Senior Welder

Valar Atomics

Torrance, California

Full Time

Posted September 4, 2026

$123k - $175k· Est.

Nuclear Energy

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Application opens on company website

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: Estimated benchmark; not employer-provided

Job Description

As part of the Manufacturing organization, the Fabrication/Weld Shop produces complex structural and mechanical assemblies that meet demanding quality and performance requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Valar Atomics is looking for a Senior Welder to fabricate precision components for our modular nuclear reactor systems. You will perform high-integrity welds on pressure vessels, piping, and structural assemblies, working closely with engineering and quality teams to meet demanding nuclear-grade specifications. This is a hands-on shop-floor role critical to building first-of-a-kind hardware.
Perform GTAW/TIG, GMAW, and SMAW welds on carbon steel, stainless steel, and nickel alloys to nuclear-grade specifications.
Read and interpret blueprints, weld symbols, and engineering drawings for pressure vessels and structural assemblies.
Perform in-process and final visual inspection of welds; coordinate with QC for NDE (dye penetrant, radiographic, ultrasonic) testing.
Maintain and calibrate welding equipment; select correct filler metals, shielding gases, and parameters per WPS.
Mentor junior welders and enforce shop safety, quality, and 5S standards on the floor.
Document weld travelers, certifications, and non-conformances in accordance with quality management procedures.

Requirements

5+ years of professional welding experience in a manufacturing, aerospace, shipbuilding, or heavy industrial environment.
AWS Certified Welder (or equivalent) with demonstrated proficiency in GTAW (TIG) on stainless steel and exotic alloys.
Ability to read and work from complex engineering drawings, weld symbols, and WPS documentation.
Experience with pressure vessel or code welding (ASME Section IX, B31.3, or similar) strongly preferred.
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.
Experience welding in nuclear, aerospace, or other highly regulated quality environments.
Orbital welding experience for small-diameter precision tubing.
Familiarity with ASME Section IX / Section III code welding and NDE processes.
Prior experience standing up welding processes or procedures in a new manufacturing line.
Forklift, overhead crane, or rigging certification.

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