CFD Analyst

Valar Atomics is a nuclear energy company focused on scaling high-temperature gas reactors (HTGRs) for grid-independent industrial applications. The company is developing what it calls gigasites, large-scale facilities housing hundreds of nuclear reactors intended to power heavy industry, data centers, hydrogen production, and clean hydrocarbon fuel synthesis. Their reactor design uses TRISO fuel, a graphite moderator, and helium coolant, a combination the company highlights for its strong safety profile and proliferation resistance. By operating outside the traditional electricity grid, Valar Atomics aims to unlock economies of scale that have historically eluded the nuclear industry. Valar Atomics' mission centers on making nuclear energy the cheapest and most reliable energy source in the world, with a particular emphasis on decarbonizing industrial processes and enabling clean fuel production. Their hydrogen output, generated via a sulfur-iodine thermochemical cycle, can be combined with captured CO2 to produce synthetic hydrocarbons through a modified Fischer-Tropsch process, offering a pathway to drop-in clean fuels. The company also targets the surging power demands of AI data centers, which are projected to require over 200 additional terawatt-hours of grid power by 2030. The company is currently advancing its Ward 250 project, a test reactor being developed in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, the San Rafael Energy Research Center, and the State of Utah, with a target go-live date of July 4, 2026, America's 250th birthday. The reactor has already been physically transported to Emery County, Utah, with logistical support from the U.S. military. Four executive orders issued under the Trump administration provided a mandate supporting the project's accelerated deployment timeline.

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 Role

At Valar Atomics, we are seeking a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Analyst to lead advanced fluid flow and thermal simulation efforts for next-generation nuclear systems. In this role, you will develop high-fidelity CFD models that support reactor design optimization, system performance evaluation, and safety analysis. You will work closely with engineering teams to solve complex thermal-fluid challenges, validate analytical methods, and help advance innovative nuclear technologies from concept through deployment.

Key Responsibilities 

• Develop and validate CFD models for nuclear reactor systems, including thermal-hydraulic and fluid dynamics simulations using tools such as ANSYS Fluent (Preferred).
• Perform geometry pre-processing, mesh generation, turbulence modeling, and multiphase flow analysis to ensure accurate representation of complex physical phenomena.
• Integrate CFD results with experimental data and system-level models to improve predictive accuracy and reliability.
• Leverage AWS or other cloud platforms for large-scale simulations and computationally intensive analyses.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define CFD requirements and incorporate insights into design and testing processes.
• Prepare and present technical reports and visualizations to stakeholders, clearly communicating simulation results and recommendations.

You Will Be Successful in This Role If

• Apply strong technical expertise in fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and simulation methods to solve complex engineering problems.
• Develop accurate, high-quality CFD models that provide actionable insights for design improvements and performance optimization.
• Collaborate effectively with mechanical, nuclear, and systems engineers to integrate simulation results into real-world hardware development.
• Communicate complex findings clearly through concise reports, visualizations, and technical recommendations.
• Demonstrate curiosity and ownership by exploring innovative modeling approaches, validating assumptions, and continuously improving analysis methods.

Basic Qualifications 

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in CFD modeling and simulation, preferably in the energy or nuclear sector.
• Proficiency in ANSYS Fluent (Preferred) or similar CFD tools.
• Solid understanding of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and numerical methods.
• Experience in performing thermal-fluid analysis, turbulence modeling, and simulation optimization.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Preferred Skills and Experience 

• Experience with cloud-based simulation workflows (e.g., AWS).
• Familiarity with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) principles.
• Knowledge of nuclear industry safety protocols and regulatory requirements
• Previous experience in the nuclear industry and familiarity with High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactors (HTGRs).
• Experience with multi-physics simulations (for example conjugate heat transfer, radiation, or fluid–structure interaction) is advantageous.

What We Offer  

• Competitive base salary 
• Equity ownership in a rapidly growing advanced energy company 
• Comprehensive medical benefits 
• Free daily lunch and dinner provided onsite 
• 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).