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Salary: USD 90,000 - 125,000 / annual
Valar Atomics is redefining clean energy by making high-temperature nuclear power scalable for industrial, hydrogen, and next-generation manufacturing applications. The company is building factory-made, rapidly deployable advanced nuclear systems, with a pilot plant in Orangeville, Utah.
As Production Quality Engineer, you will provide technical quality engineering support directly to the production floor for HTGR reactor component and fuel-related manufacturing activities in the Torrance facility. This is a hands-on role where you will spend significant time on the production floor evaluating process performance, reviewing nonconformances, and solving technical problems in real time alongside operators, technicians, and manufacturing engineers.
You will serve as the technical quality authority for production processes, working with Production Quality Supervisors, Technicians, and Inspectors to define inspection methods, evaluate process capability, disposition nonconforming material, and drive root cause and corrective action for production quality issues. Key responsibilities include developing and maintaining inspection plans and control plans aligned with engineering drawings and specifications; making technically defensible disposition decisions (use-as-is, rework, repair, scrap) for nonconformances; leading structured root cause analysis and corrective action (CAPA) using methodologies like 8D, 5-Why, and fishbone analysis; evaluating process capability through Cp/Cpk studies and Measurement Systems Analysis (Gauge R&R); partnering with Manufacturing and Design Engineering to resolve manufacturability issues and engineering change impacts; supporting development of Quality Plan Certification Training Syllabi for Operator Verification Certification (OVC); analyzing production quality data and trends to identify systemic issues; participating in internal and external audits as a technical subject matter expert; and supporting process qualification and verification activities as manufacturing transitions from prototype to sustained production.
You will work within the Regulations & Safety organization, which establishes systems and standards ensuring products and processes consistently meet the highest levels of quality and compliance while promoting continuous improvement and operational excellence.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Engineering, Quality Engineering, or related technical discipline
- 3+ years of experience in quality engineering, manufacturing engineering, or process engineering within a production environment
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, specifications, and process control documentation
- Working knowledge of statistical process control (SPC), process capability analysis (Cp/Cpk), and Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA/Gauge R&R)
- Experience with nonconformance and CAPA systems and root cause investigation methodologies
- Strong communication skills across engineering, manufacturing, and quality functions
- Comfortable working in active manufacturing environments including exposure to industrial noise, fabrication-related fumes, and changing operational conditions while following all safety protocols
PREFERRED:
- Experience supporting nuclear, aerospace, defense, semiconductor, or similarly regulated manufacturing environments
- Familiarity with NQA-1, ASME, AS9100, IATF 16949, or similar quality management standards
- Experience with APQP/PPAP, PFMEA, and process control plan development
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent process improvement certification
- Experience using statistical analysis tools (Minitab, JMP, or similar)
- Experience supporting or implementing Operator Verification Certification (OVC) or similar delegated-verification programs
- Experience transitioning manufacturing processes from prototype/R&D to sustained production
