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Salary: USD 90,000 - 137,000 / annual
Valar Atomics is seeking Automation and Controls Engineers to develop, configure, test, and commission control system software for advanced nuclear reactor and fuel manufacturing facilities. You will join the Instrumentation, Control & Electrical (IC&E) organization, working alongside senior, staff, and principal engineers in an environment that blends traditional control systems with modern software and data integration practices.
In this early-career position built for growth, you will contribute across the controls software domain including PLC programming, SCADA and HMI development, batch control, alarm configuration, historian work, and control system testing. You will write real application code that runs a real plant, spend time at panels and in the field during loop checks and commissioning, have your work reviewed by experienced engineers, and learn nuclear-grade software discipline on a first-of-a-kind reactor program. The role is structured to develop you toward independent ownership of controls software scope within your first few years.
Key responsibilities include: developing and modifying PLC and DCS application code on platforms such as Rockwell ControlLogix/CompactLogix or Siemens S7/TIA Portal using IEC 61131-3 languages; building and maintaining SCADA application content on platforms such as Ignition, FactoryTalk, AVEVA, or WinCC; developing HMI displays at panel and supervisory levels in accordance with ISA-101/HPHMI style guides; implementing ISA-88 batch phase logic and equipment module code; configuring alarm setpoints, priorities, and deadbands; supporting safety logic work under IEC 61511; configuring historian tags and building operational dashboards; configuring and troubleshooting industrial communication interfaces including OPC-UA, EtherNet/IP, and Modbus TCP/RTU; writing SQL queries and Python scripts for data processing and test automation; applying software configuration management practices including version control and code review; executing FAT, SAT, and commissioning test procedures; troubleshooting control system software faults; supporting coordination with I&C Hardware Engineers; maintaining disciplined engineering records consistent with nuclear quality requirements; and actively developing technical competence through structured learning and progressively larger assignments.
Valar Atomics is redefining what's possible in energy, with a mission to make clean, high-temperature nuclear power scalable for industry, hydrogen, and next-generation manufacturing. The company is building a first pilot plant in Orangeville, Utah to demonstrate how advanced nuclear systems and fuel fabrication can power the future.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Electronic, Computer, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline
- 2+ years of experience in controls software, PLC programming, SCADA development, or related automation work (substantial internship or co-op experience may be counted toward this at hiring manager's discretion)
- Hands-on PLC programming experience with at least one major platform (Rockwell, Siemens, or equivalent) using one or more IEC 61131-3 languages
- Some hands-on exposure to SCADA or HMI development on a major platform (Ignition, FactoryTalk, AVEVA, WinCC, or equivalent)
- Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, loop diagrams, and I/O lists sufficient to develop and test control logic
- Basic familiarity with at least one industrial communication protocol (OPC-UA, EtherNet/IP, or Modbus)
- Working familiarity with version control concepts and disciplined change practice for application code
- Willingness and ability to work hands-on during loop checks, commissioning, and plant support, including in industrial conditions and on commissioning schedules
- Strong documentation habits and attention to detail, and willingness to work within a rigorous nuclear quality and checking culture
- Ability to take direction, incorporate code review comments constructively, and communicate status and problems clearly
PREFERRED:
- Platform certification such as Ignition (Core/Gold) or Rockwell/Siemens training credentials
- Engineer in Training (EIT) designation or passage of the FE exam
- Internship, co-op, or work experience in process industries, manufacturing, utilities, or system integration
- Exposure to batch control (ISA-88), alarm management (ISA-18.2), or HMI design (ISA-101) concepts
- Exposure to plant historians (PI, Ignition Historian, or equivalent) or operational dashboarding
- Exposure to safety system logic or functional safety testing concepts (IEC 61511)
- Experience with SQL, Python, or REST APIs for data processing or integration
- Experience with Git or equivalent version control
- Personal, academic, or professional projects demonstrating hands-on controls, automation, or software work
