Principal Automation and Controls Engineer

Job Description

Position: Principal Automation and Controls Engineer

Location: Waterloo, ON (Hybrid with potential off-site deployment)

Department: Advanced Energy Systems

Employment Type: Full-Time

Experience Level: Mid-Level (5+ years)

Security Clearance: Eligible for Canadian Reliability Status or higher

About Us

CSMC is a technology company focused on developing dual-use solutions for humanity’s challenges on Earth and in space. CSMC is developing a micro nuclear reactor for remote applications like the arctic, defence, and space exploration. Led by a team with a mix of entrepreneurial and institutional experience at the highest level, we are a bleeding edge company, working at the intersection of energy, geology/geophysics, health technologies, space systems, and imagineering.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Principal Automation and Controls Engineer to lead the development and implementation of intelligent control systems for our micro-reactor. This role is critical in automating reactor operations, ensuring safety compliance, and integrating advanced control logic with industrial robotics.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test automation and control systems for a novel micro nuclear reactor for deployment to remote and extreme environments.
• Program and deploy PLCs, DCS, and embedded control systems tailored for remote autonomous operation.
• Integrate sensor feedback systems, diagnostics, and fail-safe shutdown protocols.
• Collaborate with nuclear physicists, thermal systems engineers, and robotics specialists to ensure full-system compatibility.
• Conduct hazard analysis, risk assessment, and control validation to meet CNSC, DND, CSA, and other safety standards.
• Support simulations, HIL testing, and ground-based prototype reactors.
• Participate in mission planning and provide technical documentation for interplanetary deployment scenarios.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering, Automation & Controls, Mechatronics, or related fields.
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience with nuclear or high-integrity automation systems.
• Strong programming skills in IEC 61131-3, RTL, embedded C/C++, or similar .
• Proficiency with SCADA systems and remote diagnostics platforms.
• Familiarity with radiation-hardened electronics and remote energy systems, environmental qualification (CSA N290.13), and software qualification (CSA N290.14) is a strong asset.
• Knowledge of space-rated hardware, cryogenic systems, or ISRU (In-Situ Resource Utilization) technologies is an advantage.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a proactive, systems-level mindset.

Why Join Us?

• Work on the cutting edge of terrestrial and space nuclear technologies.
• Access to state-of-the-art prototyping labs and simulation environments.
• Be part of a diverse, visionary team redefining technology for space and Earth requirements.