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RedBalloon · 1 week ago

Senior Nuclear Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

Hawthorne, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

Valar Atomics is a company that focuses on nuclear instrumentation and controls systems. The role involves serving as a senior technical authority, leading design efforts and ensuring compliance with nuclear industry codes and standards, particularly in neutron detection and radiation monitoring systems.

EmploymentHuman ResourcesRecruitingSaaS

Responsibilities

Lead design, specification, selection, and integration of neutron detectors (e.g., fission chambers, boron-lined detectors) and associated signal conditioning electronics (wide-range, source range channels)

Design and validate radiation monitoring systems including area monitors, process radiation monitors, stack monitors, and coolant activity systems

Oversee detector placement, shielding design, and response characterization (in-core and ex-core)

Perform calibration strategies and uncertainty analyses for neutron flux power range, intermediate range, and startup-range instrumentation

Develop and maintain I&C architectures for safety-related and non-safety systems in accordance with IEEE 603, IEC 61508, and DOE guidance

Produce and review engineering deliverables: control logic, loop diagrams, instrument datasheets, architecture drawings, control narratives, and functional requirement specifications

Execute I&C system modeling, failure modes analysis, response time calculations, and SIL/Category/Level classification (per IEC/ISA standards)

Design interfaces to PLCs, safety-significant controllers, distributed I/O, and high-reliability digital platforms

Guide system integration with reactor protection, and radiation monitoring systems

Lead Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), environmental qualification (EQ), and seismic qualification for sensitive instrumentation

Develop calibration, maintenance, and surveillance procedures for neutron and radiation detectors

Support performance testing, flux mapping, channel operability checks, trip setpoint verification, and acceptance criteria development

Ensure system designs adhere to nuclear regulatory requirements, including DOE Reg Guides, IEEE standards, IAEA SSG-39, and ANS/ANS-related instrumentation standards

Prepare and review technical documentation for licensing, safety basis, and hazard analysis activities

Participate in I&C-related inputs and support for deterministic safety analyses

Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance across interdisciplinary teams

Collaborate with reactor physics, thermal-hydraulics, electrical engineering, and operations teams to meet program requirements

Interface with vendors, labs, and regulatory bodies on detector procurement, radiation monitoring equipment, and safety systems

Qualification

Nuclear I&C systemsRadiation detection principlesSignal processing electronicsSystem integrationRegulatory complianceAnalytical mindsetLeadershipCollaboration