Principal Instrumentation & Control Engineer
Valar Atomics · Torrance, CA
- Level
- Senior
- Team
- Controls
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 10+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A senior controls role at Valar Atomics (industrial) in Torrance, CA.
- They ask for
- 10+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- PLC, Automation
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
How this role compares
Against 82 other live controls postings in California.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- More than usual (10+ vs 5+)
Typical $123k–$179k, from 55 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Automation 60%
- ✓ PLC 45%
- Python 40%
- Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 37%
- Robotics 31%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at Valar Atomics
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Valar Atomics in Torrance
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Full description from Valar AtomicsAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
The Role
Valar Atomics is seeking Principal Instrumentation & Control Engineers to lead the design, specification, integration, and commissioning of process instrumentation for our advanced high-temperature gas reactor (HTGR) development program and associated thermal test facilities.
This role owns the instrumentation architecture for high-temperature, high-pressure helium systems, electric heater systems, turbomachinery, cooling systems, and reactor support equipment. The successful candidate will work closely with mechanical, electrical, and nuclear engineers to develop reliable measurement systems from concept through commissioning.
Key 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, FAT, SAT, startup, and commissioning activities.
- ◆Establish instrumentation standards and mentor junior engineers.
Basic
Qualifications
- ✓Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related discipline.
- ✓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.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- ✓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.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
About Valar Atomics
At Valar Atomics, we're redefining what's possible in energy. Our mission is to make clean, high-temperature nuclear power scalable—unlocking abundant energy for industry, hydrogen, and next-generation manufacturing. 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 and fuel fabrication can power the future. Joining Valar Atomics means becoming part of a company where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level.
The Team
As part of the Engineering organization, Instrumentations & Controls designs the systems that monitor, automate, and protect Valar's facilities and reactor technologies. The team develops reliable control architectures that enable safe and efficient operations.
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
- •The opportunity to help build and scale transformative energy technology from the ground up
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).
Salary
$196,000 — $240,000 USD