Principal Digital Engineer

The Nuclear Company is the fastest growing startup in the nuclear and energy space creating a never before seen fleet-scale approach to building nuclear reactors. Through its design-once, build-many approach and coalition building across communities, regulators, and financial stakeholders, The Nuclear Company is committed to delivering safe and reliable electricity at the lowest cost, while catalyzing the nuclear industry toward rapid development in America and globally.

About The Role

We are seeking an experienced and innovative Principal Digital Engineer to lead the development, integration, and lifecycle management of digital systems and technologies across our nuclear operations. This role is responsible for driving digital modernization initiatives, including instrumentation and control (I&C) systems, digital twins, data analytics platforms, and cybersecurity-compliant architectures. The ideal candidate will combine deep technical expertise with strategic vision to support safe, efficient, and future-ready nuclear operations.

Responsibilities

- Lead the design, implementation, and integration of digital instrumentation and control (I&C) systems, including safety- and non-safety-related platforms.

- Develop and maintain digital engineering strategies, including model-based systems engineering (MBSE), digital twins, and data-driven decision support tools.

- Oversee the modernization of legacy analog systems to digital platforms in compliance with NRC regulations and industry standards (e.g., IEEE, EPRI).

- Collaborate with engineering, IT, cybersecurity, and operations teams to ensure digital systems are secure, reliable, and aligned with plant performance goals.

- Provide technical leadership for software and hardware lifecycle management, including configuration control, obsolescence planning, and vendor qualification.

- Support licensing and regulatory engagement for digital system upgrades and modifications.

- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to workforce development in digital engineering competencies.

- Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends to guide long-term digital transformation initiatives.

Experience

- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or related field.

- 10+ years of experience in digital systems engineering, preferably in the nuclear or highly regulated energy sector.

- Deep knowledge of digital I&C systems, control logic, and safety system architectures.

- Experience with NRC digital I&C regulatory frameworks (e.g., RIS 2002-22, RG 1.152, DI&C-ISG-06).

- Proficiency in systems engineering tools and methodologies (e.g., SysML, MBSE, digital twin platforms).

- Familiarity with cybersecurity standards (e.g., NEI 08-09, NIST 800-82) and secure digital system design.

- Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

- Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent certification preferred.

Benefits

- Competitive compensation packages

- 401k with company match

- Medical, dental, vision plans

- Generous vacation policy, plus holidays

Estimated Starting Salary Range

The estimated starting salary range for this role is $198,000 - $228,000 annually less applicable withholdings and deductions, paid on a semi-monthly basis. The actual salary offered may vary based on relevant factors as determined in the Company’s discretion, which may include experience, qualifications, tenure, skill set, availability of qualified candidates, geographic location, certifications held, and other criteria deemed pertinent to the particular role.

EEO Statement

The Nuclear Company is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an environment of inclusion in the workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We prohibit discrimination in all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, transfer, compensation, and termination.