Senior Automation and Controls Engineer

Radiant; El Segundo, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock plan

Medical coverage

One Medical

Job summary

Radiant, an El Segundo, CA-based startup, seeks a Senior Automation & Controls Engineer to design, build, and implement automated production and test equipment for mass production of microreactors. You will write structured PLC code, ensure safety standards, and collaborate with design and manufacturing teams.

Requirements include a 4+ year background in automation/controls, a bachelor’s degree in engineering or related fields, and onsite work at our El Segundo HQ.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or computer science.
• 4+ years designing and commissioning automation and controls systems for industrial apps.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and manage automation projects from ideation to hand-off.
• Architect, write, and debug PLC code for high-volume manufacturing.
• Ensure ANSI/RIA R15.06 and OSHA compliant systems for robots, conveyors, etc.
• Design electrical systems compliant with NEC, NFPA, UL508A.
• Select and size servo motors and controllers.
• Manage electrical cabinet builds, field wiring, and hydraulics/pneumatics.
• Create simple HMIs for complex machines.

Skills

Automation design

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Electrical wiring

Robotics integration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering/physics/CS

Master’s degree in engineering

Tools

Zuken E3

TwinCAT 3

Ignition

Kuka/ABB/Fanuc robotics

Job description

About Radiant

Radiant is an El Segundo, CA-based startup building the world’s first mass-produced, portable nuclear microreactors. The company’s first reactor, Kaleidos, is a 1-megawatt, fail-safe microreactor that can be transported anywhere power is needed and run for up to 5 years without refueling. Portable nuclear power with rapid-deploy capability can replace similar-sized diesel generators and provide critical asset support for hospitals, data centers, remote sites, and military bases. Radiant’s unique, practical approach to nuclear development leverages modern software engineering to rapidly deliver safe, factory-built microreactors that use existing, well-qualified materials. Founded in 2020, Radiant is on track to test its first reactor at the Idaho National Laboratory this summer, with initial customer deliveries beginning in 2028.

Senior Automation & Controls Engineer

Radiant is seeking a highly motivated senior automation and controls engineer who will be working close with design and manufacturing engineers to design, build, and implement automated production and test equipment to support mass production and refueling of our microreactor technology.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Design, develop, and manage automation projects - this includes equipment ideation, machine commissioning, proof of rate capability, quality and reliability studies, and eventual hand-off to operational teams.
• Architect, write, and debug PLC code with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable for high-volume manufacturing applications.
• Keep our factory safe and reliable by implementing ANSI/RIA R15.06 and OSHA compliant systems for robots, gantries, conveyors, and other manufacturing equipment.
• Design electrical systems compliant to NEC, NFPA, and UL508A regulations.
• Select and size electrical and electromechanical components such as servo motors and controllers.
• Manage electrical cabinet builds, field wiring, pneumatic and fluid plumbing.
• Generate aesthetically simple HMI screens to make complex machines easy to understand, operate, and troubleshoot.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in an engineering, physics, or computer science discipline.
• 4+ years of experience in the design and commissioning of automation and controls systems for industrial applications.

Desired Skills and Qualifications:

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in an engineering discipline.
• Process integration and electromechanical/mechatronic systems experience.
• Experience in a variety of robotic weld applications (Kuka, ABB & Fanuc).
• Robot and PLC simulation experience.
• Electrical schematic CAD experience using Zuken E3.
• C#, .NET, python and/or SQL experience.
• PLC programming experience, preferably Beckhoff TwinCat 3.
• HMI and SCADA programming experience, preferably Inductive Automation Ignition.
• Field bus networks, serial communication and Ethernet communication.
• Hands-on experience building and commissioning high quality electrical control panels and electro-mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of NEC, NFPA 79, UL508A codes.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with design and operations teams.

Additional Requirements:

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as necessary to achieve company goals.
• Must work 100% onsite at El Segundo HQ.

Benefits and Perks

• Stock: Substantial incentive stock plan for all full-time employees.
• Medical: 100% up to base silver level plan for employee + 50% dependents, offers up to Platinum plans.
• One Medical: Sponsored memberships for employees and their dependents.
• Vision: 100% top tier plan coverage + 50% for dependents.
• Dental: 100% top tier plan coverage, orthodontia extra, 50% for dependents.
• Voluntary life, accident, hospital, critical illness, commuter and FSA/HSA are offered as employee contributed benefits.
• 8-weeks of paid parental leave for all parents. Additional paid pregnancy leave for CA employees.
• Daily catered lunch. Free snacks and drinks.
• Flexible PTO policy. Remote workday allocation.
• Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and in-person camaraderie.
• Beautiful El Segundo headquarters close to the Pacific Ocean.

Total Compensation and Benefits
Radiant compensates people for impact and invests in those who continue to raise the bar. Radiant’s new hire compensation package includes base salary, substantial equity grants, and comprehensive health benefits. Total compensation and level are determined through a rigorous evaluation of interview performance, experience, education, and qualifications, and are designed to support continued growth as scope, responsibility, and impact expand at Radiant.
The best of today’s advanced reactor builders don’t wait for job postings. They join the winning team.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.