Mechanisms Technician

Valar Atomics • Torrance, CA

4d • $40 - $50 • 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
We're looking for a Mechanisms Technician to build some of the most safety-critical hardware in our nuclear reactor. The systems you assemble will be sealed inside the reactor and can't be serviced once installed, so they have to be built right the first time, every time.
This is a first-of-a-kind role. You'll take a CAD model or drawing and a set of loose parts and turn them into a correct, working system, often with no existing procedure to follow. You'll work with pumps, turbines, gearboxes, large piping, pressure vessels, and other precision mechanical equipment. Working side by side with our engineers, you'll figure out how each system should be built, help write the procedures and manuals, and feed what you learn on the floor back into the design.
This role suits someone with an engineering mindset and real hands-on skill, who takes pride in precise work and doesn't mind getting their hands dirty.

Requirements

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, and GD&T.
• Proficiency with precision measuring tools, including micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, dial indicators, and torque tools.
• Working knowledge of fits, tolerances, fasteners, bearings, seals, and shaft alignment.
• Clear, accurate written documentation skills.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality over speed.
• Ability to lift heavy components, work in a shop environment, and use rigging and lifting equipment safely.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in nuclear, aerospace, naval, defense, or other high-reliability industries.
• Familiarity with quality programs such as NQA-1, AS9100, or ISO 9001.
• Experience with ASME pressure vessel or piping codes (Section III or VIII, B31.1, B31.3).
• Experience building prototypes or first-article assemblies.
• Experience writing or contributing to assembly procedures or technical manuals.
• Rigging, crane, or forklift certification.
• Experience with laser alignment, leak testing, or pressure testing.
• Associate degree or certificate in mechanical technology, or equivalent military or trade training.
• An engineering mindset, with the ability to understand why a system is designed the way it is and suggest practical improvements.

Responsibilities

• Assemble safety-critical mechanical systems for a nuclear reactor from CAD models, engineering drawings, and parts lists, including pumps, turbines, gearboxes, piping, and pressure vessels.
• Build systems correctly the first time, with the understanding that installed hardware can't be serviced or repaired.
• Work with engineers to determine assembly sequences, tooling, and methods for first-of-a-kind hardware.
• Help write and refine assembly procedures, work instructions, and system manuals based on hands-on builds.
• Recommend design changes that make parts easier to manufacture, assemble, and inspect.
• Document every build in full, including torque values, measurements, fits, clearances, materials, and the standards followed.
• Inspect parts and assemblies for conformance to drawings and specifications.
• Follow strict quality, cleanliness, and foreign material exclusion (FME) practices.
• Troubleshoot assembly problems and help engineering resolve nonconformances.

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: Associate degree