Pilot Captain

Valar Atomics is redefining the energy landscape by making clean, high-temperature nuclear power scalable. The company is composed of builders, engineers, and operators dedicated to deploying factory-made nuclear systems. Valar Atomics is seeking a full-time, single-pilot Phenom Captain to facilitate executive and employee transport between its Southern California headquarters and its Utah test site, as well as other destinations.

This is a fully onsite role based in Hawthorne, California, near LAX. The Captain is expected to be available for flight with a two-hour notice for a minimum of five days per week to support a highly mobile and responsive workforce.

The Role

The Pilot Captain operates with urgency, ownership, and a high degree of professionalism to ensure the company moves with agility without compromising safety. Operating under the supervision of the Director of Flight Operations, the Captain functions mostly autonomously while adhering to FARs, company policies, and standard operating procedures.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct flight operations primarily as a single-pilot PIC, and occasionally as a PIC or SIC in a crew environment.
Perform all pre-flight duties, including verifying aircraft airworthiness, ensuring required documentation is onboard, and completing weather, fuel, and flight planning.
Prepare and file FAA flight plans and ensure accurate weight and balance calculations for every leg.
Ensure fuel loading meets requirements for grade and quantity.
Assess weather conditions and aircraft performance limitations to ensure compliance with FAR Part 91 and company SOPs.
Interact professionally with passengers, providing safety briefings and ensuring comfort during boarding, flight, and deplaning.
Assist with luggage and passenger logistics to facilitate mission success.
Maintain constant communication with the Director of Flight Operations regarding crew duty time, weather impacts, or itinerary changes.
Maintain all required certifications, medical qualifications, and currency as dictated by the FAA and company standards.
Assist with flight scheduling in the absence of the Director of Flight Operations.

Basic Qualifications

3,500 hours total flight time.
1,500 hours multi-engine time and 1,000 hours turbine time.
200 hours in type, or the ability to be approved by the insurance carrier.
ATP MEL with EMB-500 or EMB-505 PIC type rating.
Experience in a fast jet (required if typed in the Phenom 100 only).
Current FAA second-class medical certificate or higher.
12-month CAE or FlightSafety simulator currency.
Proven judgment and decision-making skills.
Extensive experience flying in high-traffic international environments, austere airports, and mountainous terrain across various weather conditions, day and night.
Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder).

Preferred Qualifications

Experience as a single-pilot turbine PIC.
Previous experience as a Part 135 Captain in passenger-carrying operations.
Type ratings in both the Phenom 100 and Phenom 300.
Training in aerobatics, upset-recovery, or aircraft energy management.
Experience working within a high-growth startup environment.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range: $180,000 - $210,000 USD per year.
Equity ownership in a rapidly growing advanced energy company.
Comprehensive medical benefits.
Daily lunch and dinner provided onsite.
High-impact work environment with significant autonomy and career growth opportunities.
Direct collaboration with industry-leading engineers and operators.

Valar Atomics is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.