System Design Engineer (Nuclear Instrumentation & Controls)

Our client is seeking a System Design Engineer Contractor to support the Natrium Demonstration Project. This role will support the ongoing design and delivery of the Natrium Reactor Air Cooling System (RAC), specifically the development of process instrumentation & controls for the system..

The Reactor Air Cooling System uses natural convection to continuously remove heat, providing a passive, always‐on way to keep the reactor safely cooled without relying on pumps or operator actions. You'll collaborate with project managers, design engineers, analysts, test engineers, and other engineering specialties in a high-performing, multi-disciplinary environment to deliver the Natrium Reactor Air Cooling System.

Tasks:

• Design nuclear and industrial mechanical, instrumentation, and control systems, including: requirements definition, analysis, specifications, and system drawings.
• Establish equipment and instrumentation design bases, including: regulatory criteria, regulatory standards, functional criteria, performance criteria, and failure mode and effects.
• Develop and maintain system architecture, control strategies, functional logic, and design documentation (e.g., Design Basis Documents, P&IDs, Logic Diagrams, Interface Control Documents).
• Ensure proper selection and integration of instrumentation, actuation, and control hardware for nuclear service, including environmental and seismic considerations.
• Support I&C verification and validation activities, including FAT, SAT, and integrated system testing.
• Drive alignment across multidisciplinary engineering teams (nuclear, thermal hydraulic, mechanical, instrumentation and controls, civil-structural) to implement system requirements
• Develop engineering designs supporting lifecycle factors including operability, maintainability, and reliability.
• Manage technical interfaces with suppliers, including review and verification of deliverables.
• Provide technical direction and interface to supplier projects, working with supply chain teams to ensure delivery of engineering designs and other deliverables, as well as coordination and performance of technical reviews of deliverables.
• Prepare engineering change packages including calculations, design reports, design drawings, and design specifications
• Promote continuous learning and application of nuclear industry best practices to maintain the highest quality of engineering design
• Interface with and support licensing activities needed to obtain both the construction and operating licenses for the reactor systems including development of safety analysis reports, technical specifications, topical reports, and other licensing documents.
• Participate in project design reviews at project milestones and periodic assessment points to verify compliance and completeness of design.

Key Qualifications and Skills:

• B.S. in Chemical, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering or related discipline from an accredited university
• 6+ years of relevant experience with proven mechanical skills for Level 10
• 10+ years of relevant experience with proven mechanical skills for Level 11
• Experience Level may be partially substituted for advanced degree depending on position relevance
• Demonstrated experience in developing design of complex structures and multi-discipline integration
• Strong understanding of configuration management principles, as well as knowledge of design control tools application on nuclear or similar complex industrial applications.
• Previous experience with commercial nuclear reactors and systems, high temperature pressure vessels, or similar system design is highly desired.
• Experience working to quality standards on design activities, such as ASME NQA-1 or ISO 9001.
• Professional engineering licensure is desired but not required for this position.
• Experience in originating and developing technical documentation to support system architecture is preferred.
• Excellent technical writing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Attention to detail and aspiration for technical excellence.
• Candidate must be a self-starter and possess ability to coordinate and work within a design team with minimal direction.
• Ability to handle projects that include many competing objectives and design constraints, with ability to resolve conflicts between objectives.
• Ability to work on simultaneous tasks that require a multi-disciplinary approach.
• The service provider will possess a high degree of trust and integrity, communicate openly and display respect, and a desire to foster teamwork.