Senior Process Engineer

Valar Atomics • Torrance, CA

17d • $144,000 - $176,000

About The Position

Valar Atomics is seeking an experienced Senior Process Engineer to lead the design, development, testing, and operation of helium systems supporting next-generation high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) technology. This engineer will own process system architecture from early concept and design through manufacturing and commissioning.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience designing industrial process systems, gas handling systems, thermal-fluid systems, or related energy systems.
• Proven experience developing and delivering complex engineered systems from concept through commissioning or operational deployment.
• Strong foundation in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and process engineering principles.
• Experience developing PFDs, P&IDs, process calculations, equipment specifications, and system operating procedures.
• Familiarity with industrial instrumentation, process controls, and gas analysis systems.
• Excellent technical communication, documentation, and cross-functional leadership skills.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with helium systems, cryogenic systems, high-pressure gas systems, gas purification, vacuum systems, or high-temperature process equipment.
• Experience with high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs), advanced reactor technologies, or other nuclear energy systems.
• Familiarity with helium coolant chemistry, impurity control, moisture management, graphite compatibility, and gas sampling systems.
• Working knowledge of ASME B31.3 Process Piping, ASME Section VIII Pressure Vessels, and applicable industrial gas handling standards.
• Hands-on experience supporting commissioning, startup, troubleshooting, and performance optimization of first-of-a-kind process systems.
• Experience participating in design reviews, HAZOPs, FMEAs, and system safety analyses.

Responsibilities

• Own the design, procurement, fabrication, assembly, and commissioning of helium process systems from concept through operation.
• Lead manufacturing execution for assigned systems, including vendor selection, fabrication oversight, inspections, issue resolution, and acceptance testing.
• Develop process system documentation including PFDs, P&IDs, equipment specifications, piping specifications, operating procedures, and engineering calculations.
• Perform process engineering analyses including mass and energy balances, pressure drop, heat transfer, equipment sizing, gas flow, and transient system behavior.
• Specify and integrate process equipment including pressure vessels, heat exchangers, adsorption systems, compressors, valves, piping, instrumentation, and gas analyzers.
• Work directly with internal manufacturing, suppliers, and contract manufacturers to resolve fabrication issues, improve manufacturability, and ensure hardware meets design intent.
• Support equipment procurement by developing technical requirements, reviewing vendor proposals, and approving manufacturing documentation.
• Lead system integration, installation, startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting of helium process systems.

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
• The opportunity to help build and scale transformative energy technology from the ground up

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior