Senior Welder

The Team

As part of the Manufacturing organization, the Fabrication/Weld Shop produces complex structural and mechanical assemblies that meet demanding quality and performance requirements. The team combines skilled craftsmanship with disciplined manufacturing practices to support production.

The Role

Valar Atomics is looking for a Senior Welder to fabricate precision components for our modular nuclear reactor systems. You will perform high-integrity welds on pressure vessels, piping, and structural assemblies, working closely with engineering and quality teams to meet demanding nuclear-grade specifications. This is a hands-on shop-floor role critical to building first-of-a-kind hardware.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform GTAW/TIG, GMAW, and SMAW welds on carbon steel, stainless steel, and nickel alloys to nuclear-grade specifications.
• Read and interpret blueprints, weld symbols, and engineering drawings for pressure vessels and structural assemblies.
• Perform in-process and final visual inspection of welds; coordinate with QC for NDE (dye penetrant, radiographic, ultrasonic) testing.
• Maintain and calibrate welding equipment; select correct filler metals, shielding gases, and parameters per WPS.
• Mentor junior welders and enforce shop safety, quality, and 5S standards on the floor.
• Document weld travelers, certifications, and non-conformances in accordance with quality management procedures.

Basic Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional welding experience in a manufacturing, aerospace, shipbuilding, or heavy industrial environment.
• AWS Certified Welder (or equivalent) with demonstrated proficiency in GTAW (TIG) on stainless steel and exotic alloys.
• Ability to read and work from complex engineering drawings, weld symbols, and WPS documentation.
• Experience with pressure vessel or code welding (ASME Section IX, B31.3, or similar) strongly preferred.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced startup manufacturing environment with evolving processes.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, and work in a shop-floor setting with appropriate PPE.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience welding in nuclear, aerospace, or other highly regulated quality environments.
• Orbital welding experience for small-diameter precision tubing.
• Familiarity with ASME Section IX / Section III code welding and NDE processes.
• Prior experience standing up welding processes or procedures in a new manufacturing line.
• Forklift, overhead crane, or rigging certification.

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