System Designer Principal Engineer

Why This Role Is Critical

As the need for nuclear energy grows, the future couldn’t be brighter. Join our vital mission to create lasting solutions for our planet’s greatest challenges. In this role, you are ready to shape the future of clean energy and make a long-lasting global impact. With us, anticipate engaging and challenging projects that deliver innovative solutions and value-added technologies helping power more than 38 million North American homes.

We are looking to hire a highly motivated System Designer for Instrumentation & Control (I&C) Safety Systems who will be responsible for leading the technical definition, integration, and lifecycle architecture of safety‑related control systems for commercial nuclear power modernization projects. This role ensures that system designs meet regulatory requirements, functional safety expectations, and customer performance needs while aligning with product strategy and commercial commitments.

What You’ll Do Day-To-Day

• Perform a variety of more complex engineering assignments typically in areas of design, development, analysis, evaluation, testing, preparation of specifications, execution of field tasks and resolution of field problems.
• Perform independent review of department work products, risk assessments, Apparent Cause Analyses, Root Cause Analyses, Failure Modes and Effects Analysis etc.
• Propose solutions and work scope to supervisor, works autonomously on most assignments and solutions.
• Independently evaluate, select and apply a variety of technical techniques, procedures, and criteria using judgement in making more complex adaptations and modifications for tasks not previously performed.
• Develop new or adapted products, methods, systems or models to provide added value solutions to customers.
• Understand impact of work on other organizations internally and externally.
• Work on special projects, as directed.
• Provide suggestions for improving processes and implementing process improvements.
• Develop and maintain system level architecture for safety class digital I&C systems, including reactor protection, engineered safety features actuation, and diverse backup systems.
• Translate regulatory, licensing, and customer requirements into clear system specifications, interface definitions, and design constraints.
• Lead cross disciplinary integration across hardware, software, networks, cybersecurity, and human machine interface components.
• Support safety analyses such as FMEA, reliability assessments, deterministic safety evaluations, and defense in depth and diversity (D3) assessments.
• Ensure compliance with nuclear safety and digital I&C standards, including IEEE 603, IEC 61513, IEC 60880, IEC 62138, 10 CFR 50/52/73, IEEE 1012 and NRC regulatory guidance.
• Provide technical leadership during design, implementation, verification/validation, and commissioning activities.
• Collaborate with licensing, quality, and commercial teams to support bids, proposals, customer meetings, and regulatory interactions.
• Prepare and review lifecycle documentation, including requirements specifications, architecture descriptions, interface control documents, and safety case inputs.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for digital safety systems, modernization strategies, and emerging technologies relevant to nuclear I&C.
• Support configuration management, design change control, and technical risk management throughout the system lifecycle.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. Dependent on the position, degrees in Physics, Engineering Technology and Engineering Science may also be accepted.
• Minimum of 7 years of related experience.
• Advanced knowledge of related engineering standards, techniques and criteria.
• Excellent communication skills to comprehend and convey detailed technical data.
• Grows developed network and maintains good interpersonal relationships; work collaboratively within a team environment.
• Advanced problem identification and problem resolution skills.
• Displays leadership characteristics.
• Exhibits questioning attitude and practices self-checking.
• Understanding nuclear licensing frameworks, digital safety system requirements, and deterministic system behavior. Experience supporting licensing submittals or regulatory audits.
• Familiarity with digital safety platforms (e.g., FPGA based systems, safety PLCs, or qualified DCS platforms).
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams, drive architectural decisions, and communicate complex concepts to diverse stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience with customer and regulator interactions.
• Working knowledge of cybersecurity requirements for nuclear safety systems (e.g., NEI 08 09, RG 5.71).

Total Rewards Package

• Salary: $115,000 - $156,000, and may also include annual incentives and performance bonuses. The base salary range is a guideline. Individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies and work location.
• Health & Wellness: Multiple medical plan options, dental & vision coverage, life insurance, long- and short-term disability, and optional supplemental plans (critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity, dependent life).
• Retirement: 401(k) with employer match.
• Paid Time Off: Up to 3 weeks of vacation, 8 sick days, and 13 paid holidays annually.
• Extra Perks: Lifestyle spending account, employer paid mental health support, education reimbursement, professional development opportunities, adoption assistance, parental leave, and employee assistance programs.

About Framatome

Framatome has been shaping the future of nuclear energy in the U.S. for more than 60 years. Framatome Inc. is headquartered in Lynchburg, Virginia, with more than 2,400+ employees across North America supporting nearly every nuclear plant in the nation.

From our facilities in Virginia, Washington, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and beyond, we deliver outage services, advanced nuclear fuel technologies, and next-gen reactor innovations that keep the lights on.

At Framatome, you will join a global team committed to creating reliable, carbon-free energy. Here, you can:

• Solve complex nuclear challenges that directly impact the climate.
• Build your career through technical fellowships, leadership roles, and global opportunities.
• Do your best work in a culture that values safety, innovation, and well-being.

Framatome is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.

Offers are contingent on background check and drug screen (where applicable). Positions may involve access to information subject to U.S. export control regulations; applicants must meet eligibility requirements (see DOE 810 Appendix A).