Lead Mechanical Designer, Turbomachinery

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 lead turbomachinery mechanical designer to join the turbomachinery team and advance power generation capability. In this role, you’ll be responsible for the mechanical design of static and rotating components of Valar’s power generation turbomachinery. You’ll lead a team of 4-5 designers 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

Lead group of 4-5 mechanical designers in the design of Valar’s first supercritical CO2 power cycle

Own all aspects of bringing assigned components to test and to full scale production

Develop detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies, and engineering drawings (SolidWorks, Creo, or NX), applying advanced GD&T and tolerance analysis.

Select component materials that balance capability versus lead time and cost considerations

You Will Be Successful in This Role If

You are excited to be a part of a complex novel 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

Demonstrated track record of bringing precision mechanical assemblies into production

Demonstrated success in leading groups of engineers on large technical projects

Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and good judgement of when to use them

Minimum 10 years of experience as a mechanical designer

Excellent judgement in material selection

Preferred Skills and Experience

Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Experience with basic structural, thermal, and rotordynamic analysis

Experience with turbomachinery mechanical design

Experience in gas turbines, gearboxes, gas compressors, turbopumps, generators, or turboexpanders

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$200,000—$295,000 USD