Nuclear Operations Engineer

About Valar Atomics

At Valar Atomics, we're redefining what's possible in energy. Our mission is to make clean, high-temperature nuclear power scalable—unlocking abundant energy for industry, hydrogen, and next-generation manufacturing. We are a team of builders, engineers, and operators who believe nuclear energy should be fast to deploy, factory-made, and built for the real world. Our first pilot plant in Orangeville, Utah will demonstrate how advanced nuclear systems and fuel fabrication can power the future. Joining Valar Atomics means becoming part of a company where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level.

The Team

As part of the Plant Operations organization, Utah Site Operations manages the day-to-day operation, maintenance, and readiness of Valar's Utah facilities. The team supports safe, reliable site operations while enabling successful project execution.

The Role

As an Nuclear Operations Engineer , you will design and execute structured engineering test programs for reactor components, control systems, and integrated plant operations. You will develop test plans, determine experimental conditions, analyze complex data sets, and generate engineering-level conclusions that inform plant performance, safety margins, and design evolution.

Key Responsibilities

Design engineering test plans for first of a kind reactor systems, subsystems, and control algorithms

Establish experimental conditions, analytical models, acceptance criteria, and evaluation methods

Conduct highly instrumented reactor and component test campaigns in collaboration with operations teams

Analyze complex thermal, structural, neutronic, and control data; interpret trends and anomalies

Develop engineering reports, test summaries, and recommendations for engineering change proposals

Serve as technical authority for experimental methods and test safety reviews

Provide input into reactor system design, safety cases, and operating envelopes

Evaluate fuel performance, system reliability, and stability margins during commissioning

Collaborate cross-functionally with design engineering, safety analysis, operations, and materials science teams

Author engineering procedures, test standards, and research documentation

Present findings to technical leadership, independent reviewers, and regulatory interfaces

Support plant operations and maintenance as needed

You Will Be Successful in This Role If

You thrive in a dynamic startup environment and can adapt to evolving priorities without losing sight of all tasks.

You take extreme ownership of operational programs and can collaborate across disciplines to drive results.

You are willing to learn the regulatory frameworks that govern nuclear technology and ensure industry standards are implemented and fulfilled.

You hold a high bar for operational safety, can serve as a credible technical authority, and envision pathways for continuous system improvement.

You can identify and tackle problems wherever they arise, from analytical modeling and program development to shop-floor troubleshooting and hands-on labor.

You can communicate findings coherently and tailor reports to interface with technical authorities, regulatory reviewers, and the skilled trades workforce.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field

Demonstrated experience in experimental test design, instrumentation, or complex system characterization

Strong analytical background in scientific or engineering methods

Ability to interpret test data and draw engineering-level conclusions

Experience developing technical reports, test plans, or engineering analyses

Willingness to relocate to Orangeville, UT.

Preferred Skills and Experience

Master’s degree or PhD in an engineering or physics discipline

Experience with nuclear systems, reactor physics, or high-temperature process systems

Experience in test reactor environments, DOE labs, or advanced R&D facilities

Familiarity with TRISO fuel behavior, thermal hydraulics, or control theory

Hands-on experience with high-complexity experiments or commissioning activities

What We Offer

Competitive base salary

Equity ownership in a rapidly growing advanced energy company

Comprehensive medical benefits

Unlimited PTO

Free daily lunch

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

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Valar Atomics is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

We are committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment and will provide reasonable accommodation as required by law.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder).