Plant Operator

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 

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 

We're looking for a Plant Operator who thrives on challenge and precision, someone ready to help commission and operate one of the most advanced energy and fuel systems ever built. This role begins with an intensive onboarding and training period, where you'll work directly with our design, controls, and engineering teams. Operators may be assigned to either the reactor plant or the pilot fuel fabrication facility, depending on operational needs and experience. At Valar, we take a team-first approach—everyone pitches in to tackle the most critical tasks, no matter the title. Whether it's assisting with commissioning, troubleshooting, or hands-on plant work, you'll be part of a tight-knit team that values collaboration, adaptability, and a shared commitment to the mission.

Key Responsibilities 

• Operate and monitor advanced high-temperature reactor systems and/or pilot TRISO fuel fabrication equipment.
• Execute startup, shutdown, and routine operations in accordance with safety and procedural standards.
• Work hands-on with engineering teams during commissioning, testing, and performance validation of both reactor and fuel systems.
• Analyze operational data to identify trends, optimize efficiency, and maintain system reliability.
• Support process control, material handling, and quality assurance for fuel fabrication operations.
• Collaborate across teams to refine procedures and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.
• Uphold Valar's safety, environmental, and quality commitments every day.

Basic Qualifications  

• Associate degree or equivalent training in nuclear technology, mechanical, chemical, or electrical systems.
• 2+ years of experience in industrial, power plant, or process operations.
• Strong understanding of safety culture, technical systems, and control instrumentation.
• Willing to relocate to Orangeville, UT area for operations.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Background in nuclear operations (commercial, research, or naval) or fuel fabrication processes.
• Familiarity with TRISO fuel systems, helium coolant loops, or high-temperature process systems.
• Experience with commissioning, plant startups, chemical processing, or control room operations.

What We Offer  

• Competitive base salary 
• Equity ownership in a rapidly growing advanced energy company 
• Comprehensive medical benefits 
• 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).