Senior Process Engineer
Valar Atomics · Torrance, CA
- Level
- Senior
- Team
- Process
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 5+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A senior process role at Valar Atomics (industrial) in Torrance, CA.
- They ask for
- 5+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- FMEA
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
How this role compares
Against 77 other live process postings in California.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- Typical (5+ years)
Typical $124k–$171k, from 46 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- Root cause 47%
- Team leadership 27%
- Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 24%
- DOE 24%
- SPC 22%
- New product launch 21%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Process team at Valar Atomics
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Valar Atomics in Torrance
18 other open roles at this site.
- Mechanical Technician, Process Gas Systems · Reliability · Technician
- Production Metrology Technician · Quality · Technician
- Production Quality Engineer · Quality
- Production Quality Supervisor · Quality · Supervisor
- Production Quality Technician · Quality · Technician
- CNC Programmer · Manufacturing · Technician
Full description from Valar AtomicsAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
The Role
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.
Key Responsibilities
- ◆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.
Basic
Qualifications
- ✓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.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- ✓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.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
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, Mechanical Engineering designs and develops the mechanical systems, components, and equipment that power Valar's advanced nuclear technologies. The team ensures designs are robust, manufacturable, and optimized for long-term performance.
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
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
$144,000 — $176,000 USD