Instrumentation and Control Engineer

Nano Nuclear Energy, Inc.; Oak Brook (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) with 5% match

Unlimited PTO

Parental leave

Job summary

NANO Nuclear Energy in Oak Brook, IL seeks an experienced Instrumentation and Control (I&C) Engineer to translate system requirements into detailed I&C designs, implement control logic, and assist field commissioning. You will work under the Principal I&C Architect, perform FMEA and verification activities, and collaborate across electrical, mechanical, and safety teams to advance KRONOS and LOKI systems.

The role offers a collaborative culture, mentorship, and opportunities to lead engineering

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical field.
• 5+ years in digital I&C platforms in regulated environments.
• Experience with FMEA, testing, verification and validation procedures.
• Ability to integrate across electrical, mechanical, and safety system boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Translate system requirements into detailed I&C designs.
• Develop I&C design docs and traceability.
• Implement I&C functions and platform configurations.
• Select and integrate I&C hardware and controllers.
• Support verification, validation, testing, and commissioning.

Skills

I&C platforms

PLC/FPGA/DCS

Testing & V&V

Cybersecurity basics

Systems integration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelors in Electrical/Control Eng

Tools

SCADA/DCS

PLC programming

FPGA design

Job description

About NANO Nuclear Energy

NANO Nuclear Energy is an advanced nuclear technology company developing next-generation microreactor systems that will help transform the future of clean, reliable, and resilient energy. Through the development of its KRONOS MMR™ Energy System, LOKI MMR™ Energy System, and ZEUS™ Solid Core Battery Reactor—advanced high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) technologies designed for applications including data centers, industrial operations, remote communities, and critical infrastructure—the company is advancing innovative nuclear solutions for a rapidly evolving energy landscape. NANO Nuclear has also submitted a Construction Permit Application (CPA) to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to support the planned deployment of the KRONOS MMR at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), representing a significant milestone toward the commercialization of advanced nuclear technology.

Joining NANO Nuclear means contributing to pioneering technologies with the potential to redefine the nuclear industry while working alongside experts in engineering, science, and innovation. Our team operates in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where employees are encouraged to solve challenging technical problems and advance the materials technologies needed for next-generation energy systems.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Instrumentation and Control (I&C) Engineer to develop, implement, integrate, test and verify instrumentation and control solutions based on an established I&C architecture, functional system requirements, and design principles. This role focuses on translating approved system-level and functional requirements into detailed I&C designs, including hands‑on control logic execution, PLC/DCS programming, I/O definition, sensor selection, hardware and software integration, requirements traceability, and field commissioning. The engineer will work under the technical direction of the Principal I&C Architect and will contribute to the evolution of the I&C architecture through detailed engineering, analysis, design development, and identification of technical issues and design gaps.

Key Responsibilities

• Translate system‑level and functional requirements into detailed I&C subsystem and component designs.
• Develop and maintain I&C design documentation and ensure full requirements traceability.
• Implement detailed I&C functions, control logic, and platform configurations.
• Select, specify, and integrate I&C hardware, instrumentation, and controllers.
• Perform subsystem‑level analyses such as FMEA and support reliability and safety evaluations.
• Support verification, validation, testing, and commissioning activities.
• Coordinate cross‑disciplinary interfaces, support licensing and safety activities and drive issue resolution.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, or related technical field.
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience in digital I&C platforms (such as PLC, FPGA, DCS, SCADA, or embedded control system), including configuration, programming, control logic development, and hardware implementation in regulated environments.
• Experience performing or supporting failure analysis, FMEA, testing, verification and validation, including development of test procedures and resolution of design/test issues.
• Proficiency with hardware and software integration across electrical, mechanical, and safety system boundaries.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity implementation practices for industrial control systems.
• Strong problem‑solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• 7+ years hands‑on experience.
• Experience in the nuclear industry.
• Experience with FPGA-based or digital safety/protection systems, PLCs, DCS, SCADA, or other highly reliable control platforms.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or working toward licensure.
• Experience with project and contract management.

What We Offer

• A collaborative engineering culture focused on innovation and technical excellence.
• Opportunities for mentorship, professional growth, and technical leadership.
• The opportunity to contribute to a cleaner, more reliable energy future.
• Competitive medical, dental, vision and life insurance with generous company contributions.
• Company 401(k) plan with 5% match.
• Unlimited PTO policy with company holidays and paid parental leave.

Salary range and levels for this role:

• Level III: Typically, five years of experience in an engineering role required.
• Level IV: Typically, ten years of experience in an engineering role required.

Level III: $120,000- $145,000; Level IV: $145,000- 170,000

Equal Opportunity Statement

NANO Nuclear Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply.