Lead Mechanical Designer, Turbomachinery

Valar Atomics•Torrance, CA

About The Position

Valar Atomics is seeking a lead turbomachinery mechanical designer to advance power generation capability as part of its turbomachinery team. The role is responsible for mechanical design of static and rotating components for Valar’s power-generation turbomachinery and for leading a team of 4–5 designers to develop a manufacturable, high-efficiency, robust design. As an early hire, the designer will directly influence system-architecture decisions and help develop Valar’s first supercritical CO2 power cycle. The position owns assigned components from design through testing and full-scale production. It includes creating detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies, and engineering drawings, applying advanced GD&T and tolerance analysis, and selecting materials while balancing technical capability, lead time, and cost. The company seeks someone motivated by developing a complex novel product from the beginning, comfortable working amid ambiguity and a lack of established turbomachinery design best practices, and interested in contributing across turbomachinery design disciplines.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
Demonstrated track record of bringing precision mechanical assemblies into production.
Demonstrated success leading groups of engineers on large technical projects.
Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and sound judgment about when to use them.
Minimum 10 years of experience as a mechanical designer.
Excellent judgment in material selection.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder).

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
Experience with basic structural, thermal, and rotordynamic analysis.
Experience with turbomachinery mechanical design.
Experience in gas turbines, gearboxes, gas compressors, turbopumps, generators, or turboexpanders.
Experience with supercritical CO2.

Responsibilities

Lead a group of 4–5 mechanical designers in designing Valar’s first supercritical CO2 power cycle.
Own all aspects of bringing assigned components to test and full-scale production.
Develop detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies, and engineering drawings using SolidWorks, Creo, or NX, applying advanced GD&T and tolerance analysis.
Select component materials that balance capability with lead time and cost considerations.

Benefits

Competitive base salary.
Equity ownership in a rapidly growing advanced energy company.
Comprehensive medical benefits.
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.
Opportunity to help build and scale transformative energy technology from the ground up.