
Mechanical Technician, Process Gas Systems
Valar Atomics · Torrance, CA
- Level
- Technician
- Team
- Reliability
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 4+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- 14 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level reliability role at Valar Atomics (industrial) in Torrance, CA.
- They ask for
- 4+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- Welding
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
How this role compares
Against 88 other live reliability postings in California.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- More than usual (4+ vs 3+)
Typical $72k–$110k, from 7 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 3+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Welding 35%
- Team leadership 34%
- Tooling 33%
- PLC 33%
- Automation 20%
✓ = 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 Reliability 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?
- 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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- Automation and Controls Engineer · Controls
Full description from Valar AtomicsAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
The Role
The Mechanical Technician builds, tests, and commissions pressurized process gas skids for our advanced nuclear reactor. The work spans tube bending, piping, compressors, chillers, heat exchangers, and pressure vessels, from first fit-up through leak testing, pressure testing, and startup. You will maintain high standards for quality, safety, and workmanship and partner closely with engineering to turn designs into reliable, buildable hardware.
Key Responsibilities
- ◆Build and test process system skids in accordance with approved drawings, specifications, procedures, and work instructions; work independently and coordinate with other technicians to support the build schedule.
- ◆Maintain high standards for safety, workmanship, cleanliness, and procedure adherence throughout tube bending, fitting makeup, bolted joint assembly, testing, and commissioning activities.
- ◆Work closely with engineering, quality, and operations; review drawings and procedures for buildability and raise drawing discrepancies, design conflicts, or unsafe conditions early.
- ◆Build process system skids to P&IDs, isometric and general arrangement drawings, specifications, and work instructions.
- ◆Measure, bend, cut, debur, and install stainless steel and alloy tubing; make up and inspect compression fittings with gap gauges per the manufacturer's
- ◆instructions.
- ◆Install and fit up piping, flanges, valves, regulators, relief devices, filters, and pressure vessels; assemble flanged joints with correct gaskets and controlled torque sequences (ASME PCC-1).
- ◆Install, align, and connect compressors, pumps, chillers, coolers, and heat exchangers, and coordinate instrumentation installation with electrical and I&C technicians.
- ◆Maintain cleanliness and foreign material exclusion (FME) controls for high-purity gas service, and rig and move skids and equipment safely using cranes, hoists, and forklifts.
- ◆Perform hydrostatic and pneumatic pressure tests per ASME B31.3, BPVC Section VIII, and approved test procedures.
- ◆Participate in mechanical completion walkdowns, punch lists, and system turnover, and support commissioning and startup of compressors, chillers, heat exchangers, and control and relief valves.
- ◆Diagnose mechanical problems such as leaks, vibration, and overheating, and perform preventive and corrective maintenance to minimize downtime.
- ◆Maintain tools, calibrated test equipment, and parts inventory, and participate in incident investigations and continuous improvement of build and test processes.
Basic
Qualifications
- ✓High school diploma or equivalent.
- ✓4+ years of hands-on mechanical experience in a process plant, chemical plant, power generation, or similar industrial environment, with significant work on pressurized gas systems.
- ✓Hands-on experience bending and installing stainless steel tubing and making up compression fittings to manufacturer standards.
- ✓Experience assembling piping, flanges, valves, and vessels, including bolted joint assembly to specified torque values.
- ✓Experience performing hydrostatic and pneumatic pressure tests and leak tests on high-pressure systems.
- ✓Experience installing and maintaining compressors, pumps, and chillers, and heat exchangers.
- ✓Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, isometric drawings, mechanical drawings, specifications, and procedures.
- ✓Proficiency with hand and power tools, torque tools, and precision measuring instruments.
- ✓Strong working knowledge of safe practices for stored energy and pressurized systems, including lockout/tagout.
- ✓Strong troubleshooting skills, attention to detail, and clear written and verbal communication.
- ✓Able to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted, stand for extended periods, and work in confined spaces, at heights, and in required PPE.
- ✓Willing to work extended hours, weekends, and shifts as needed to support build and test schedules.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- ✓Completion of a trade school, apprenticeship, or military technical training program, or a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering technology or a related field.
- ✓Working knowledge of ASME B31.3, BPVC Section VIII, and PCC-1; familiarity with ASME Section III is a plus.
- ✓Experience with helium, hydrogen, nitrogen, CO2, or other high-purity process gas systems, including vacuum and cryogenic service.
- ✓Manufacturer tube fitting and tube bending training (for example Swagelok or Parker).
- ✓Journeyman pipefitter, steamfitter, or millwright card.
- ✓Orbital or manual GTAW tube welding experience, or experience working closely with welders on fit-up and inspection.
- ✓Rigging, crane signaling, and forklift
qualifications
- ✓Experience writing or redlining work instructions and test procedures.
- ✓Experience in a fast-paced startup or first-of-a-kind build environment.
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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 mechanicalsystems, components, and equipment that power Valar's advanced nuclear technologies. The teamensures 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
- •Free daily lunch and dinner provided onsite
- •Generous PPE stipend
- •High-impact startup environment with
