Senior Mechanical EngineerValar Atomics
We're seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to join our engineering team to accelerate the frontier of advanced power generation. In this role, you'll be responsible for designing, developing, and validating mechanical systems and components that meet performance, manufacturability, and cost requirements. You'll work closely with cross-functional teams to bring innovative products from concept to production.
System Ownership: Lead mechanical design efforts for major subsystems, ensuring alignment between performance targets, manufacturability, and cost.
Technical Leadership: Mentor junior engineers and review mechanical designs to ensure consistency with company standards and engineering rigor.
Design Execution: Develop detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies, and engineering drawings (SolidWorks, Creo, or NX), applying advanced GD&T and tolerance analysis.
Engineering Analysis: Perform structural, thermal, and fluid analyses (FEA/CFD) to validate system performance and reliability.
Prototyping & Testing: Oversee prototype fabrication, assembly, and testing; interpret results to refine designs and improve system performance.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with electrical, manufacturing, and systems engineers to drive integration and design optimization.
Supplier & Manufacturing Interface: Work closely with vendors to manage DFM feedback, manufacturing process selection, and quality control.
Design Process Development: Contribute to internal best practices for mechanical design, documentation, and configuration management.
Required:
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (Master's preferred).
8–10 years of experience in mechanical design and product development.
Proven track record of designing and delivering production-ready hardware.
Strong knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and mechanical systems.
Excellent communication, technical documentation, and leadership skills.
Preferred:
Experience in high-performance or safety-critical systems (aerospace, energy, or defense).
Deep understanding of DFM/DFA and reliability engineering.
Familiarity with PLM/PDM tools and design control processes.
Hands-on prototyping, testing, and validation experience.
Strong analytical mindset with the ability to lead root cause investigations.
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field•8+ years
- Mechanical design/product development•8 - 10 years
- Production-ready hardware design/delivery•1+ years
- SolidWorks•1+ years
- Creo•1+ years
- NX•1+ years
- FEA/CFD analyses•1+ years
- High-performance/safety-critical systems•1+ years
- DFM/DFA and reliability engineering•1+ years
- PLM/PDM tools•1+ years
- Design control processes•1+ years
- Hands-on prototyping experience•1+ years
- Hands-on testing experience•1+ years
- Hands-on validation experience•1+ years
- Strong analytical mindset with the ability to lead root cause investigations
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.
Competitive compensation and benefits package.
Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
A collaborative, high-performance engineering culture.
Access to cutting-edge design tools and prototyping facilities.
The chance to make a tangible impact on next-generation energy systems.
