CNC Programmer
Valar Atomics · Torrance, CA
- Level
- Technician
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Experience asked
- 5+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level manufacturing role at Valar Atomics (industrial) in Torrance, CA. Develop CNC programs for mills and lathes using CAM software (ESPRIT EDGE and/or Fusion 360).
- They ask for
- 5+ years
- Tools it names
- GD&T, Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), Automation, CNC, Machining, Tooling
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
How this role compares
Against 77 other live manufacturing postings in California.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- Typical (5+ years)
Typical $85k–$123k, from 12 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ CNC 42%
- ✓ Tooling 41%
- ✓ Machining 38%
- Team leadership 37%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with 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 Manufacturing 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
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Full description from Valar AtomicsAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
The Role
Valar Atomics is looking for a CNC Programmer to develop and optimize CNC programs for precision components used in our modular nuclear reactor systems. You will translate engineering drawings and CAD models into efficient, repeatable toolpaths, working closely with machinists and engineering to hit tight tolerances on a wide range of materials. This role has high ownership over process and directly shapes how our shop turns designs into hardware.
Key Responsibilities
- ◆Develop CNC programs for mills and lathes using CAM software (ESPRIT EDGE and/or Fusion 360).
- ◆Translate CAD models and engineering drawings into efficient, repeatable toolpaths and setups.
- ◆Select appropriate tooling, feeds, speeds, and work-holding strategies for a range of materials including stainless steel, nickel alloy and Graphite.
- ◆Partner with machinists to debug and refine programs at the machine; troubleshoot cycle time and quality issues.
- ◆Provide design-for-manufacturability (DFM) feedback to engineering during part design.
- ◆Maintain and organize program libraries, post-processors, and documentation.
- ◆Support first-article inspection and process validation for new parts.
Basic
Qualifications
- ✓5+ years of CNC programming experience in a manufacturing, aerospace, or precision machining environment.
- ✓Proficiency with CAM software (ESPRIT EDGE, Fusion 360, or similar) for mills and/or lathes.
- ✓Strong ability to read and work from complex engineering drawings, GD&T, and CAD models.
- ✓Solid understanding of machining fundamentals, tooling, and material properties.
- ✓Experience programming for tight-tolerance parts (ASME Y14.5, aerospace or nuclear-grade specs preferred).
- ✓Comfortable working in a fast-paced startup manufacturing environment with evolving processes.
- ✓Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with machinists and engineering.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- ✓5-axis programming experience.
- ✓Experience setting up In-Machine Probing to verify parts without removing parts
- ✓Experience with Automation and lights out programming
- ✓Experience programming Graphite Material or similar abrasive material
- ✓Hands-on machining experience (able to run/debug programs at the machine).
- ✓Experience standing up CNC programs and processes for a new manufacturing line.
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 Manufacturing organization, the Machine Shop manufactures precision components that meet exacting engineering and quality standards. The team supports rapid development, prototyping, and production through advanced machining capabilities.
What We Offer
- •Competitive base salary
- •Equity ownership in a rapidly growing advanced energy company
- •Comprehensive medical benefits
- •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
$40 — $60 USD