Lead Mechanical Designer, Turbomachinery

Valar Atomics•Torrance, CA

10d•$200,000 - $295,000

About The Position

Valar Atomics is seeking a lead turbomachinery mechanical designer to advance its power-generation capability. The role is responsible for the mechanical design of static and rotating components for Valar’s power-generation turbomachinery and leads a group of 4–5 designers in defining a manufacturable, high-efficiency, robust design. As an early hire on the turbomachinery team, the designer can directly influence system-architecture decisions and contribute to the company’s first supercritical CO2 power cycle. The role owns assigned components from design through testing and full-scale production. The position is part of the Engineering organization’s Power Conversion team, which develops technologies to efficiently transform reactor-generated heat into electrical power while maximizing system performance, reliability, and commercial viability. The company describes the work as an opportunity to contribute to a complex novel product from its beginning, operate in an ambiguous environment without established turbomachinery design best practices, and participate across turbomachinery design disciplines. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Valar Atomics is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodation as required by law.

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 good judgment about when to use them.
At least 10 years of experience as a mechanical designer.
Excellent judgment in material selection.
Legally authorized to work in the United States as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

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 testing 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 while balancing capability, lead time, and cost considerations.

Benefits

Competitive base salary of $200,000–$295,000 USD.
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.