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Valar Atomics is a Series A nuclear energy company developing advanced high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) technology to enable scalable, clean nuclear power for industrial applications, hydrogen production, and next-generation manufacturing. The company is building a pilot plant in Orangeville, Utah to demonstrate factory-made, rapidly deployable nuclear systems.
As Senior Process Engineer, you will own the complete lifecycle of helium process systems—from early concept and design through manufacturing, commissioning, and operation. This is a hands-on technical leadership role within the Mechanical Engineering organization, reporting to engineering leadership.
Key responsibilities include:
• Design, specify, and develop helium process systems architecture, including pressure vessels, heat exchangers, compressors, adsorption systems, valves, piping, instrumentation, and gas analyzers.
• Lead manufacturing execution: vendor selection, fabrication oversight, inspections, issue resolution, and acceptance testing. Work directly with internal teams, suppliers, and contract manufacturers to resolve fabrication issues and ensure hardware meets design intent.
• Develop comprehensive process documentation: Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), equipment specifications, piping specifications, operating procedures, and engineering calculations.
• Perform process engineering analyses including mass and energy balances, pressure drop calculations, heat transfer analysis, equipment sizing, gas flow modeling, and transient system behavior.
• 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.
Required qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Nuclear Engineering (or related discipline). 5+ years designing industrial process systems, gas handling systems, thermal-fluid systems, or energy systems. Proven track record developing and delivering complex engineered systems from concept through commissioning. Strong foundation in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and process engineering. Experience developing PFDs, P&IDs, process calculations, equipment specifications, and operating procedures. Familiarity with industrial instrumentation, process controls, and gas analysis systems. Excellent technical communication and cross-functional leadership skills.
Preferred: Master's degree in engineering. Experience with helium systems, cryogenic systems, high-pressure gas systems, gas purification, or vacuum systems. Background in HTGR, advanced reactor technologies, or nuclear energy systems. Knowledge of helium coolant chemistry, impurity control, moisture management, graphite compatibility, and gas sampling. Working knowledge of ASME B31.3 Process Piping and ASME Section VIII Pressure Vessels standards.
