Mechanical Engineer

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 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the design and development of mechanical systems.
• Perform analysis on designs including hand calculations, FEA, and CAD in a rapidly changing environment.
• Lead design reviews internally and externally with suppliers and customers.
• Take responsibility for project delivery timelines from design through production.
• Exemplify technical excellence and accountability across your work.
• Travel to Valar Atomics' nuclear site in Utah as needed to support project execution.

You Will Be Successful in This Role If

• You take extreme ownership of the systems you design, seeing them through from concept to working hardware.
• You apply data and analysis to make fast, well-reasoned decisions rather than waiting for perfect information.
• You bring strong technical judgment to design trade-offs and know when to dig deeper versus when to keep moving.
• You communicate clearly and proactively with suppliers, customers, and internal partners.
• You approach problems with a root-cause mindset, treating failures as opportunities to understand the system better.
• You hold a high bar for technical excellence and are accountable for the quality of your work.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Physics.
• 1+ years of experience with CAD and FEA software packages (internship and extracurricular experience applicable).
• 1+ years of hands-on experience driving the design and development of mechanical components or systems (internship and project team experience applicable).

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Leadership experience on an engineering or project team.
• Experience designing components for a high-performance vehicle.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication, with strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Proactive problem-solving skills, including failure analysis and root cause investigation.
• Prior experience in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.

Compensation

• Mechanical Engineer, Level I: $85,000–$110,000 per year
• Mechanical Engineer, Level II: $120,000–$145,000 per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Base salary is only one part of Valar Atomics' compensation package.

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).