Sr. Cost Engineer

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, Supply Chain secures the materials, equipment, and supplier partnerships required to support manufacturing and business operations. The team builds resilient supply chains while ensuring quality, cost, and delivery performance.
The Role
Develop and maintain should-cost models for components, assemblies, and services to support sourcing and negotiation strategy.
Partner with Sourcing, Engineering, and Finance to identify cost drivers and high-impact savings opportunities across the supply base.
Analyze supplier quotes and cost breakdowns to validate pricing and identify negotiation leverage.
Support Make-vs-Buy decisions and cost trade-off analysis as Valar scales production.
Key Responsibilities
Build and maintain should-cost models (materials, labor, overhead, tooling) for direct and indirect categories.
Analyze supplier quotes, RFx responses, and cost breakdowns to identify gaps versus should-cost and benchmark data.
Partner with Sourcing and Engineering to support negotiation strategy with data-driven cost insights.
Support Make-vs-Buy analysis, evaluating total cost of ownership across sourcing options.
Track cost trends (materials, labor, logistics) and update models to reflect market conditions.
Identify cost reduction opportunities through design, process, or sourcing changes, and quantify potential savings.
Present cost analysis and recommendations to Sourcing and Engineering leadership.
Maintain cost databases and tools, improving accuracy and scalability as the product portfolio grows.
Act as a mentor within the supply chain organization on cost drivers, market indices, design/cost implications, supplier economics, and manufacturing trade-offs.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, or related technical field.
5+ years of experience in cost engineering, should-cost modeling, or manufacturing cost analysis.
Strong understanding of BOM structures, specifications, engineering drawings, manufacturing processes and cost drivers.
Hands-on experience with cost modeling tools and ERP/sourcing systems.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable recommendations.
Excellent communication skills and ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.
Preferred Skills and Experience
Nuclear, aerospace, or other highly regulated industry experience.
Experience building a should-cost or cost engineering function from the ground up.
Familiarity with Design-to-Cost or Value Engineering methodologies.
Start-up / fast-growth company experience a plus.
What We Offer
Competitive base salary
Equity ownership in a rapidly growing advanced energy company
Comp