Principal Valve Engineer

Holtec International and its subsidiary companies are developing the SMR-300 small modular reactor, an unfailingly safe and secure source of clean nuclear energy. SMR LLC, a member of the Holtec International family, is seeking a Principal Valve Engineer to serve as the technical authority for the valve engineering program supporting the SMR-300 design.

The Principal Valve Engineer establishes technical direction and governance for valve and actuator applications across the plant. This role shapes long-range design and procurement strategy, ensures alignment with safety and licensing commitments, and advises engineering and program leadership on major technical risks impacting plant operability, reliability, and regulatory compliance.

The position requires broad cross-functional engagement across engineering, supply chain, quality, licensing, and executive leadership.

Location(s): Camden, NJ, Covert, MI, North Pittsburgh, PA, Buchanan, NY

Primary responsibilities:

• Define and maintain program-level valve engineering standards, design bases, qualification approaches, and lifecycle strategies for nuclear-grade valve applications.
• Establish and oversee valve procurement governance, including specification templates, technical review processes, and supplier qualification strategies.
• Provide technical leadership for high-risk, high-impact valve issues, including root cause evaluation, corrective action development, and long-term program improvements.
• Lead strategic supplier engagement, including long-lead procurement planning and alignment of vendor capabilities with program technical objectives.
• Represent valve engineering in major design reviews, licensing interactions, and regulatory discussions impacting mechanical components.
• Ensure valve program decisions support plant safety case development, design certification objectives, and long-term operational reliability.
• Mentor senior engineers and technical leads; build organizational capability through best practices, knowledge transfer, and technical governance development.

Requirements:

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or closely related ABET-accredited engineering discipline.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in valve and actuator engineering within nuclear power plant design, construction, or operations.
• Minimum 8 years of nuclear industry experience in an operational or design capacity, including safety-related or quality-significant applications.
• Demonstrated experience setting technical direction for valve programs, including standards development, qualification strategies, procurement governance, and lifecycle considerations.
• Deep expertise in ASME BPVC, ASME B16, API, MSS standards and nuclear QA requirements (e.g., NQA-1), including practical vendor oversight application.
• Proven ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and senior leadership on major technical decisions and program risk posture.
• Knowledge of NRC regulations (including 10 CFR Part 50/52 and Part 810) and experience supporting licensing deliverables affecting mechanical components.
• Eligible to work under 10 CFR Part 810.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Mechanical, Nuclear, or Systems Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience supporting design certification or first-of-a-kind nuclear plant deployment.
• Experience defining engineering standards or governance processes within a regulated industry.

A Generation Ahead by Design™
Investing in people who power the future.

We believe great work deserves great rewards. Our benefits go beyond the basics, reflecting our commitment to supporting your whole self…your health, your future, and your career growth. This includes:

Compensation:

• Annual compensation based on skills and experience ranging from $160,000.00-$180,000.00
• Additional compensation earned through incentive structure

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off and 9 Paid Holidays, 2 Floating Holidays
• Company-paid life and AD&D insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness resources and voluntary benefits
• Training and educational assistance

If you’re driven to solve meaningful challenges and make a lasting impact, we invite you to build your career at Holtec—a generation ahead by design™.