Mechanical Technician, Process Gas Systems

Valar Atomics • Torrance, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

About Valar Atomics 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 are a team of builders, engineers, and operators who believe nuclear energy should be fast to deploy, factory-made, and built for the real world. Our first pilot plant in Orangeville, Utah will demonstrate how advanced nuclear systems and fuel fabrication can power the future. Joining Valar Atomics means becoming part of a company where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level. The Team As part of the Engineering organization, Mechanical Engineering designs and develops the mechanical systems, components, and equipment that power Valar's advanced nuclear technologies. The team ensures designs are robust, manufacturable, and optimized for long-term performance. The Role The Mechanical Technician builds, tests, and commissions pressurized process gas skids for our advanced nuclear reactor. The work spans tube bending, piping, compressors, chillers, heat exchangers, and pressure vessels, from first fit-up through leak testing, pressure testing, and startup. You will maintain high standards for quality, safety, and workmanship and partner closely with engineering to turn designs into reliable, buildable hardware.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 4+ years of hands-on mechanical experience in a process plant, chemical plant, power generation, or similar industrial environment, with significant work on pressurized gas systems.
• Hands-on experience bending and installing stainless steel tubing and making up compression fittings to manufacturer standards.
• Experience assembling piping, flanges, valves, and vessels, including bolted joint assembly to specified torque values.
• Experience performing hydrostatic and pneumatic pressure tests and leak tests on high-pressure systems.
• Experience installing and maintaining compressors, pumps, and chillers, and heat exchangers.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, isometric drawings, mechanical drawings, specifications, and procedures.
• Proficiency with hand and power tools, torque tools, and precision measuring instruments.
• Strong working knowledge of safe practices for stored energy and pressurized systems, including lockout/tagout.
• Strong troubleshooting skills, attention to detail, and clear written and verbal communication.
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted, stand for extended periods, and work in confined spaces, at heights, and in required PPE.
• Willing to work extended hours, weekends, and shifts as needed to support build and test schedules.

Nice To Haves

• Completion of a trade school, apprenticeship, or military technical training program, or a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering technology or a related field.
• Working knowledge of ASME B31.3, BPVC Section VIII, and PCC-1; familiarity with ASME Section III is a plus.
• Experience with helium, hydrogen, nitrogen, CO2, or other high-purity process gas systems, including vacuum and cryogenic service.
• Manufacturer tube fitting and tube bending training (for example Swagelok or Parker).
• Journeyman pipefitter, steamfitter, or millwright card.
• Orbital or manual GTAW tube welding experience, or experience working closely with welders on fit-up and inspection.
• Rigging, crane signaling, and forklift qualifications
• Experience writing or redlining work instructions and test procedures.
• Experience in a fast-paced startup or first-of-a-kind build environment.

Responsibilities

• Build and test process system skids in accordance with approved drawings, specifications, procedures, and work instructions; work independently and coordinate with other technicians to support the build schedule.
• Maintain high standards for safety, workmanship, cleanliness, and procedure adherence throughout tube bending, fitting makeup, bolted joint assembly, testing, and commissioning activities.
• Work closely with engineering, quality, and operations; review drawings and procedures for buildability and raise drawing discrepancies, design conflicts, or unsafe conditions early.
• Build process system skids to P&IDs, isometric and general arrangement drawings, specifications, and work instructions.
• Measure, bend, cut, debur, and install stainless steel and alloy tubing; make up and inspect compression fittings with gap gauges per the manufacturer's instructions.
• Install and fit up piping, flanges, valves, regulators, relief devices, filters, and pressure vessels; assemble flanged joints with correct gaskets and controlled torque sequences (ASME PCC-1).
• Install, align, and connect compressors, pumps, chillers, coolers, and heat exchangers, and coordinate instrumentation installation with electrical and I&C technicians.
• Maintain cleanliness and foreign material exclusion (FME) controls for high-purity gas service, and rig and move skids and equipment safely using cranes, hoists, and forklifts.
• Perform hydrostatic and pneumatic pressure tests per ASME B31.3, BPVC Section VIII, and approved test procedures.
• Participate in mechanical completion walkdowns, punch lists, and system turnover, and support commissioning and startup of compressors, chillers, heat exchangers, and control and relief valves.
• Diagnose mechanical problems such as leaks, vibration, and overheating, and perform preventive and corrective maintenance to minimize downtime.
• Maintain tools, calibrated test equipment, and parts inventory, and participate in incident investigations and continuous improvement of build and test processes.

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED