Welding/Dimensional Inspector I

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 

We are seeking an experienced Welding/Dimensional Inspector I to support our weld shop and fabrication operations. This position is responsible for performing visual weld and dimensional inspections, documenting inspection results, and working closely with welding, engineering, and quality personnel to ensure fabricated components meet applicable drawings, specifications, and acceptance criteria.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on welding inspection experience, knowledge of AWS and ASME requirements, and experience using precision measuring and weld inspection instruments.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform pre-weld, in-process and post weld visual weld inspections using weld gauges and other inspection instruments.
• Inspect welds for compliance with applicable drawings, codes, standards, specifications, procedures, and acceptance criteria.
• Clearly document inspection findings and maintain accurate inspection records.
• Identify and document rejected or nonconforming welds, components or materials.
• Work directly with welding personnel to ensure rejected welds are properly repaired and reinspected.
• Document completed welds that meet applicable acceptance requirements.
• Perform dimensional inspections using tape measures, calipers, micrometers, protractors, lasers, and other precision measuring equipment.
• Verify dimensions, tolerances, alignment, and overall fabrication accuracy against engineering drawings and specifications.
• Document acceptable dimensional inspection results and maintain traceable inspection records.
• Assist welding and fabrication personnel in resolving welding, dimensional, and fabrication issues.
• Interface with Engineering and Quality personnel when clarification or technical support is required.
• Generate clear, accurate, and concise inspection reports.
• Report directly to the Weld Shop Supervisor and Welding Engineer.
• Maintain a strong focus on quality, safety, accuracy, and workmanship.

Qualifications

• AWS QC1 Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or Certified Associate Welding Inspector (CAWI) preferred.
• Experience working with applicable AWS and ASME welding requirements/codes.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Quality Control, Quality Assurance, welding inspection, fabrication inspection, or a related field.
• Experience performing visual weld inspections and identifying weld discontinuities or defects.
• Strong understanding of welding and fabrication processes.
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, weld symbols, dimensions, and tolerances.
• Proficiency using precision inspection equipment, including:
• Weld gauges
• Calipers
• Micrometers
• Tape measures
• Protractors
• Lasers and other dimensional inspection tools
• Ability to accurately document inspection results and generate clear reports.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with welders, supervisors, engineers, and other quality personnel.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Word, and Excel.

Preferred Experience

• Experience working in a weld shop, fabrication, manufacturing, or heavy industrial environment.
• Experience inspecting fabricated assemblies for both weld quality and dimensional compliance.
• Familiarity with weld repair, reinspection, and nonconformance processes.
• Understanding of inspection documentation and quality record requirements.

What Success Looks Like

A successful Welding/Dimensional Inspector will consistently identify quality issues before they progress through production, maintain accurate and defensible inspection records, and work effectively with welding and engineering personnel to resolve fabrication issues while ensuring finished products meet required specifications and acceptance criteria.

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).