Legal Operations Manager

Legal Operations SpecialistTorrance, California, United StatesAt 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.As part of the Business organization, Legal provides strategic legal guidance that enables innovation while protecting the company's interests. The team manages contracts, corporate governance, intellectual property, regulatory matters, and legal risk across the organization.Valar Atomics is looking for a Legal Operations Specialist to help build the operational backbone of our legal function as we scale. This role will own critical legal operations workstreams - from cap table management and entity governance to contract systems, insurance, and vendor coordination - allowing our legal team to move fast without sacrificing rigor. You will work closely with our General Counsel and cross-functionally with Finance, HR, and business teams, with significant ownership over the systems and processes that keep our legal function running smoothly. This is an opportunity to build legal operations infrastructure from the ground up at a fast-growing, hard-tech company.Key ResponsibilitiesManage and maintain the company's capitalization table, including tracking equity issuances, option grants, exercises, terminations, and vesting schedules (e.g., in Pulley or Carta)Draft, review, and manage non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and other routine commercial and vendor agreementsOwn entity management and corporate housekeeping for the company and its subsidiaries, including formation, foreign qualification, dissolution, and annual/biennial compliance filingsManage the company's corporate insurance programs (e.g., D&O, general liability, property, cyber), including renewals, certificates of insurance, and broker relationshipsLead the onboarding, implementation, and ongoing administration of a contract lifecycle management system (CMS/CLM), including workflow design and user trainingBuild, maintain, and iterate on legal playbooks, templates, and standard operating procedures to support scalable self-service across the businessTrack corporate compliance calendars and regulatory filing deadlines, including support for export control processes as needed (e.g., ITAR, EAR, DOE Part 810)Assist with board and stockholder matters, including preparing consents, resolutions, and meeting materialsIdentify opportunities to improve legal operations processes and systems as the company scalesBasic QualificationsAt least 4 years of experience in legal operations, corporate paralegal work, or a similar roleHands-on experience managing a capitalization table using a platform such as Carta or PulleyExperience drafting and managing NDAs and other routine commercial agreementsExperience with entity management and corporate housekeeping across multiple jurisdictionsExperience managing corporate insurance programs and policy renewalsExperience implementing, administering, or supporting a contract management system (CMS/CLM)Strong organizational skills, high attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneouslyComfortable working independently and taking ownership in a fast-paced, high-growth environmentExcellent written and verbal communication skillsPreferred Skills and ExperiencePrior experience at a BigLaw firmPrior in-house experience in a fast-paced startup environmentExposure to startups in hard tech sectors (e.g., hardware, energy, aerospace, defense, or deep tech)Familiarity with export control regimes relevant to advanced technology companies (e.g., ITAR, EAR, DOE Part 810)Experience building or improving legal operations processes and systems from scratchWhat We OfferCompetitive base salaryEquity ownership in a rapidly growing advanced energy companyComprehensive medical benefitsUnlimited PTOFree daily lunch and dinner provided onsiteGenerous PPE stipendHigh-impact startup environment with significant ownership and autonomyOpportunities for rapid career growth and internal advancementDirect collaboration with experienced operators, engineers, and industry leadersThe opportunity to help build and scale transformative energy technology from the ground upEqual Employment Opportunity StatementValar 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$115,000 - $155,000 USD