Test Engineer, Numenor (Reactor)

Valar Atomics•Torrance, CA

1d•$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 demonstrates Numenor 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 on the first unit. The engineer will also help establish repeatable acceptance testing for subsequent units. The position sits at the intersection of hardware, data, and compliance. It calls for a hands-on, hardware-first approach along with the rigor and traceability required for nuclear work. The engineer collaborates with mechanical, systems engineering, safety, IC&E, and quality teams so test results inform plant design, and may present results and methodology to government regulators and auditors.

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 ability, including diagnosing issues from data.
Clear written and verbal communication skills, including presenting technical results to non-technical or regulatory audiences.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

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 with 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; this is 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 capabilities.
Integrate test stand data streams with SCADA and historian infrastructure.
Process raw test data into 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 develop design recommendations.
Support integrated system testing and commissioning through first operation.
Develop standardized acceptance tests to verify each subsequent unit more quickly.
Prepare 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 to feed test results into plant design.

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.
Opportunity to help build and scale transformative energy technology from the ground up.