Senior/Staff Distributed Controls System (DCS) Engineer

Blue Energy’s mission is to unlock energy abundance, energy affordability, energy security, and turn-key decarbonization by developing the fastest path to deploying new nuclear MWs at scale. We are utilizing shipyard manufacturing supply chains and techniques from offshore oil and wind to reduce the cost of nuclear plants by over 60% and the manufacturing timeline to 24 months. Blue Energy is a platform technology that makes use of the latest NRC-approved reactors and is in negotiations with existing nuclear and industrial sites, enabling a much faster regulatory pathway to deploy our first unit. With our innovative centralized shipyard manufacturing approach, we can put nuclear power on a cost-reduction learning curve akin to wind, solar, and lithium-ion batteries.

As a Senior/Staff engineer, you are the asset owner’s representative in the engineering realm, collaboratively optimizing all technical aspects of the plant design, construction and execution with the goal of maximizing profits, by decreasing CapEX and OpEx while increasing generation revenue, while ensuring the new plant meets all operational, safety, and regulatory requirements.

Specifically, as DCS Engineer, you will be primary responsibility for integrating all individual control systems into the software and hardware architecture that will allow operation and control of the Blue Energy plant systems from the control room. NERC compliance will be expected give the expected site location and appropriate cybersecurity consideration will need to be implemented. The role will be expected to develop and implement all commissioning testing and activities required to allow start-up in accordance with the integrated project schedule.

• Raise issues and concerns quickly, we strive for a culture where everyone can communicate openly so problems can be resolved as quickly and efficiently as possible. This is as important for technical issues as it is for non-technical and personnel issues. The longer things go “unmentioned”, the longer they “fester” and the more painful they are to resolve.

• Budget and Schedule are important! Everyone, as owners and owners representatives, is ultimately accountable for accomplishing our goals on time and on budget. However, if “Doing it Right” means we need to spend a little more time or money, raise the issue to me and we will discuss the best path forward. It's a balance and we can address all “gray” areas as a team.

• People make mistakes, especially when developing a First of a Kind product. Be open with mistakes of yourself and others, we want to ensure we understand every error, potential error or near miss so that we establish engineered controls or procedural steps to prevent recurrence. These errors, omissions and oversights can be resolved in a professional manner without people fearing reprisal, if we build the culture the right way. We are all responsible for building this kind of working environment.

• Have an in-depth understanding of how all plant systems are designed, operated and will perform in the field. It is your responsibility to understand how everything works and works together. If you have questions, it’s likely someone else has the same question. Ask the question, get the answers and share the results.

• Work closely with our Engineering and Construction sub-contractors to identify issues with quality, communications and schedule that need to be resolved. If you realize you need help resolving an issue make sure you request assistance early and resist the urge to try and resolve all issues on your own (don’t try to be a hero!)

• We will have frequent interaction with the Licensing Team who rely on us heavily to ensure all questions, concerns and issues raised by the regulator are addressed accurately and timely

  • Proactively provide support to the Licensing team and identify issues that need oversight by leadership to ensure resolution

• Identify risks and challenges that may arise in the future and implement mitigation strategies during the design and construction phase to reduce additional costs during construction, commissioning and operations.

• From time to time special projects (e.g. setting up the Developing Control System Narrative, drafting a Topical Report, or troubleshooting a technical issue with newly installed equipment) will arise that will need leadership to ensure timely and efficient resolution of a specific issue or set of issues.

  • Team leadership will likely involve supervision of other Blue Energy employees and/or contracted staff.

  • There may be tight budgets and schedules to be managed in addition to the team’s goals, you will be provided with the appropriate support and guidance but if you need help reach out to me as soon as possible

• Actively participate in construction and commissioning. This will involve frequent and potentially extended trips to the construction site to participate in, supervise and ensure the quality of construction and commissioning activities. Team leadership to address inevitable technical issues during construction and commissioning will be a key aspect of this portion of the job responsibilities.

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Control System Engineering, or a related field.

• Experience: 8+ years of engineering experience, with at least 3-5 years focused on plant design and construction. Experience in a leadership or senior engineering role is preferred.

• Technical Skills:

  • Familiarity/proficiency with relevant software and analytical tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, OrCAD EE PSpice, Multisim, ETAP, Power World Simulator, PSCAD

  • Familiar with industry codes and standards such as ANSI, API, ASTM, IEC, IEEE, ISA, ISO, NFPA, etc.

  • Strong understanding of engineering principles related to power plant design, including piping, structural, and electrical/I&C systems.

  • Familiarity with project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera).

• Certifications: Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred. PMP or other project management certifications are a plus.

• Soft Skills:

  • Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

  • Strong leadership and decision-making capabilities.

We look forward to your application and helping foster an era of safe, clean, affordable, and abundant energy.

Blue Energy is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly align with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be the right candidate for this or other roles at Blue Energy now or in the future.