conditions and transients 
  • Size components for adequate strength 
  • Select materials that balance capability versus lead time and cost considerations 
  • Partner with cross functional partners to define required clearances for rotating turbomachinery 

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 
  • Minimum 3 years of experience conducting structural analysis 
  • Experience with commercial FEA codes such as Ansys, Nastran, Abaqus 
  • 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 
  • Knowledge of casting or forging processes 
  • 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

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