Automation and Controls Engineer

The role

You will develop, configure, test, and commission control system software for reactor and nuclear fuel manufacturing facilities. This role involves PLC programming, SCADA and HMI development, batch control, and alarm configuration.

What you will do

• Develop and modify PLC and DCS application code
• Build and maintain SCADA application content
• Develop HMI displays at the panel and supervisory levels
• Implement ISA-88 batch phase logic and equipment module code
• Configure alarm setpoints, priorities, deadbands, and shelving
• Support safety logic work under IEC 61511
• Configure historian tags, compression, and exception settings
• Configure and troubleshoot industrial communication interfaces
• Write SQL queries and Python scripts for data processing
• Execute software FAT, SAT, and commissioning test procedures

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Electronic, Computer, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline
• 2+ years of experience in controls software, PLC programming, SCADA development, or related automation work
• Hands-on PLC programming experience with at least one major platform using one or more IEC 61131-3 languages
• Some hands-on exposure to SCADA or HMI development on a major platform
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, loop diagrams, and I/O lists
• Basic familiarity with at least one industrial communication protocol
• Working familiarity with version control concepts and disciplined change practice
• Willingness and ability to work hands-on during loop checks, commissioning, and plant support
• Strong documentation habits and attention to detail
• Ability to take direction, incorporate code review comments constructively, and communicate status and problems clearly

Nice to have

• 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

Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Equity ownership
• Comprehensive medical benefits
• Unlimited PTO
• Free daily lunch and dinner provided onsite
• Generous PPE stipend

Before you apply

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder)

About the company

Valar Atomics aims to make clean, high-temperature nuclear power scalable. The company is building a first pilot plant in Orangeville, Utah.