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Principal Robotics Engineer

Seattle, WA

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.

Principal Robotics Engineer

About the Role

As a Principal Robotics Engineer at The Nuclear Company, you will lead the development and deployment of robotic systems for nuclear construction, inspection, and maintenance operations. This role combines expertise in robotics, automation, and control systems to enable remote operations in high-dose areas, automated construction tasks, and intelligent inspection systems for Nuclear OS. You'll work at the intersection of robotics technology and nuclear infrastructure, helping to transform how nuclear facilities are built, inspected, and maintained through advanced autonomous and remotely controlled systems

 

Key Responsibilities

Robotic System Development & Integration

  • Design and develop robotic systems for remote and semi-remote operation, maintenance, and inspection in nuclear environments
  • Develop remotely controlled mobile devices including mobile robots for maintenance, inspection, and construction support
  • Implement construction robotics for cost-intensive on-site labor activities including welding, material handling, and automated assembly
  • Design robotic systems for high-dose areas enabling remote operations in radiation fields and reducing worker exposure

Remote Inspection & Maintenance Systems

  • Develop remote inspection capabilities for piping, tanks, containment buildings, and other critical nuclear infrastructure
  • Design remotely operated tooling for reactor vessel maintenance, O-ring groove cleaning, and equipment inspection
  • Provide adequate space and provisions for robotic maintenance and inspection equipment in facility designs
  • Support submersible robotics for underwater inspections and maintenance operations

 

Automation & Control Systems

  • Develop robotic network infrastructure including wireless control systems, spectrum management, and failsafe configurations
  • Implement autonomous navigation systems with appropriate levels of autonomy and operator engagement
  • Integrate computer vision and automated monitoring for robotic inspection and quality control
  • Design failsafe systems ensuring safe operation if communications are lost, including controlled descent or return-to-home capabilities

AI & Digital Integration

  • Integrate robotics with Nuclear OS enabling AI-powered construction management and real-time progress tracking
  • Support AR-enabled field operations providing robotic systems that work alongside workers with augmented reality tools
  • Develop automated inspection systems using AI and computer vision to verify construction quality and detect deviations

Safety & Compliance

  • Ensure safe robotic operations near sensitive nuclear equipment with proper control protocols and administrative controls
  • Evaluate wireless transmissions to avoid interference with station components and safety systems
  • Design for radiation field operations enabling remote operations that reduce worker time in radiation fields

 

Required Qualifications

  • 10+ years of professional robotics engineering experience in industrial, construction, or inspection applications
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Robotics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
  • Expertise in robotic control systems including autonomous navigation, path planning, and sensor fusion
  • Proficiency in robotics frameworks (ROS/ROS2) and programming languages (Python, C++)
  • Experience with computer vision and machine learning for robotic perception
  • Knowledge of wireless communication protocols and network security for robotic systems
  • Understanding of industrial automation and control systems
  • Experience with CAD software for robotic system design and integration
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to design failsafe systems for safety-critical applications

 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in nuclear industry or highly regulated critical infrastructure environments
  • Knowledge of radiation-hardened systems and remote operations in high-dose areas
  • Experience with submersible or underwater robotics
  • Familiarity with construction automation and modular construction techniques
  • Background in AI and machine learning for autonomous systems
  • Experience with digital twin platforms and BIM integration
  • Knowledge of AR/VR systems for robotic teleoperation
  • Understanding of NRC regulations and nuclear quality standards
  • Experience with Palantir Foundry or similar data integration platforms
  • Advanced certifications in robotics or automation engineering

 

 What We Offer

  • Mission-Critical Impact: Enable safer, more efficient nuclear construction and operations through advanced robotics
  • Cutting-Edge Technology: Work with the latest robotics platforms, AI systems, and automation technologies
  • Innovation-Driven Environment: Contribute to pioneering solutions that set new standards for nuclear construction and maintenance
  • Professional Growth: Become an expert at the intersection of robotics and nuclear infrastructure
  • Collaborative Environment: Work alongside construction teams, engineers, and technology leaders
  • Competitive Compensation: Salary packages reflecting specialized expertise in robotics and automation
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Full health, dental, vision, retirement, and professional development benefits package

 

Why This Role Matters

As a Principal Robotics Engineer at TNC, you'll play a critical role in transforming how nuclear facilities are built and maintained. Your expertise in robotics and automation will directly enable safer operations, reduced worker radiation exposure, and more efficient construction - ultimately helping to accelerate the deployment of clean, carbon-free nuclear energy at scale. This is an opportunity to apply cutting-edge robotics technology to one of the most important challenges of our time - building the clean energy infrastructure of the future while protecting workers and ensuring the highest safety standards.

 

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 bi-weekly 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.

Export Control
Certain positions at The Nuclear Company may involve access to information and technology subject to export controls under U.S. law. Compliance with these export controls may result in The Nuclear Company limiting its consideration of certain applicants.

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