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 Business organization, People and Talent attracts, develops, and supports the exceptional individuals who drive Valar's success. The team partners across the company to build a high-performing organization through recruiting, employee development, engagement, and people operations.
The Role
We're seeking a Senior Technical Recruiter to lead full-cycle recruiting for critical engineering and technical roles across the company. This role is central to our ability to build a world-class team—you'll partner directly with hiring managers, shape hiring strategies, and identify exceptional talent in highly competitive and specialized markets. The right person operates with urgency, ownership, and a high bar for talent, helping us scale quickly without compromising quality. This is a fully on-site role based at our Torrance, CA headquarters.
Key Responsibilities
- Become the subject matter expert across engineering, manufacturing, other specialized functions and partner with senior leadership and hiring managers on defining and identifying what top talent looks like in these fields.
- Develop and execute creative strategies for sourcing and engaging top-tier technical talent, and you will use your expertise to close.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to hiring managers and the interview team, defining role requirements, interview plans, hiring criteria.
- Develop ideas and strategies to improve the funnel, improve and build equitable interview processes, research and implement new tools, and stay on top of the latest technology trends in the industry as well as competitive market data.
- Drive an efficient and high quality interview process from initial outreach to close.
- Lead as an advocate for providing an excellent candidate experience that reflects Valar’s standards as well as a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
You Will Be Successful in This Role If
- You take pride in closing top talent and bring genuine drive to every search.
- You thrive in fast-paced, high-expectation environments and manage multiple searches without losing momentum.
- You're resourceful and creative in how you find and engage candidates, especially in competitive markets.
- You care deeply about building exceptional teams and hold a high bar for talent quality.
- You partner effectively with hiring managers, asking the right questions to translate technical needs into clear role definitions and interview plans.
- You operate with strong ownership, accountability, and attention to detail across every search.
Basic Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in technical recruiting.
- Proven track record of hiring for engineering or other highly technical roles.
- Experience sourcing passive candidates in competitive talent markets.
- Strong ability to assess candidate quality and alignment beyond resumes.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple searches and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience improving or streamlining recruiting or operational processes.
- High level of ownership, accountability, and attention to detail.
- Based in or willing to relocate to Torrance, CA.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Bachelor's degree.
- Experience recruiting in aerospace, defense, energy, robotics, or hardware-focused companies.
- Familiarity with roles such as mechanical, electrical, nuclear, manufacturing, or systems engineering.
- Experience working in a high-growth or startup environment.
- Experience using Greenhouse or a similar ATS.
- Data-driven approach to recruiting, including pipeline tracking and reporting.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Valar Atomics is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.
We are committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment and will provide reasonable accommodation as required by law.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
