Senior Automation and Controls Engineer

The posting, as Valar Atomics wrote it

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

You will be joining Valar Atomics' Automation and Controls team within the Instrumentation, Control & Electrical (IC&E) organization. I&C Software Engineers own the logic and data layer PLC and DCS application code, ISA-88 batch sequences, SCADA and HMI applications, historian infrastructure, and enterprise integration across the reactor program and fuel manufacturing operations. You will work alongside I&C Hardware, electrical, process, and nuclear safety engineers in an environment that blends traditional control systems with modern software and data integration practice. The team values operator-focused design, data integrity, disciplined documentation, and a safety-first culture.

The Role

Valar Atomics is seeking Senior Automation and Controls Engineers to develop, configure, test, and commission the control system software for our reactor and nuclear fuel manufacturing facilities. The role covers PLC and DCS programming, SCADA and HMI application development, ISA-88 batch control, alarm management, safety logic programming, historian configuration, and ISA-95 enterprise integration supporting both capital projects and ongoing plant operations. This is a senior position: you will own controls software scope end-to-end, from functional specification through commissioning and long-term support, and provide technical direction to contractors, vendors, and junior engineers.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain PLC and DCS application programs using platforms such as Rockwell ControlLogix/CompactLogix, Siemens S7/TIA Portal, Emerson, or equivalent; program in ladder logic, function block, structured text, and sequential function chart per IEC 61131-3.
• Develop and configure SCADA applications on platforms such as Ignition, Rockwell FactoryTalk, AVEVA System Platform, Siemens WinCC, or equivalent; build and maintain tag databases, user-defined types, communication drivers, scripting, templates, and client and redundancy architecture.
• Design HMI displays at both the local panel level (Rockwell PanelView, Siemens WinCC, or equivalent) and the supervisory SCADA level in accordance with ISA-101 and High-Performance HMI (HPHMI) principles, including display hierarchy, navigation, and situational awareness graphics.
• Develop batch control software in accordance with ISA-88, including phase logic, eq

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ostgreSQL, or equivalent) for operational reporting and historian-to-database data feeds.

• Experience with Python scripting for data processing, API integration, or control system test automation.
• Experience with REST API development or consumption for system integration.
• Experience with Git or equivalent version control applied to controller and SCADA application code.
• Experience with LIMS integration (LabWare, Uncountable, LabVantage, or equivalent).
• Familiarity with GAMP 5, 21 CFR Part 11, or nuclear quality (NQA-1) requirements for control system software validation.
• Exposure to IEC 62443 OT cybersecurity standards and secure network architecture for industrial control systems.
• Experience with virtualised or containerised SCADA and historian infrastructure, including server and client redundancy

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary
• Equity ownership in a rapidly growing advanced energy company
• Comprehensive medical benefits
• Unlimited PTO
• 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).
Salary
$144,000 — $176,000 USD