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 Role
The Director of Infrastructure leads the design and delivery of site-specific infrastructure supporting reactor deployment. This role owns civil, structural, architectural, site development, and utilities engineering, translating reactor requirements into practical, buildable designs. You will operate at the intersection of engineering and construction—driving FOAK iterations while building toward standardized, repeatable site designs. Success is defined by delivering construction-ready plans, improving cost and schedule each iteration, and building a high-performing internal engineering function. This role is a key integrator across reactor engineering and construction execution, ensuring designs work in the field—not just on paper. Key Responsibilities
Lead design and delivery of site infrastructure packages (civil, structural, architectural, utilities)
Translate system requirements into constructable, field-ready designs
Directly manage external engineering partners—owning output, schedule, and quality
Serve as primary interface to construction teams, supporting field execution and resolving issues in real time
Build and scale internal infrastructure engineering capability (team, standards, systems)
Drive iteration-to-iteration improvements in cost, schedule, and constructability
Develop standardized, repeatable site design packages
Integrate closely with nuclear, mechanical, electrical, and piping teams
Support permitting and local approvals
Select and manage vendors, consultants, and contractors
You Will Be Successful in This Role If
You deliver buildable engineering that minimizes total installed cost and holds up under changing inputs
You keep projects moving with incomplete information, making practical, conservative decisions
You fully own external engineering output—driving consultants hard and never operating passively
You quickly separate real risks from noise and make clear, defensible calls
You improve each iteration—reducing cost, complexity, and schedule while increasing repeatability
You proactively resolve integration issues before they hit the field
You build toward vertical integration, reducing reliance on external firms over time
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Structural, or related field (or equivalent hands-on experience)
6–10+ years delivering civil/structural/site infrastructure projects that were actually constructed
Demonstrated track record of real-world scope (e.g., large-scale sites, major concrete/utility work, multi-acre developments)
Experience taking projects from design through construction, including field support and issue resolution
Proven ability to directly manage external engineering firms for performance and constructability
Strong knowledge of site development, utilities, grading, drainage, and building systems
Experience with Utah (or similar) permitting and regulatory environments
Ability to own technical deliverables as both an individual contributor and leader
Preferred Skills and Experience
Professional Engineer (PE) license
Experience in design-build, EPC, or integrated project delivery
Experience developing standardized, repeatable design systems
Strong understanding of construction cost drivers
Experience building internal engineering teams and processes
Location
This role is based primarily in Orangeville, UT, with significant onsite involvement supporting engineering and construction activities. Approximately 25% travel to Los Angeles is expected to support coordination and project execution. 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).
