Test Engineer, Numenor (Reactor)

Valar Atomics • Torrance, CA

13h • $110,000 - $140,000

About The Position

Valar Atomics seeks a Test Engineer for its Numenor reactor program. The role designs and builds test stands, runs test campaigns, and turns raw data into evidence that reactor hardware meets its design basis. Testing covers components and systems such as control rod mechanisms, helium systems, and plant modules, from early development through integrated testing and commissioning of the first unit. The engineer will also help develop repeatable acceptance testing for subsequent units. The role combines hands-on hardware work with data analysis, compliance, and the rigor and traceability required for nuclear work.

The Numenor team is building Valar Atomics’ next reactor and owns the plant across the reactor core, helium systems, cooling, plant modules, and the Citadel. The position works with mechanical, systems engineering, safety, IC&E, and quality teams so test results directly inform plant design.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• At least 2 years of hardware test engineering experience.
• Experience designing and building test stands or test fixtures.
• Familiarity with data acquisition systems, sensors, and instrumentation.
• Working knowledge of Python, MATLAB, SQL, or similar tools for data handling and analysis.
• Strong troubleshooting skills, including the ability to diagnose issues from data.
• Clear written and verbal communication, including the ability to present technical results to non-technical or regulatory audiences.
• 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 with SCADA and historian systems.
• Testing experience with high-temperature, high-pressure, or gas systems, such as helium, pressure vessels, or heat exchangers.
• Mechanism, actuator, or qualification testing experience.
• Test experience on first-of-a-kind hardware in aerospace, power generation, oil and gas, or defense.
• Experience preparing documentation for regulatory review or compliance audits.
• Nuclear industry experience in commercial, defense, or national laboratory settings; a plus, not a prerequisite.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain test stands for performance, reliability, endurance, environmental, and qualification testing.
• Develop test plans, profiles, and procedures with design engineers and the V&V team.
• Run tests, monitor live data, and adjust parameters to capture meaningful results.
• Set up and maintain data acquisition systems, including remote and unattended capability.
• Integrate test stand data streams with SCADA and historian infrastructure.
• Process raw test data into clean, usable formats for engineering analysis and reporting.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation, test stand hardware, and data acquisition faults during test execution.
• Analyze test data to diagnose root causes and turn findings into design recommendations.
• Support integrated system testing and commissioning through first operation.
• Develop standardized acceptance tests so each unit is verified faster than the last.
• Prepare clear, accurate test reports and maintain traceable records of procedures, configurations, and results.
• Present test results and methodology to government regulators and auditors as needed.
• Work with mechanical, systems engineering, safety, IC&E, and quality teams so test results feed directly into plant design.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

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