Instrumentation & Controls Technician

Valar Atomics; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 61,992 - 89,544; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Equity ownership

Comprehensive medical benefits

Free daily meals

Significant ownership and autonomy

Opportunities for rapid career growth

Job summary

Valar Atomics, located in Hawthorne, California, is seeking an Instrumentation & Controls Technician. In this role, you will ensure the safe operation of equipment by installing, calibrating, and maintaining instrumentation for nuclear energy applications. Candidates should have an Associate's degree in a relevant field and at least 3 years of experience in industrial settings.

The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $45 to $65 per hour, comprehensive medical benefits, and the opportunity for equity ownership in an innovative energy company.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of industrial electrical or instrumentation experience.
• Familiarity with NEC, ISA standards, NFPA 70.
• Ability to work in a highly regulated environment.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, and troubleshoot 120V–480V AC electrical systems.
• Wire and troubleshoot motor control circuits.
• Document all work performed using Excel and Project Manager.

Skills

Electrical systems troubleshooting

Control systems theory

Safety-first mindset

Reading wiring diagrams

Education

Associate's degree or technical certification in Electrical, Instrumentation, or Industrial Maintenance

Tools

PLC software (Studio 5000, TIA Portal)

HART communicator

Multimeter

Clamp meter

Megger

Job description

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.

About The Role

The Instrumentation & controls Technician is responsible for the installation, calibration, troubleshooting, repair, and instrumentation systems used in nuclear energy applications. This role ensures the safe and efficient operation of equipment by performing routine maintenance and emergency repairs on electrical, instrumentation, and controls systems within a highly regulated environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, and troubleshoot 120V–480V AC electrical systems
• Wire and troubleshoot motor control circuits (VFDs, contactors, relays, overloads)
• Read and interpret electrical schematics and panel layouts
• Work with PLCs – wiring I/O and diagnostics
• Perform lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures during maintenance
• Install, calibrate, and maintain transmitters (pressure, flow, level, temperature)
• Configure and troubleshoot HART and 4–20mA analog signal loops
• Maintain and troubleshoot control valves, I/P converters, thermocouples, and RTDs
• Perform loop checks and assist with system commissioning

You Will Be Successful In This Role

• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on mechanical and electrical systems supporting SCADA integration tasks
• Document all work performed using Excel, Project Manager
• Assist with root cause analysis and continuous improvement efforts
• Use multimeter, clamp meter, megger
• Use loop calibrator
• Use HART communicator
• Use hand tools, power tools
• Use PLC software (Studio 5000, TIA Portal) and SCADA interfaces

Basic Qualifications

• Associate's degree or technical certification in Electrical, Instrumentation, or Industrial Maintenance
• 3+ years of industrial electrical or instrumentation experience
• Familiarity with NEC, ISA standards, NFPA 70

Skills and Competencies

• Strong knowledge of electrical and control system theory
• Ability to read and interpret wiring diagrams, P&ID, and schematics
• Safety‑first mindset with strong troubleshooting skills
• Comfortable working independently or as part of a cross‑functional team

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Prior experience supporting nuclear construction projects, NQA‑1 environments, DOE projects, oil and gas, ASME‑related construction activities, or similarly regulated technical programs
• Multidisciplinary construction quality experience spanning civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation activities
• Experience coordinating quality execution across multiple subcontractors and construction interfaces within general contractor environments
• Familiarity with nonconformance systems, turnover packages, traceability systems, controlled work execution, and field verification methodologies
• Working familiarity with field measurement systems and technical verification workflows
• Strong operational judgment and ability to make technically defensible decisions under ambiguity and schedule pressure
• Subcontractor auditing

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary
• Equity ownership in a rapidly growing advanced energy company
• Comprehensive medical benefits
• Free daily lunch and dinner provided onsite
• 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

$45—$65 USD