Sr. Cost Engineer

Valar Atomics•Torrance, CA

2d•$140,000 - $190,000

About The Position

Valar Atomics is hiring a Sr. Cost Engineer within its Manufacturing organization and Supply Chain team. The role develops and maintains should-cost models for components, assemblies, and services to support sourcing and negotiation strategy. Working with Sourcing, Engineering, and Finance, the engineer identifies cost drivers and savings opportunities, analyzes supplier pricing, supports Make-vs-Buy decisions, and helps evaluate cost trade-offs as production scales. The role also maintains cost databases and tools, tracks market trends, and presents analyses and recommendations to leadership. Valar Atomics is developing scalable, clean, high-temperature nuclear power. Its first pilot plant is planned for Orangeville, Utah. The company describes its environment as a high-impact startup with significant ownership and autonomy. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related technical field. The posting lists Industrial Engineering twice.
At least 5 years of experience in cost engineering, should-cost modeling, or manufacturing cost analysis.
Strong understanding of BOM structures, specifications, engineering drawings, manufacturing processes, and cost drivers.
Hands-on experience with cost modeling tools and ERP or sourcing systems.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to translate data into actionable recommendations.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

Nice To Haves

Experience in nuclear, aerospace, or another highly regulated industry.
Experience building a should-cost or cost engineering function from the ground up.
Familiarity with Design-to-Cost or Value Engineering methodologies.
Experience at a startup or fast-growth company.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain should-cost models covering materials, labor, overhead, and tooling for direct and indirect categories.
Analyze supplier quotes, RFx responses, and cost breakdowns to identify gaps against should-cost models and benchmark data.
Partner with Sourcing and Engineering to support negotiation strategy using data-driven cost insights.
Support Make-vs-Buy analysis by evaluating total cost of ownership across sourcing options.
Track cost trends in materials, labor, and logistics, and update models to reflect market conditions.
Identify and quantify cost-reduction opportunities through design, process, or sourcing changes.
Present cost analyses and recommendations to Sourcing and Engineering leadership.
Maintain cost databases and tools, improving their accuracy and scalability as the product portfolio grows.
Mentor colleagues in the supply chain organization on cost drivers, market indices, design and cost implications, supplier economics, and manufacturing trade-offs.

Benefits

Competitive base salary of $140,000–$190,000 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.