Principal Robotics Engineer

The Nuclear Company•Seattle, WA

73d

About The Position

As a Principal Robotics Engineer at The Nuclear Company, you will lead the development and deployment of robotic systems for nuclear construction, inspection, and maintenance operations. This role combines expertise in robotics, automation, and control systems to enable remote operations in high-dose areas, automated construction tasks, and intelligent inspection systems for Nuclear OS. You'll work at the intersection of robotics technology and nuclear infrastructure, helping to transform how nuclear facilities are built, inspected, and maintained through advanced autonomous and remotely controlled systems

Requirements

10+ years of professional robotics engineering experience in industrial, construction, or inspection applications
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Robotics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
Expertise in robotic control systems including autonomous navigation, path planning, and sensor fusion
Proficiency in robotics frameworks (ROS/ROS2) and programming languages (Python, C++)
Experience with computer vision and machine learning for robotic perception
Knowledge of wireless communication protocols and network security for robotic systems
Understanding of industrial automation and control systems
Experience with CAD software for robotic system design and integration
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to design failsafe systems for safety-critical applications

Nice To Haves

Experience in nuclear industry or highly regulated critical infrastructure environments
Knowledge of radiation-hardened systems and remote operations in high-dose areas
Experience with submersible or underwater robotics
Familiarity with construction automation and modular construction techniques
Background in AI and machine learning for autonomous systems
Experience with digital twin platforms and BIM integration
Knowledge of AR/VR systems for robotic teleoperation
Understanding of NRC regulations and nuclear quality standards
Experience with Palantir Foundry or similar data integration platforms
Advanced certifications in robotics or automation engineering

Responsibilities

Design and develop robotic systems for remote and semi-remote operation, maintenance, and inspection in nuclear environments
Develop remotely controlled mobile devices including mobile robots for maintenance, inspection, and construction support
Implement construction robotics for cost-intensive on-site labor activities including welding, material handling, and automated assembly
Design robotic systems for high-dose areas enabling remote operations in radiation fields and reducing worker exposure
Develop remote inspection capabilities for piping, tanks, containment buildings, and other critical nuclear infrastructure
Design remotely operated tooling for reactor vessel maintenance, O-ring groove cleaning, and equipment inspection
Provide adequate space and provisions for robotic maintenance and inspection equipment in facility designs
Support submersible robotics for underwater inspections and maintenance operations
Develop robotic network infrastructure including wireless control systems, spectrum management, and failsafe configurations
Implement autonomous navigation systems with appropriate levels of autonomy and operator engagement
Integrate computer vision and automated monitoring for robotic inspection and quality control
Design failsafe systems ensuring safe operation if communications are lost, including controlled descent or return-to-home capabilities
Integrate robotics with Nuclear OS enabling AI-powered construction management and real-time progress tracking
Support AR-enabled field operations providing robotic systems that work alongside workers with augmented reality tools
Develop automated inspection systems using AI and computer vision to verify construction quality and detect deviations
Ensure safe robotic operations near sensitive nuclear equipment with proper control protocols and administrative controls
Evaluate wireless transmissions to avoid interference with station components and safety systems
Design for radiation field operations enabling remote operations that reduce worker time in radiation fields