Turbomachinery Aerodynamics Engineer

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 Engineering organization, Power Conversion develops the technologies that efficiently transform reactor-generated heat into usable electrical power. The team focuses on maximizing system performance, reliability, and commercial viability.

The Role 

Valar Atomics is seeking a turbomachinery aerodynamics engineer to join the turbomachinery team and advance power generation capability. In this role, you’ll be responsible for the aerodynamic design of cutting-edge turbomachinery for power generation. You’ll be working with cross-functional team members to define a manufacturable, high efficiency, robust design. As an early hire in turbomachinery, you will be able to directly influence design decisions on the system architecture. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Conduct meanline and streamline analysis of turbomachinery designs 
• Analyze turbomachinery components using 3D CFD 
• Conduct trade studies of turbomachinery configurations including stage count, shrouded/unshrouded designs, axial/radial configurations 

Basic Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering 
• Experience analyzing turbomachinery (Turbines, Compressors, Turbochargers, Turboexpanders, Blowers, Turbopumps, etc.) 
• Experience with meanline and streamline analysis of turbomachinery 
• Experience with 3D CFD simulations of turbomachinery 

Preferred Skills and Experience 

• Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering  
• Knowledge of manufacturing, postprocessing, assembly, inspection procedures for turbomachinery 
• Experience with supercritical C02 
• Experience with unsteady simulations of turbomachinery 
• Experience with thermodynamic cycle analysis 
• Experience with commercially available turbomachinery design packages (AxStream, Concepts NREC, NPSS OTAC) 

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).

Salary$140,000—$215,000 USD