Senior Welder
Valar Atomics · Torrance, California, United States · On-site
Posted Sep 4, 2026
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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 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…