Director Instrumentation, Control, and Electrical – Reactor

About Valar Atomics

Valar Atomics is dedicated to making clean, high-temperature nuclear power scalable. Our mission is to unlock abundant energy for industry, hydrogen, and next-generation manufacturing using advanced nuclear systems and fuel fabrication.

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 can power the future.

Joining Valar Atomics means becoming part of a company where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level.

The Role

Valar Atomics is developing High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactors (HTGR) from first principles spanning early R&D through licensing, construction, and commissioning. The Director of Instrumentation, Control, and Electrical (IC&E) is a critical technical and organizational leader who will own the full IC&E architecture for the reactor plant.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the IC&E design basis for the HTGR, including I&C architecture, safety system logic, plant control systems (PCS), reactor protection systems (RPS), and electrical power distribution.

• Define instrumentation requirements for high-temperature, helium-cooled environments including sensor selection, qualification, and placement strategy.

• Lead development of the control room concept, human factors engineering (HFE) approach, and operator interface design.

• Establish electrical systems design: normal and emergency power, and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS).

• Serve as IC&E technical lead in DOE & NRC engagement.

• Support development of the Preliminary Safety Analysis Report (PSAR) / Safety Analysis Report (SAR) chapters pertaining to I&C and electrical systems.

• Ensure IC&E designs comply with applicable standards.

• Build, lead, and mentor the IC&E engineering team while hiring, developing, and retaining top talent.

• Define team structure, staffing plans, and competency requirements as the program scales across phases.

• Manage IC&E scope, schedule, and budget within the broader reactor development program.

• Select and manage IC&E vendors, subcontractors, and system integrators; define qualification and acceptance requirements.

• Partner cross-functionally with reactor physics, mechanical, structural, nuclear safety, and systems engineering teams.

• Carry IC&E responsibility across all program phases: conceptual design → detailed design → NRC licensing → procurement → construction support → commissioning and startup testing.

Basic Qualifications

• 15+ years of engineering experience in instrumentation, control systems, and/or electrical design for complex, safety-critical industrial facilities (oil & gas, power generation, chemical processing, or similar).

• Demonstrated experience leading IC&E or I&C engineering teams on major capital projects.

• Deep expertise in process control architectures, safety instrumented systems (SIS), and plant protection logic.

• Familiarity with functional safety standards (IEC 61511, IEC 61513, or equivalent).

• Experience engaging with regulators, certifying authorities, or third-party verification bodies.

• Proven ability to work across design, procurement, and construction phases of a major project.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Nuclear industry experience (commercial, defense, or national laboratory), particularly I&C or electrical systems for reactor plants.

• Knowledge of DOE or NRC licensing processes.

• Familiarity with IEEE nuclear I&C standards (603, 7-4.3.2, 338, etc.).

• Familiarity with neutron instrumentation channels (wide range, source range).

• Experience with first-of-a-kind or novel reactor designs (SMR, HTGR, advanced reactor).

• PE license (Instrumentation, Control, or Electrical).

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

• Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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).

Pay

$225,000 USD - $300,000 USD