5+ years of mechanical design experience, including piping and complex assemblies
2+ years of experience managing a mechanical design team
Expertise in Solidworks, NX, or similar CAD software
Proficient in PLM software and manufacturing environments
Demonstrated ability to build teams and meet aggressive deadlines
Responsibilities
Build and lead an in-house Mechanical Design organization
Own high-level assemblies, bills of materials, and layouts for projects
Manage software selection, templates, and workflows
Collaborate with software engineering on model and system interfaces
Define and enforce requirements for 3D modeling and 2D drawings
Benefits
Equity ownership in a rapidly growing advanced energy company
Comprehensive medical benefits
Unlimited PTO
Free daily lunch and dinner 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
Full Job Description
The Team
As part of the Engineering organization, Mechanical Engineering designs and develops the mechanical systems, components, and equipment that power Valar's advanced nuclear technologies. The team ensures designs are robust, manufacturable, and optimized for long-term performance.
The Role
The Manager of Mechanical Design leads a shared mechanical design team that supports efforts across fuel equipment design, high-temp-gas-reactor design, and turbomachinery design. This role is for a hands-on engineering leader who can build a cross functional team that spans a variety of engineering disciplines, and context switch quickly between programs at Valar. Candidates from oil & gas, aerospace propulsion, or industrial turbomachinery are strongly preferred. Nuclear background is a plus, not a prerequisite.
Key Responsibilities
Build and lean an in-house Mechanical Design organization, including hiring, organizational design, technical standards, and development of mechanical designers
Own the highest level assemblies, bills of materials, and layouts for all of our projects
Manage software selection, templates, workflows, and cross-functional decision making
Collaborate with our in-house software engineering team on interfaces between models, supply chain systems, and manufacturing systems
Define and enforce requirements for 3D modelling and 2D drawings
You Will Be Successful in This Role If
You have previously led high functioning Mechanical Design organizations
You are comfortable designing plumbing, harnessing, machined components, and large assemblies
You enjoy working across disciplines and organizing stakeholders through design detail
You are passionate about good modelling, GD&T, and collaborating with many different groups
Basic Qualifications
5+ years of experience in mechanical design, including piping, tubing, harnessing, and complex assemblies
2+ years of experience managing a mechanical design team
Deep expertise in Solidworks, NX, or a similar program
Deep expertise in PLM software and working in a manufacturing environment
Proven ability to build teams, hire strong designers, and deliver on aggressive schedules
Preferred Skills and Experience
Experience with ASME BPVC and ASME B31 design
Experience working in the nuclear industry
Experience in startup or rapid-growth environments
Experience owning plant level models and driving design reviews at the plant level
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
