Thermal Engineer, Turbomachinery

Location: Torrance, California, United States

Department: Power Conversion

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 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 turbomachinery aerodynamics engineer to join the turbomachinery team and advance power generation capability. In this role, you’ll be responsible for thermal analysis of cutting edge turbomachinery rotors and static structures. You’ll be working with cross-functional team members to define a high efficiency, highly producible cycle design. As an early hire in turbomachinery, you will be able to directly influence design decisions on the system architecture. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Analyze rotating and static components to define their maximum operating temperature  
• Develop thermal isolation strategies to keep components below their maximum operating temperature 
• Define turbine blade operating temperatures for creep and stress rupture life calculations 
• Define insulation strategies for the power conversion system to minimize waste heat losses 

You Will Be Successful in This Role If 

• You are excited to be a part of a complex turbomachinery 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 aerodynamic, structural or manufacturing perspective 

Basic Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering 
• 3 years experience in thermal analysis of complex rotating components 
• Experience with a finite element thermal analysis tool such as Ansys Thermal 

Preferred Skills and Experience 

• Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering  
• Experience with turbomachinery in a design or test environment 
• Experience with conjugate heat transfer analysis 
• Experience with heat exchanger design 
• Experience with supercritical C02 
• Experience analyzing turbomachinery at a component design 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

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).