Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
Minimum 10 years of experience as a mechanical designer
Proven track record of bringing precision mechanical assemblies into production
Experience leading engineering teams on large technical projects
Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and material selection
Responsibilities
Lead a team of 4-5 mechanical designers in developing supercritical CO2 power cycle components
Oversee the transition of components from design to testing and full-scale production
Create detailed 3D CAD models and engineering drawings using SolidWorks, Creo, or NX
Select materials that optimize performance while considering lead time and cost
Influence design decisions on system architecture as an early hire
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
Chance to help build and scale transformative energy technology from the ground up
Full Job Description
The Team
As part of the Engineering organization, Power Conversion develops the technologies that efficiently transform reactor-generated heat into usable electrical power. The team focuses on maximizing system performance, reliability, and commercial viability.
The Role
Valar Atomics is seeking a lead turbomachinery mechanical designer to join the turbomachinery team and advance power generation capability. In this role, you'll be responsible for the mechanical design of static and rotating components of Valar's power generation turbomachinery. You'll lead a team of 4-5 designers to define a manufacturable, high efficiency, robust design. As an early hire in turbomachinery, you will be able to directly influence design decisions on the system architecture.
Key Responsibilities
Lead group of 4-5 mechanical designers in the design of Valar's first supercritical CO2 power cycle
Own all aspects of bringing assigned components to test and to full scale production
Develop detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies, and engineering drawings (SolidWorks, Creo, or NX), applying advanced GD&T and tolerance analysis.
Select component materials that balance capability versus lead time and cost considerations
You Will Be Successful in This Role If
You are excited to be a part of a complex novel product from the beginning
You thrive in ambiguous environments without defined turbomachinery design best practices
You want to be part of turbomachinery design beyond a singular siloed discipline
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
Demonstrated track record of bringing precision mechanical assemblies into production
Demonstrated success in leading groups of engineers on large technical projects
Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and good judgement of when to use them
Minimum 10 years of experience as a mechanical designer
Excellent judgement in material selection
Preferred Skills and Experience
Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
Experience with basic structural, thermal, and rotordynamic analysis
Experience with turbomachinery mechanical design
Experience in gas turbines, gearboxes, gas compressors, turbopumps, generators, or turboexpanders
Experience with supercritical C02
What We Offer
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
