Freelance Control Panel Builder Jobs in California

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 Engineering organization, Instrumentations & Controls designs the systems that monitor, automate, and protect Valar's facilities and reactor technologies. The team develops reliable control architectures that enable safe and efficient operations. 

The Role 

The Control Panel Builder is responsible for assembling, wiring, and finishing industrial control panels according to electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and applicable codes and standards. This role requires attention to detail, adherence to safety and quality standards, and the ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities 

• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layout 
  drawings
• Use hand tools, power tools, crimpers, torque tools, label printers/engravers, and 
  multimeters safely and properly
• Mechanically assemble control panel enclosures, backplates, DIN rail 
  components, wire duct, and other various devices
• Wire control panels including:
  • Power distribution (single-phase & three-phase)
  • Control circuits
  • PLC I/O wiring
  • VFDs, motor starters, relays, contactors, terminal blocks, and power supplies
  • Cut, strip, crimp, label, and route wires per drawing and workmanship standards
  • Apply wire labels, terminal labels, and device tags per project documentation
  • Verify parts and materials against the BOM, drawings, and project documentation 
• Identify and report incorrect, damaged, missing, or substitute components
• Torque electrical terminations to specified values and document as required
• Perform continuity checks and basic electrical verification prior to testing
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and workmanship standards inside enclosures
• Build panels in accordance with applicable UL 508A, NEC, project specifications, 
  and company quality procedures
• Communicate issues, discrepancies, or missing information to engineering or 
  supervision
• Support panel testing and troubleshooting as needed
• Support rework, modifications, and engineering change implementation as needed
• Comply with safety policies, PPE requirements, and LOTO procedures 

Basic Qualifications  

• 2+ years of experience building, wiring, or assembling industrial control panels; 3+ 
  years preferred
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel 
  layout drawings
• Experience cutting, stripping, crimping, labeling, routing, and terminating wires
• Experience with DIN rail components, terminal blocks, relays, contactors, power 
  supplies, circuit breakers, and VFDs
• Proficient with hand tools and shop tools, including wire strippers, crimpers, torque 
  tools, drills, label printers/engravers, and multimeters
• Ability to perform basic continuity checks and point-to-point wiring verification
• Ability to follow BOMs, drawings, work instructions, and quality checklists
• Knowledge of basic electrical safety practices, PPE requirements, and LOTO 
  procedures
• Strong attention to detail, cleanliness, organization, and workmanship quality
• Ability to communicate missing parts, drawing discrepancies, or build issues to 
  engineering or supervision
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team in a shop/lab environment
• Ability to lift to 50 lbs. and work on the shop floor for extended periods 

Preferred Skills and Experience  

• Familiarity with UL 508A requirements, NEC, and industrial control panel standards
• Experience with PLC systems such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar platforms
• Experience with PLC I/O wiring, analog/digital signals, instrumentation, or 4-20 mA 
  loops
• Panel testing, troubleshooting, or quality inspection experience
• Experience supporting redlines, as-built markups, or engineering change 
  implementation
• Forklift, scissor lift, or aerial lift certification
• Field service experience
• Electrical certification, electrician training, trade school, or formal technical 
  training 

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 
• Generous PPE stipend
• 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).