Test Engineer, Nuclear Hardware | Equity, Unlimited PTO

valaratomics; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity ownership

Comprehensive medical benefits

Unlimited PTO

Free daily lunch and dinner onsite

PPE stipend

Autonomy and ownership

Job summary

Valar Atomics is seeking a Test Engineer to design and build test stands for the reactor program, run campaigns, and turn data into proof that hardware meets designBasis.

You will test components like control rod mechanisms and helium systems from early development through commissioning, ensuring hardware traceability and regulatory readiness while collaborating with mechanical, safety, IC&E and quality teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• 2+ years of test engineering experience on hardware.
• Experience designing and building test stands or fixtures.
• Familiarity with data acquisition systems, sensors, instrumentation.
• Working knowledge of Python, MATLAB, SQL, or similar tools for data handling and analysis.
• Strong troubleshooting mindset with ability to diagnose issues from data.
• Clear written and verbal communication, including presenting results to regulators.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain test stands for performance, reliability, endurance, environmental, and qualification testing.
• Develop test plans, profiles, and procedures with design engineers and the V&V team.
• Run tests, monitor live data, and adjust parameters to capture meaningful results.
• Set up and maintain data acquisition systems, including remote/unattended capability.
• Integrate test stand data streams with SCADA and historian infrastructure.
• Process raw test data into clean, usable formats for engineering analysis.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation, test stand hardware, and data acquisition faults during test execution.
• Develop standardized acceptance tests for rapid unit validation.
• Prepare clear test reports and maintain traceable records for regulators/auditors.

Skills

Test engineering

Data analysis

Python

MATLAB

SQL

Troubleshooting

Communication

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

SCADA

Job description

Valar Atomics is seeking a Test Engineer to design and build test stands for the reactor program, run campaigns, and turn data into proof that hardware meets designBasis.

You will test components like control rod mechanisms and helium systems from early development through commissioning, ensuring hardware traceability and regulatory readiness while collaborating with mechanical, safety, IC&E and quality teams.