Mechanical Technician

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 Team 

The Manufacturing organization transforms engineering designs into high-quality products through precision manufacturing, disciplined execution, and continuous improvement. The team develops scalable production capabilities that support the commercialization of advanced nuclear technology.  

The Role 

Valar Atomics is looking for a Mechanical Technician to build up mechanical and electromechanical assemblies for our modular nuclear reactor systems. You will work primarily with hand and power tools to fit, fasten, and integrate a wide variety of components — from small precision sub-assemblies to larger structural builds — following engineering drawings and work instructions. This is a hands-on shop-floor role with a lot of variety, well suited to someone who enjoys figuring out how things fit together and go together correctly. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Assemble mechanical and electromechanical components using hand and power tools (wrenches, drivers, torque tools, etc.). 

• Read and follow engineering drawings, work instructions, and bills of materials to complete builds correctly. 

• Fit, fasten, align, and torque components to specification; verify fit-up and functionality before sign-off. 

• Identify and troubleshoot assembly issues, fitment problems, or missing/incorrect parts, and escalate as needed. 

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace; follow 5S and shop safety standards. 

• Support a wide range of build types across different product lines and subassemblies as priorities shift. 

• Document completed work, inspection results, and any non-conformances per quality procedures. 

Basic Qualifications 

• 4+ years of experience in mechanical assembly, maintenance, or a similar hands-on technical role. 

• Strong proficiency with hand tools and basic power tools (torque wrenches, drills, drivers, etc.). 

• Ability to read and follow engineering drawings, work instructions, and assembly procedures. 

• Comfortable working across a variety of assembly tasks and switching between them throughout the day. 

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to build quality. 

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced startup manufacturing environment with evolving processes. 
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, and work in a shop-floor setting with appropriate PPE. 

Preferred Skills and Experience 

• Experience with mechanical assembly in aerospace, nuclear, automotive, or other highly regulated industries. 

• Basic electrical or electromechanical assembly experience (wiring, connectors, harnessing). 

• Familiarity with torque specifications, fastener standards, and basic hand-tool calibration. 

• Prior experience in a startup or low-volume/high-mix production environment. 

• Forklift, overhead crane, or rigging certification. 

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).