Rotordynamics Engineer, Turbomachinery

About the role

This role analyzes rotating machinery to ensure acceptable rotordynamic performance for Valar Atomics power conversion systems. The position defines balance and clearance procedures to support a manufacturable, robust turbomachinery design. As an early hire, the role directly shapes system architecture with cross-functional teams to advance power generation capability.

Software engineers turn product ideas into working code. Engineers work in small teams, review each other's work, and ship in small batches. Most teams follow agile practices such as sprints and daily standups. Engineers also write tests, fix bugs, and improve performance. The field values clear communication as much as technical skill. Engineers spend part of every week on planning, code review, and debugging, not just writing new code. The ability to explain a technical decision in plain words separates strong engineers from the rest.

Key facts

What you'll do

Rotordynamic analyses establish acceptable margins for rotating groups in power conversion turbomachinery. Cross-functional collaboration with secondary flow and seal engineers defines acceptable seal clearances for the turbomachinery. Balance requirements and procedures are defined for the rotating group to ensure stable operation.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering is required for this position. Minimum 3 years of experience conducting rotordynamic analyses is required for the role. Experience analyzing rotating systems for lateral and torsional rotordynamic response is required. Defining balancing requirements for turbomachinery is required based on prior experience. Experience with high speed rotating equipment in gas turbines, steam turbines, blowers, turboexpanders, turbopumps, and similar systems is required.

Nice to have

A Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering is preferred for advanced analysis responsibilities. Experience diagnosing or root causing vibration or rotordynamic failures of equipment is preferred. Familiarity with industry rotordynamic standards such as API 617 and API 684 is preferred. Experience with vibration signal processing is preferred. Experience with commercially available rotordynamic analysis packages such as AxStream, Concepts NREC, and Dyrobes is preferred. Experience with supercritical CO2 is preferred.

Practical notes

The role is based in Torrance, California, and operates under U.S. export and citizenship rules. Free daily lunch and dinner are provided onsite along with comprehensive medical benefits, equity ownership, unlimited PTO, and a generous PPE stipend. Typical interview steps

Hiring for engineering roles usually starts with a recruiter screen, followed by one or two technical rounds. Candidates often solve a coding problem, discuss past projects, and answer system design questions. Some loops include a take-home task. Final rounds typically cover team fit and give candidates a chance to ask questions. Interviewers look for how you break down an unfamiliar problem, not just whether you reach the answer. Practicing a few problems aloud and reviewing your own past projects are the best preparation.

Good to know

Rotordynamics focuses on the behavior of rotating systems, including lateral and torsional vibrations in turbomachinery. Industry standards such as API 617 and API 684 guide design and analysis practices for rotating equipment. Vibration signal processing methods help diagnose performance and stability issues in high-speed machines. Supercritical carbon dioxide cycles enable high efficiency power conversion in advanced energy systems. Turbomachinery design benefits from early cross-functional alignment on manufacturability and robustness.

Career growth

Engineering careers usually progress from individual contributor to senior, staff, and principal levels. Some engineers move into management and lead teams of five to twenty people. Others stay on the technical track. Growth follows demonstrated impact, not tenure alone. A typical engineering ladder has clear levels with defined expectations for scope, quality, and mentorship. Moving up usually requires owning outcomes end to end rather than completing assigned tickets.