Quality Assurance Laboratory Technician
About The Position
Valar Atomics is redefining what's possible in energy with a mission to make clean, high-temperature nuclear power scalable. They are a team of builders, engineers, and operators focused on making nuclear energy fast to deploy, factory-made, and built for the real world. Their first pilot plant in Orangeville, Utah will demonstrate advanced nuclear systems and fuel fabrication. Joining Valar Atomics means becoming part of a company where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level. The Quality Assurance (QA) Laboratory Technician performs analytical, inspection, and testing activities within the Quality Assurance Laboratory of an advanced nuclear fuel manufacturing facility. This role ensures that materials, in-process products, and finished nuclear fuel components meet rigorous regulatory, safety, and performance standards. Working in a highly controlled and safety-focused environment, the QA Lab Technician performs routine and specialized analyses, maintains accurate documentation, and provides critical data that supports production, engineering, and regulatory compliance. The QA Lab Technician maintains and operates analytical instruments; collects and stores acquired data. This role requires strong attention to detail, technical proficiency, and adherence to disciplined quality and safety practices. The ideal candidate brings a commitment to maintaining a safe, world-class nuclear-grade quality culture.
Requirements
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering Technology, or a related scientific field.
- 1–3+ years of laboratory experience in a regulated or high-precision manufacturing environment; experience in nuclear, aerospace, pharmaceutical, or medical device sectors is a plus.
- Familiarity with analytical techniques, measurement tools, and laboratory best practices.
- Strong documentation, data integrity, and organizational skills.
- Ability to follow detailed technical procedures and safety requirements.
- Effective communication and teamwork skills.
- 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
- Experience operating common analytical instruments (e.g, ICP-MS, XRF, DSC, IC, XRD, FTIR, etc.)
- Knowledge of relevant regulatory standards, safety protocols, and quality control procedures in the nuclear industry
- Strong communication skills and the ability to interface with engineers and cross-disciplinary teams.
Responsibilities
- Perform chemical, physical, and material-property testing on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished nuclear fuel components using approved procedures.
- Ensure all test methods are executed precisely and consistently.
- Receive, label, track, and prepare samples according to established quality protocols, ensuring traceability and compliance with safety requirements.
- Accurately record results in laboratory information systems and maintain complete, legible, and compliant data packages.
- Support investigations by documenting test anomalies, trends, or deviations.
- Operate laboratory instrumentation and equipment according to standard practices.
- Perform routine checks, calibrations, and maintenance tasks, reporting any issues to supervisors.
- Follow all procedures aligned with nuclear quality standards (e.g., NQA-1, ISO 17025).
- Assist in internal audits, quality checks, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Adhere to rigorous safety protocols, including radiation safety, criticality safety, and hazardous material handling requirements.
Benefits
- Competitive base salary
- Equity ownership in a rapidly growing, advanced energy company
- Comprehensive medical benefits
- Free daily lunch provided onsite
- Generous stipend for steel-toed boots
- 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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
