Position: 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 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 languages.
• 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.