Job Description SummaryAutomation and Controls Engineer supporting the design, development, procurement, and implementation of technical processes and equipment supporting High Assay Low Enriched (HALEU) fuel production.
The position supports Natrium HALEU metallic nuclear fuel production capability being established at the Global Nuclear Fuels campus in Wilmington, NC. Natrium Fuel Facility (NFF) construction is scheduled to begin this summer. In parallel, development facilities are being established to integrate and validate production processes to ensure a reliable transition into production.
As a member of the technical team, the automation and controls engineer will assist with design and development of equipment detailed designs and specifications necessary for procurement. This position will provide oversight and support of internal equipment design/build projects as well as vendor design build activities.
Position located in Wilmington, NC with relocation assistance provided if not already local.
Job DescriptionEssential Responsibilities:- Embrace Global Nuclear Fuel's nuclear safety culture, where work is performed with an overriding priority on integrity, safety, security and quality.
- Senior automation and controls engineer responsible working within the team to design and specify nuclear fuel manufacturing technologies across the facility.
- Provide oversight and guidance for internal design build and vendor build projects throughout the Natrium Fuel Facility.
- Assist in the development, testing, and qualification of processes.
- Creation of design documents such as specifications and drawings.
- Identify and implement proactive solutions for incremental and step change process improvements related to safety, quality and output through use of Lean and Six Sigma tools.
Required Qualifications:- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an accredited university.
- 7 years in automation and controls design and implementation in critical manufacturing industry, including circuit and schematics design, PLC programming, instrumentation and sensors and safety features design.
Eligibility Requirements:- Walk up and down stairs. Occasionally climb ladders.
- Crawling, kneeling, crouching, reaching around manufacturing equipment.
- Operation and testing industrial equipment
- Receipt and movement of items, assembly of controls equipment.
- Ability to use computers. Frequent use of computer equipment.
- Position located in Wilmington, NC, with frequent on-site presence required.
- Periodic travel required, up to 15% of time.
Desired Qualifications:- Electrical Engineering Fundamentals: Proficiency in circuit design, power systems, and electronics. This includes understanding AC/DC circuits, transformers, motors, and sensors. Must be able to design schematics.
- Control Systems Knowledge: Expertise in PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers) programming, such as Ladder Logic, Structured Text, or Function Block Diagrams. Familiarity with Allen-Bradley systems.
- Automation and Robotics: Experience with SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, HMI (Human-Machine Interface) design, and industrial robotics integration. Skills in protocols like Modbus, Profibus, EtherNet/IP, etc.
- Instrumentation and Sensors: Ability to select and integrate sensors (e.g., proximity, pressure, temperature) and actuators. This involves calibration, signal conditioning, and ensuring accuracy in process monitoring and control.
- Safety and Compliance: Knowledge of standards like NFPA 70E (electrical safety), IEC 61508 (functional safety), and UL 508A for panel design. Must incorporate safety features like emergency stops, interlocks, and risk assessments to prevent hazards in automated equipment.
- Programming Languages: Proficiency in C/C++, Python, or VisualBasic for custom scripting, simulation, and data analysis. Ladder logic for controls.
- Data Analysis: Skills in handling data from processes, using tools like SQL for databases.
- Problem-Solving and Troubleshooting: Strong analytical skills to diagnose issues in complex systems, often under time pressure.
- Basic understanding of cybersecurity requirements in industrial applications.
- Communication and Documentation: Clear technical writing for manuals, reports, and specifications. Effective collaboration with mechanical engineers, operators, and vendors to translate requirements into designs. Strong mechanical aptitude, industrial electrical skills desirable.
- Experience with specialized, high-consequence manufacturing equipment
- Experience in hands-on process development in an R&D environment.
- Strong documentation skills (conducting and documenting tests, recording of information)
- Knowledge and experience in nuclear fuel manufacturing safety and regulatory requirements.
- Nuclear fuel fabrication experience
- Proficiency with PC and productivity software [examples include MS Word, MS Excel, MS Powerpoint]
- Strong interpersonal and technical skills.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
- Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma Certification
This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. If applicable, final offers will be contingent on ability to obtain authorization for access to U.S. export-controlled information from the U.S. Government.
Additional InformationGE Vernova offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Vernova is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
GE Vernova will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).
Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes
For candidates applying to a U.S. based position, the pay range for this position is between $111,200.00 and $213,200.00. The Company pays a geographic differential of 110%, 120% or 130% of salary in certain areas. The specific pay offered may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate's experience, education, and skill set.
Bonus eligibility: discretionary annual bonus.
This posting is expected to remain open for at least seven days after it was posted on February 27, 2026.
Available benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to Health Coach from GE Vernova, a 24/7 nurse-based resource; and access to the Employee Assistance Program, providing 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services. Retirement benefits include the GE Vernova Retirement Savings Plan, a tax-advantaged 401(k) savings opportunity with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and financial planning consultants. Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability benefits, life insurance, 12 paid holidays, and permissive time off.
GE Vernova Inc. or its affiliates (collectively or individually, "GE Vernova") sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs GE Vernova reserves the right to terminate, amend, suspend, replace, or modify its benefit plans and programs at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion. No individual has a vested right to any benefit under a GE Vernova welfare benefit plan or program. This document does not create a contract of employment with any individual.
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