PLC/ I&C Technician

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 Role

We're looking for a Plant Operator who thrives on challenge and precision—someone ready to help commission and operate one of the most advanced energy and fuel systems ever built. This role begins with an intensive onboarding and training period at Valar Atomics' headquarters in Los Angeles, where you'll work directly with our design, controls, and engineering teams before relocating to the Utah pilot site. Operators may be assigned to either the reactor plant or the pilot fuel fabrication facility, depending on operational needs and experience. At Valar, we take a team-first approach—everyone pitches in to tackle the most critical tasks, no matter the title. Whether it's assisting with commissioning, troubleshooting, or hands-on plant work, you'll be part of a tight-knit team that values collaboration, adaptability, and a shared commitment to the mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor advanced high-temperature reactor systems and/or pilot TRISO fuel fabrication equipment.
• Execute startup, shutdown, and routine operations in accordance with safety and procedural standards.
• Work hands-on with engineering teams during commissioning, testing, and performance validation of both reactor and fuel systems.
• Analyze operational data to identify trends, optimize efficiency, and maintain system reliability.
• Support process control, material handling, and quality assurance for fuel fabrication operations.
• Collaborate across teams to refine procedures and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.
• Uphold Valar's safety, environmental, and quality commitments every day.

You Will Be Successful in This Role If

• You're technically strong, detail-driven, and calm under pressure.
• You're energized by hands-on work and real-world problem-solving.
• You take ownership in a fast-moving environment and are eager to learn and grow.
• You're a team player who values shared goals and steps in wherever needed.
• You hold a high bar for safety, procedural discipline, and quality.
• You communicate clearly with engineering and operations partners and surface issues early.

Basic Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent training in nuclear technology, mechanical, chemical, or electrical systems.
• 2+ years of experience in industrial, power plant, or process operations.
• Strong understanding of safety culture, technical systems, and control instrumentation.
• Willing to relocate temporarily to Los Angeles for training, and then to Orangeville, UT for ongoing operations.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Background in nuclear operations (commercial, research, or naval) or fuel fabrication processes.
• Familiarity with TRISO fuel systems, helium coolant loops, or high-temperature process systems.
• Experience with commissioning, plant startups, chemical processing, or control room operations.

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).

Note: dropped the specific "3–4 months" duration on training, consistent with removing future-dated specifics. Let me know if you'd rather keep the duration in.

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 Role

We're seeking a skilled and hands-on PLC Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Technician with expertise in Rockwell Automation systems, including Allen-Bradley PLCs and related hardware. You'll be responsible for the installation, calibration, troubleshooting, maintenance, and programming of I&C systems that support our automated industrial processes. This role plays a critical part in ensuring system uptime, safety, and efficiency across electrical and control systems, and partners closely with engineering and operations to keep our plant running reliably.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain Rockwell PLCs, including ControlLogix, CompactLogix, and MicroLogix platforms.
• Program and troubleshoot RSLogix 5000, Studio 5000, and related Rockwell software.
• Calibrate, test, and maintain field instruments such as pressure transmitters, flow meters, temperature sensors, and control valves.
• Perform loop checks and signal verification for analog and digital I/O.
• Interpret and update P&IDs, loop diagrams, and electrical schematics.
• Diagnose and repair issues with PLCs, I/O modules, network communications, and instrumentation.
• Support preventive and corrective maintenance activities for control systems and associated instrumentation.
• Maintain detailed maintenance logs, calibration records, and service reports.
• Support startup and commissioning of control systems in new or upgraded facilities.
• Integrate field devices and subsystems into plant control architectures.
• Collaborate with engineers and electricians to implement control logic modifications and upgrades.

You Will Be Successful in This Role If

• You bring strong technical judgment to PLC and instrumentation work, troubleshooting methodically rather than swapping parts and hoping.
• You hold a high bar for electrical safety, applying NFPA 70E, LOTO, and arc-flash procedures consistently.
• You read and interpret P&IDs, loop diagrams, and schematics fluently, treating them as working documents rather than reference-only.
• You document your work thoroughly, leaving accurate calibration records, maintenance logs, and service reports.
• You communicate clearly with engineers, electricians, and operators, surfacing issues early when something is wrong or unsafe.
• You take ownership of system reliability, contributing to root-cause investigations rather than just clearing the immediate fault.

Basic Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical diploma in Instrumentation, Automation, Electrical Technology, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of hands-on experience in I&C work, with a strong Rockwell Automation focus.
• Proficiency with Allen-Bradley PLCs, RSLogix/Studio 5000, RSLinx, and FactoryTalk.
• Understanding of industrial Ethernet/IP, ControlNet, and other fieldbus protocols.
• Familiarity with electrical safety practices, NFPA 70E, and LOTO procedures.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and control documents.
• Strong analytical, diagnostic, and documentation skills.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience with hazardous-area (Class I/Div 2) instrumentation installation.
• Experience in the oil and gas or nuclear industries.
• Rockwell or ISA certifications, such as Rockwell Automation Training or CCST.

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).