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Build EngineerValar Atomics

  • not-remote
  • full-time
  • $85K - $145K/yr
  • Salary
  • Hawthorne, CA
Job Summary

As a build engineer on the mechanical engineering team, you will be responsible for developing the manufacturing processes, tooling, and production systems that enable rapid production of components and subassemblies for the Ward-series nuclear reactors.

Working in concert with other stakeholders, you will be responsible for various manufacturing projects, ranging from subsystem assembly and commissioning, to weld process development, to the design improvement of prototype components for manufacturability. You will collaborate with design engineering and technician teams daily, driving to implement meaningful changes to parts, processes, planning and tooling to improve the overall system. You will be well-positioned to influence overall subsystem architecture, with a focus on manufacturability and design reliability.

Responsibilities
  • Design and implement precision tooling to eliminate assembly error, improve quality, and minimize cycle time

  • Question requirements, delete parts and processes, simplify/optimize, accelerate, and automate hardware production

  • Develop and/or automate in-situ inspection techniques to increase yield and decrease cycle time

  • Manage transition of parts and assemblies from development to high-rate production

  • Resolve and analyze manufacturing discrepancies while interfacing with the quality team (resolving issues for design, fabrication, and assembly)

  • Partner with engineering and production teams to generate ideas, designs, and improvements for current and next-generation vehicles

Qualifications

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline

  • 1+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing or production (internship and school projects experience qualify)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Master’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, materials or industrial engineering

  • Experience with the build, assembly, or integration of large mechanical assemblies

  • Knowledge of metallic manufacturing techniques and processes (i.e. welding, metal forming, fastening, drilling, bonding and automation)

  • Knowledge of machining methods (i.e. CNC mill, lathe, wire EDM, waterjet)

  • Mechanical component and/or tooling design and analysis experience using 3D CAD software

  • Experience with design for manufacture and assembly (DFMA)

  • Experience transitioning complex products from R&D to high-volume manufacturing in a fast-paced environment

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
  • Manufacturing or production engineering1+ years
  • Hardware is typically built in tight quarters, and physical dexterity is required
  • Work performed in an environment requiring exposure to fumes, odors, and noise
  • Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed
Nice to Have
  • Master’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, materials or industrial engineering
  • Large mechanical assemblies1+ years
  • Welding1+ years
  • Metal forming1+ years
  • Fastening1+ years
  • Drilling1+ years
  • Bonding1+ years
  • Automation1+ years
  • Knowledge of CNC mill1+ years
  • Knowledge of lathe1+ years
  • Knowledge of wire EDM1+ years
  • Knowledge of waterjet1+ years
  • Mechanical component and tooling design1+ years
  • 3D CAD1+ years
  • DMFA1+ years
  • Experience transitioning complex products from R&D to high-volume manufacturing in a fast-paced environment
About Us

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’re a team of builders, engineers, and visionaries who believe nuclear energy should be fast to deploy, factory-made, and built for the real world. Our first pilot plant in Utah will demonstrate how advanced nuclear systems and fuel fabrication can power the future.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay range: Build Engineer/Level I: $85,000.00 - $110,000.00/per year

Build Engineer/Level II: $120,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Valar Atomics.

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