Mechanical Technician

Valar Atomics; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity ownership

Unlimited PTO

Free daily lunch and dinner onsite

PPE stipend

Career growth

Job summary

Valar Atomics is seeking a Mechanical Technician to build mechanical and electromechanical assemblies for modular nuclear reactor systems. You will work with hand and power tools to fit, fasten, and integrate components, following engineering drawings and work instructions on the shop floor.

This hands-on role offers variety, rewards precision, and the chance to contribute to a rapidly growing energy startup.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in mechanical assembly, maintenance, or a similar hands-on technical role.
• Strong proficiency with hand tools and basic power tools (torque wrenches, drills, drivers, etc.).
• Ability to read and follow engineering drawings, work instructions, and assembly procedures.
• Comfortable working across a variety of assembly tasks and switching between them throughout the day.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to build quality.
• Comfortable working 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.

Responsibilities

• Assemble mechanical and electromechanical components using hand and power tools (wrenches, drivers, torque tools, etc.).
• Read and follow engineering drawings, work instructions, and bills of materials to complete builds correctly.
• Fit, fasten, align, and torque components to specification; verify fit-up and functionality before sign-off.
• Identify and troubleshoot assembly issues, fitment problems, or missing/incorrect parts, and escalation as needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace; follow 5S and shop safety standards.
• Support a wide range of build types across different product lines and subassemblies as priorities shift.
• Document completed work, inspection results, and any non-conformances per quality procedures.

Skills

Hand tools

Power tools

Reading drawings

Attention to detail

Physical stamina

Team collaboration

Tools

Torque wrenches

Drills

Drivers

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

The Manufacturing organization transforms engineering designs into high-quality products through precision manufacturing, disciplined execution, and continuous improvement. The team develops scalable production capabilities that support the commercialization of advanced nuclear technology.

The Role

Valar Atomics is looking for a Mechanical Technician to build up mechanical and electromechanical assemblies for our modular nuclear reactor systems. You will work primarily with hand and power tools to fit, fasten, and integrate a wide variety of components — from small precision sub-assemblies to larger structural builds — following engineering drawings and work instructions. This is a hands-on shop-floor role with a lot of variety, well suited to someone who enjoys figuring out how things fit together and go together correctly.

Key Responsibilities

• Assemble mechanical and electromechanical components using hand and power tools (wrenches, drivers, torque tools, etc.).
• Read and follow engineering drawings, work instructions, and bills of materials to complete builds correctly.
• Fit, fasten, align, and torque components to specification; verify fit-up and functionality before sign-off.
• Identify and troubleshoot assembly issues, fitment problems, or missing/incorrect parts, and escalation as needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace; follow 5S and shop safety standards.
• Support a wide range of build types across different product lines and subassemblies as priorities shift.
• Document completed work, inspection results, and any non-conformances per quality procedures.

Basic Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in mechanical assembly, maintenance, or a similar hands-on technical role.
• Strong proficiency with hand tools and basic power tools (torque wrenches, drills, drivers, etc.).
• Ability to read and follow engineering drawings, work instructions, and assembly procedures.
• Comfortable working across a variety of assembly tasks and switching between them throughout the day.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to build quality.
• Comfortable working 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

• Experience with mechanical assembly in aerospace, nuclear, automotive, or other highly regulated industries.
• Basic electrical or electromechanical assembly experience (wiring, connectors, harnessing).
• Familiarity with torque specifications, fastener standards, and basic hand-tool calibration.
• Prior experience in a startup or low-volume/high-mix production environment.
• 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).