Senior Process Engineer

Valar Atomics

Torrance, California

Full Time

Posted July 29, 2026

$144k - $176k

Nuclear Energy

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Listing evidence and provenance

Source: greenhouse View original listing
Freshness: Open in the current public read path; this is not an employer guarantee.Last observed September 29, 2026
Classification: Modern power-system classification not yet published for this listing.Legacy source industry field: Nuclear Energy
Pay provenance: Employer-provided pay

Job Description

As part of the Engineering organization, Mechanical Engineering designs and develops the mechanical systems, components, and equipment that power Valar's advanced nuclear technologies.

Key Responsibilities

Valar Atomics is seeking an experienced Senior Process Engineer to lead the design, development, testing, and operation of helium systems supporting next-generation high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) technology. This engineer will own process system architecture from early concept and design through manufacturing and commissioning.
Own the design, procurement, fabrication, assembly, and commissioning of helium process systems from concept through operation.
Lead manufacturing execution for assigned systems, including vendor selection, fabrication oversight, inspections, issue resolution, and acceptance testing.
Develop process system documentation including PFDs, P&IDs, equipment specifications, piping specifications, operating procedures, and engineering calculations.
Perform process engineering analyses including mass and energy balances, pressure drop, heat transfer, equipment sizing, gas flow, and transient system behavior.
Specify and integrate process equipment including pressure vessels, heat exchangers, adsorption systems, compressors, valves, piping, instrumentation, and gas analyzers.
Work directly with internal manufacturing, suppliers, and contract manufacturers to resolve fabrication issues, improve manufacturability, and ensure hardware meets design intent.
Support equipment procurement by developing technical requirements, reviewing vendor proposals, and approving manufacturing documentation.
Lead system integration, installation, startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting of helium process systems.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
5+ years of experience designing industrial process systems, gas handling systems, thermal-fluid systems, or related energy systems.
Proven experience developing and delivering complex engineered systems from concept through commissioning or operational deployment.
Strong foundation in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and process engineering principles.
Experience developing PFDs, P&IDs, process calculations, equipment specifications, and system operating procedures.
Familiarity with industrial instrumentation, process controls, and gas analysis systems.
Excellent technical communication, documentation, and cross-functional leadership skills.
Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or a related field.
Experience with helium systems, cryogenic systems, high-pressure gas systems, gas purification, vacuum systems, or high-temperature process equipment.
Experience with high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs), advanced reactor technologies, or other nuclear energy systems.
Familiarity with helium coolant chemistry, impurity control, moisture management, graphite compatibility, and gas sampling systems.
Working knowledge of ASME B31.3 Process Piping, ASME Section VIII Pressure Vessels, and applicable industrial gas handling standards.
Hands-on experience supporting commissioning, startup, troubleshooting, and performance optimization of first-of-a-kind process systems.
Experience participating in design reviews, HAZOPs, FMEAs, and system safety analyses.

Benefits & Perks

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