Valar Atomics · 3 hours ago
Senior Nuclear Instrumentation & Controls Engineer
Hawthorne, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
8+ years expValar Atomics is seeking a Senior Nuclear Instrumentation & Controls Engineer who will serve as a senior technical authority for nuclear instrumentation and controls systems. The role involves leading design efforts, system integration, vendor oversight, and ensuring compliance with nuclear industry codes and standards.
EnergyNuclearOil and GasPower Grid
Responsibilities
Lead design, specification, selection, and integration of neutron detectors (e.g., fission chambers, boron-lined detectors) and associated signal conditioning electronics (wide-range, source range channels)
Design and validate radiation monitoring systems including area monitors, process radiation monitors, stack monitors, and coolant activity systems
Oversee detector placement, shielding design, and response characterization (in-core and ex-core)
Perform calibration strategies and uncertainty analyses for neutron flux power range, intermediate range, and startup-range instrumentation
Develop and maintain I&C architectures for safety-related and non-safety systems in accordance with IEEE 603, IEC 61508, and DOE guidance
Produce and review engineering deliverables: control logic, loop diagrams, instrument datasheets, architecture drawings, control narratives, and functional requirement specifications
Execute I&C system modeling, failure modes analysis, response time calculations, and SIL/Category/Level classification (per IEC/ISA standards)
Design interfaces to PLCs, safety-significant controllers, distributed I/O, and high-reliability digital platforms
Guide system integration with reactor protection, and radiation monitoring systems
Lead Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), environmental qualification (EQ), and seismic qualification for sensitive instrumentation
Develop calibration, maintenance, and surveillance procedures for neutron and radiation detectors
Support performance testing, flux mapping, channel operability checks, trip setpoint verification, and acceptance criteria development
Ensure system designs adhere to nuclear regulatory requirements, including DOE Reg Guides, IEEE standards, IAEA SSG-39, and ANS/ANS-related instrumentation standards
Prepare and review technical documentation for licensing, safety basis, and hazard analysis activities
Participate in I&C-related inputs and support for deterministic safety analyses
Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance across interdisciplinary teams
Collaborate with reactor physics, thermal-hydraulics, electrical engineering, and operations teams to meet program requirements
Interface with vendors, labs, and regulatory bodies on detector procurement, radiation monitoring equipment, and safety systems
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline
8–12+ years of experience in nuclear I&C, radiation detection, reactor protection, or related areas
Hands-on experience with: Neutron detectors (fission chambers, B-10 proportional counters)
Signal processing electronics (wide-range, source range channels)
Area/process radiation monitors and environmental monitoring instrumentation
Strong understanding of nuclear standards: IEEE 603, ANSI/ANS-specific radiation monitoring standards
Experience with safety classification, SIL analysis, FMEA, and hazard analysis
Ability to lead technical projects and cross-functional engineering efforts
Preferred
Master's degree or Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering or related field
Experience with HTGR, sodium-cooled, or research reactor designs
Experience with data acquisition systems, digital I&C platforms, and PLCs (e.g., Allen-Bradley)
Familiarity with radiation transport modeling and detector response simulations
Experience with environmental qualification per IEEE 323 and seismic qualification per IEEE 344
Prior regulatory engagement (NRC, DOE, INL, ORNL, etc.)
Experience writing safety basis documents, technical reports, or licensing submittals
Company
Valar Atomics
Valar Atomics is a company focused on scaling nuclear energy beyond the traditional electricity grid.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageTotal Funding
$149MKey Investors
Riot Ventures
2025-11-10Series A· $105M
2025-11-10Debt Financing· $25M
2025-02-19Seed· $19M
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