Principal Robotics Engineer

The Nuclear Company • Full-time • Seattle, Washington, United States • $198k - $228k / year • 1w ago

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

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

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.