Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Engineer (3666)

Navarro Research and Engineering is recruiting an Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Engineer (3666) in Idaho Falls, ID.

Navarro Research & Engineering is an award-winning federal contractor dedicated to partnering with clients to advance clean energy and deliver effective solutions for complex challenges in the nuclear and environmental fields. Joining Navarro means being a part of an exceptional team committed to quality and safety while also looking for innovative strategies to create value for the client’s success. Headquartered in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Navarro has active programs in place across the nation for DOE/NNSA, NASA, and the Department of Defense.

Navarro Research & Engineering, Inc. is seeking an experienced Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Engineer to support our advanced reactor development team. This role focuses on the design and implementation of first-of-a-kind digital control systems for next-generation nuclear facilities. The successful candidate will lead I&C projects from conceptual design through commissioning, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate across disciplines to pioneer safe and innovative control solutions.

Responsibilities

Control Systems Design & Implementation

• Lead the design and implementation of safety-critical instrumentation and control systems for nuclear facilities.
• Develop detailed system specifications, control logic, and hardware requirements for DCS and PLC-based control systems.
• Configure and optimize control loops for nuclear processes.
• Ensure compliance with IEEE, IEC, NRC, DOE, and other nuclear safety standards.

Project Leadership

• Direct I&C design teams from conceptual design through startup.
• Collaborate with reactor physics and thermal-hydraulics teams to develop integrated control strategies.
• Drive design decisions for advanced digital control platforms and architectures.
• Coordinate with equipment vendors for prototype development and testing.
• Manage technical interfaces with other engineering disciplines.

System Integration & Testing

• Develop strategies for system integration and testing for new reactor designs.
• Lead factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT).
• Design and oversee validation using simulation and modeling tools.
• Establish protocols for first-of-a-kind control systems.
• Support startup testing and initial criticality operations.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Ensure all I&C systems comply with nuclear quality assurance requirements (10 CFR 50 Appendix B).
• Develop test procedures and acceptance criteria.
• Maintain compliance with NRC regulations and industry standards.
• Document evaluations, audits, and engineering changes per QA requirements.

Requirements

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Nuclear, or Control Systems Engineering.
• Strong knowledge of PLCs and programming languages (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider) with DCS experience.
• Experience with nuclear safety-related systems and regulations (IEEE 603, IEC 61513) and Balance of Plant (BOP) systems.
• Proficiency in control system programming and configuration.
• Understanding of nuclear plant processes and safety systems.
• Experience with SCADA systems and industrial networks.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent project management and leadership skills.

Preferred:

• 5–8 years of experience in nuclear I&C systems.
• Professional Engineering (PE) license.
• Master’s degree in a relevant engineering field.
• Experience with advanced reactor design projects.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity requirements for nuclear facilities.
• Familiarity with advanced instrumentation and smart sensors.
• Experience with model-based design and simulation tools.
• Experience with Commercial Grade Dedication (CGD) per NEI 17-06.
• Background in advanced control theory and algorithms.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds of equipment and tools.

Due to the nature of the government contract requirements and/or clearances requirements, US citizenship is required.

Navarro is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran’s status or any classification protected by applicable state or local law.

EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation & Public Holidays)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability