Valar Atomics

Overview

Valar Atomics is on a mission to make clean, high-temperature nuclear power scalable, aiming to unlock abundant energy for various industries. The Mechanisms Technician role involves assembling safety-critical hardware for nuclear reactors, ensuring precision and quality in a hands-on environment.

Responsibilities

• Assemble safety-critical mechanical systems for a nuclear reactor from CAD models, engineering drawings, and parts lists.
• Build systems correctly the first time, understanding that installed hardware can't be serviced or repaired.
• Work with engineers to determine assembly sequences, tooling, and methods for first-of-a-kind hardware.
• Help write and refine assembly procedures, work instructions, and system manuals based on hands-on builds.
• Recommend design changes that make parts easier to manufacture, assemble, and inspect.
• Document every build in full, including torque values, measurements, fits, clearances, materials, and the standards followed.
• Inspect parts and assemblies for conformance to drawings and specifications.
• Follow strict quality, cleanliness, and foreign material exclusion (FME) practices.
• Troubleshoot assembly problems and help engineering resolve nonconformances.

Requirements

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, and GD&T.
• Proficiency with precision measuring tools, including micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, dial indicators, and torque tools.
• Working knowledge of fits, tolerances, fasteners, bearings, seals, and shaft alignment.
• Clear, accurate written documentation skills.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality over speed.
• Ability to lift heavy components, work in a shop environment, and use rigging and lifting equipment safely.
• Experience in nuclear, aerospace, naval, defense, or other high-reliability industries is preferred.
• Familiarity with quality programs such as NQA-1, AS9100, or ISO 9001 is preferred.
• Experience with ASME pressure vessel or piping codes (Section III or VIII, B31.1, B31.3) is preferred.
• Experience building prototypes or first-article assemblies is preferred.
• Experience writing or contributing to assembly procedures or technical manuals is preferred.
• Rigging, crane, or forklift certification is preferred.
• Experience with laser alignment, leak testing, or pressure testing is preferred.
• Associate degree or certificate in mechanical technology, or equivalent military or trade training is preferred.
• An engineering mindset, with the ability to understand why a system is designed the way it is and suggest practical improvements.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Equity ownership in a rapidly growing advanced energy company
• Comprehensive medical benefits
• 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