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).

Salary: 130000.0 - 170000.0 USD