Fabrication/Welding Lead

Valar Atomics; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity ownership

Unlimited PTO

Free onsite meals

PPE stipend

Autonomy & impact

Career growth

Collaborate with leaders

Job summary

Valar Atomics is seeking a Fabrication/Welding Lead to run day-to-day operations on our weld shop floor and mentor a growing team of welders and fabricators. You will own production scheduling, weld quality, and safety for components powering our modular reactor systems.

This hands-on leadership role partners with engineering and quality, requires reading complex drawings and ASME code experience, and demands a proactive, startup mindset with strong ownership.

Qualifications

• 8+ years welding/fabrication experience including 2+ years in a lead or supervisory role.
• AWS Certified Welder with GTAW proficiency on stainless and exotic alloys.
• Ability to read complex engineering drawings, weld symbols, and WPS documentation.
• Experience with pressure vessel or code welding (ASME IX, B31.3).
• Proven track record leading, training, or mentoring a team of welders/fabricators.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced startup manufacturing environment with evolving processes.

Responsibilities

• Perform TIG, MIG, FCAW, Stick, and TIG orbital welds on various metals to nuclear-grade specifications.
• Lead, schedule, and mentor a team of welders and fabricators on daily production.
• Own weld quality standards; review WPS and troubleshoot quality issues on the floor.
• Partner with Engineering and QC to translate drawings into repeatable fabrication processes.
• Coordinate production priorities with Manufacturing Manager to hit build schedules.
• Champion shop safety, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives on the floor.
• Hire, train, and develop welders as the team scales; conduct performance reviews.
• Maintain documentation for weld travelers, certifications, and non-conformances.

Skills

TIG welding

Welding supervision

ASME welding codes

WPS review & QA

Engineering drawings

ERP/MES systems

Safety & PPE

Job description

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 Manufacturing organization, the Fabrication and welding shop produces complex structural and mechanical assemblies that meet demanding quality and performance requirements. The team combines skilled craftsmanship with disciplined manufacturing practices to support production.

The Role

Valar Atomics is looking for a Fabrication/Welding Lead to run day-to-day operations on our weld shop floor and lead a growing team of welders and fabricators. You will own production scheduling, weld quality, and safety standards for components going into our modular nuclear reactor systems, while mentoring the team and partnering closely with engineering and quality. This is a hands‑on leadership role responsible for building both the team and the process from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform TIG (GTAW), MIG (GMAW), Flux Core (FCAW), Stick (SMAW) and TIG orbital welds on carbon steel, stainless steel, and nickel alloys to nuclear-grade specifications.
• Lead, schedule, and mentor a team of welders and fabricators across daily production.
• Own weld quality standards; review and approve WPS, and troubleshoot process or quality issues on the floor.
• Partner with Engineering and QC to translate drawings and specifications into repeatable, nuclear-grade fabrication processes.
• Coordinate production priorities and timelines with the Manufacturing Manager to hit build schedules.
• Champion shop safety, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives on the floor.
• Hire, train, and develop welders as the team scales; conduct performance reviews and skills assessments.
• Maintain documentation for weld travelers, certifications, and non-conformances per quality procedures.

Basic Qualifications

• 8+ years of professional welding/fabrication experience, including 2+ years in a lead or supervisory role.
• AWS Certified Welder (or equivalent) with strong GTAW (TIG) proficiency on stainless steel and exotic alloys.
• Demonstrated ability to read and work from complex engineering drawings, weld symbols, and WPS documentation.
• Experience with pressure vessel or code welding (ASME Section IX, B31.3, and similar).
• Proven track record leading, training, or mentoring a team of welders or fabricators.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced startup manufacturing environment with evolving processes.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, and work in a shop-floor setting with appropriate PPE.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or equivalent.
• Experience welding or leading teams in nuclear, aerospace, or other highly regulated quality environments.
• Experience standing up welding processes, procedures, or a new production line from scratch.
• Familiarity with ASME Section IX / Section III code welding and NDE processes.
• Experience with production scheduling or ERP/MES systems.
• Forklift, overhead crane, or rigging certification.

What We Offer

• Equity ownership in a rapidly growing advanced energy company
• 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).