Mechanical Engineer at Valar Atomics

<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>About Valar Atomics</strong></p> <p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">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.</p> <p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>The Role</strong></p> <p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">We're seeking a skilled Mechanical Engineer to join our team at either the Level I or Level II tier, depending on experience. This role involves designing, fabricating, and building innovative mechanical solutions, with hands-on ownership of projects from concept to completion. You'll be part of a fast-moving team building real hardware, working closely with suppliers, manufacturing partners, and other engineering disciplines to bring designs into the physical world.</p> <p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p> <ul class="[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3"> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Own the design and development of mechanical systems.</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Perform analysis on designs including hand calculations, FEA, and CAD in a rapidly changing environment.</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Lead design reviews internally and externally with suppliers and customers.</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Take responsibility for project delivery timelines from design through production.</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Exemplify technical excellence and accountability across your work.</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Travel to Valar Atomics' nuclear site in Utah as needed to support project execution.</li> </ul> <p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>You Will Be Successful in This Role If</strong></p> <ul class="[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3"> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">You take extreme ownership of the systems you design, seeing them through from concept to working hardware.</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">You apply data and analysis to make fast, well-reasoned decisions rather than waiting for perfect information.</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">You bring strong technical judgment to design trade-offs and know when to dig deeper versus when to keep moving.</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">You communicate clearly and proactively with suppliers, customers, and internal partners.</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">You approach problems with a root-cause mindset, treating failures as opportunities to understand the system better.</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">You hold a high bar for technical excellence and are accountable for the quality of your work.</li> </ul> <p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>Basic Qualifications</strong></p> <ul class="[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3"> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Physics.</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">1+ years of experience with CAD and FEA software packages (internship and extracurricular experience applicable).</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">1+ years of hands-on experience driving the design and development of mechanical components or systems (internship and project team experience applicable).</li> </ul> <p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>Preferred Skills and Experience</strong></p> <ul class="[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3"> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Leadership experience on an engineering or project team.</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Experience designing components for a high-performance vehicle.</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Exceptional written and verbal communication, with strong interpersonal and organizational skills.</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Proactive problem-solving skills, including failure analysis and root cause investigation.</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Prior experience in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.</li> <li class="whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.</li> </ul> <p><strong>What We Offer</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Competitive base salary&nbsp;</li> <li>Equity ownership in a rapidly growing advanced energy company&nbsp;</li> <li>Comprehensive medical benefits&nbsp;</li> <li>Free daily lunch and dinner provided onsite&nbsp;</li> <li>High-impact startup environment with significant ownership and autonomy&nbsp;</li> <li>Opportunities for rapid career growth and internal advancement&nbsp;</li> <li>Direct collaboration with experienced operators, engineers, and industry leaders&nbsp;</li> <li>The opportunity to help build and scale transformative energy technology from the ground up</li> </ul> <p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>Equal Employment Opportunity Statement</strong></p> <p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">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.</p> <p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">We are committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment and will provide reasonable accommodation as required by law.</p> <p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder).</p><div class="content-pay-transparency"><div class="pay-input"><div class="title">Salary</div><div class="pay-range"><span>$85,000</span><span class="divider">&mdash;</span><span>$145,000 USD</span></div></div></div>