About this opportunity
Blackwing lists this Legal Counsel opportunity in torrance, California. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
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.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Transactions & Project Finance
Draft, review, negotiate, and manage commercial agreements including supply agreements, vendor contracts, construction agreements, technology licenses, and NDAs
Support and progressively lead project finance transactions, including term sheets, credit agreements, security documents, and financing structures
Assist in structuring and negotiating EPC agreements and other contracts supporting nuclear facility development
Partner with business leaders on contract strategy, risk assessment, and commercial negotiations
Manage contract lifecycle processes, execution workflows, renewals, and contract administration systems
Regulatory & Compliance
Support legal analysis related to DOE, NRC, FERC, and other federal and state regulatory frameworks
Assist in developing and maintaining company compliance programs, policies, and training initiatives
Support export control compliance activities, including 10 C.F.R. Part 810 requirements
Advise internal stakeholders on government contracting requirements and obligations associated with DOE programs and agreements
Employment & Corporate Matters
Provide legal support on employment matters including offer letters, equity arrangements, employment policies, and separation agreements
Coordinate immigration matters and outside counsel relationships for sponsored employees
Assist with development and maintenance of employee handbooks and HR policies
Support venture financing transactions, SAFEs, convertible instruments, and other corporate transactions
Advise on intellectual property protection, confidentiality programs, and invention assignment matters
Assist with corporate governance activities, board resolutions, entity management, and corporate recordkeeping
Manage outside counsel relationships and support legal budget oversight
Basic Qualifications
Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school
A member of the California State Bar or eligible to register as Registered In-House Counsel with the State Bar of California.
3–6 years of legal experience with significant exposure to commercial contracts and transactional matters
Demonstrated ability to draft, negotiate, and manage commercial agreements with increasing independence
Strong business judgment and ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical guidance
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative startup environment with significant ambiguity
Strong ownership mentality and willingness to operate independently when needed
Preferred Skills and Experience
Experience with project finance transactions, construction contracts, EPC agreements, or infrastructure projects
Experience in energy, advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, aerospace, defense, nuclear, or other regulated industries
Familiarity with nuclear regulatory frameworks, including NRC licensing, DOE programs, Price-Anderson, and export controls
Background in a major law firm with experience supporting energy, project finance, infrastructure, or M&A transactions
Prior in-house legal experience at a startup or high-growth technology company
Experience supporting immigration programs, including H-1B, O-1, TN, and PERM processes
Familiarity with government contracting requirements and federal regulatory compliance
Experience working with DOE, NRC, FERC, or other government agencies
Strong interest in helping build legal processes, systems, and infrastructure from the ground up
What We Offer
Competitive base salary
Equity ownership in a rapidly growing advanced energy company
Comprehensive medical benefits
Free daily lunch and dinner provided onsite
High-impact startup environment with significant ownership and autonomy
Opportunities for rapid career growth and internal advancement
Direct collaboration with experienced operators, engineers, and industry leaders
The opportunity to help build and scale transformative energy technology from the ground up
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).
Salary
$200,000 — $260,000 USD
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Worksite address
torrance, CA, 90504, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.