Lead Mechanical Designer, Turbomachinery

Valar Atomics; New Mexico; On-site; USD 200,000 - 295,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Equity ownership

Medical benefits

Unlimited PTO

Free meals onsite

PPE stipend

Ownership and autonomy

Job summary

Valar Atomics is seeking a lead turbomachinery mechanical designer to join the turbomachinery team and advance power generation capability. You’ll lead a group of 4-5 designers, define a manufacturable, high-efficiency, robust design for the first supercritical CO2 power cycle and drive components from concept to test and into production.

As an early hire in turbomachinery, you will directly influence design decisions on system architecture and collaborate with experienced operators, engineers,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Minimum 10 years of experience as a mechanical designer.
• Demonstrated track record leading groups of engineers on large projects.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and material selection.

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 with GD&T and tolerance analysis.
• Select component materials balancing capability, lead time, and cost.

Skills

Mechanical design

Team leadership

GD&T

Tolerance analysis

Materials selection

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

NX

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.

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.

Employment Eligibility

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