Principal Instrumentation & Control Engineer
About The Position
Valar Atomics is seeking Principal Instrumentation & Control Engineers to lead the design, specification, integration, and commissioning of process instrumentation for its advanced high-temperature gas reactor (HTGR) development program and associated thermal test facilities. The role owns instrumentation architecture for high-temperature, high-pressure helium systems, electric heater systems, turbomachinery, cooling systems, and reactor support equipment. The engineer works closely with mechanical, electrical, and nuclear engineers to develop reliable measurement systems from concept through commissioning. Valar Atomics’ Instrumentation & Controls team, within the Engineering organization, designs systems that monitor, automate, and protect the company’s facilities and reactor technologies, developing reliable control architectures for safe and efficient operations. Valar Atomics is developing scalable, factory-made clean high-temperature nuclear power. Its first pilot plant in Orangeville, Utah, is intended to demonstrate how advanced nuclear systems and fuel fabrication can support industry, hydrogen, and next-generation manufacturing. The company describes the role as part of a high-impact startup environment offering significant ownership and autonomy, rapid career growth, internal advancement, and direct collaboration with experienced operators, engineers, and industry leaders. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Valar Atomics is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodation as required by law.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related discipline.
- At least 10 years of experience with industrial process instrumentation.
- Experience with complex thermal-fluid systems, power generation, chemical processing, nuclear, aerospace test facilities, or similar industries.
- Strong understanding of instrumentation selection, calibration, and commissioning.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with high-temperature gas systems, helium systems, or advanced reactor technologies.
- Experience with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/GuardLogix.
- Experience commissioning first-of-a-kind process facilities.
- Familiarity with functional safety and industrial automation best practices.
Responsibilities
- Lead the specification, selection, and integration of process instrumentation, including pressure, temperature, flow, level, position, vibration, and gas analysis.
- Develop instrument datasheets, P&IDs, loop diagrams, wiring diagrams, and commissioning procedures.
- Support reactor protection and process control system design.
- Lead instrument calibration, loop checks, factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), startup, and commissioning activities.
- Establish instrumentation standards and mentor junior engineers.
Benefits
- Competitive base salary of $196,000–$240,000 USD.
- 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.
- Opportunity to help build and scale transformative energy technology from the ground up.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
