Setpoints and Control Systems Engineer

Opportunity Overview:

This is a WTSS Contractor Opportunity

We are looking to hire an engineering contractor to support Nuclear Steam Supply System (NSSS) Control Systems design and analysis, NSSS Design Transients, Low-Temperature Overpressure Protection System (LTOPS) analysis, Reactor Trip System (RTS) and Engineered Safety Feature Actuation System (ESFAS) Setpoint Uncertainty Analysis, and data / statistical analysis. The selected individual will work closely with numerous subject matter experts in a variety of nuclear subsystems to ensure the successful completion of the various tasks. This role will work a flexible schedule with some on-site requirements in the Westinghouse Warrendale, PA and Cranberry Twp. Headquarters offices, as needed.

What your day-to-day looks like:

• Responsible for the functional design of the AP1000 digital Control Systems as well as legacy analog control and protection systems and determining setpoints that control the plant’s daily operation. The role is responsible for developing and maintaining the NSSS Control System Functional Design as documented in the Functional Requirements and Functional Diagrams.

• In addition to the control system functional design, the engineer will be responsible for performing operational transient analyses to test the I&C logic and settings and demonstrate that the overall plant response is acceptable. The engineer will analyze normal operating transients and propose plant modifications to address operational issues.

• At low temperatures, the reactor vessel and piping are susceptible to brittle fracture due to the potential over pressurization scenarios. The LTOPS is designed to mitigate these scenarios to prevent reactor vessel and piping damage. The role will be responsible for analyzing the overpressure transients to ensure the LTOPS can mitigate the events and developing LTOPS configuration changes as necessary.

• A nuclear power plant experiences many cycles of pressure, temperature, and flow variations, which are accounted for in the component stress analysis via the NSSS Design Transients. The engineer will be responsible for developing and maintaining plant NSSS Design Transients for the NSSS component qualification calculations. The engineer will also analyze plant modifications to update NSSS Design Transients as needed.

• Nominal Trip Setpoints (NTSs) exist in the RTS and ESFAS to ensure that plant safety limits are protected. A trip will occur to ensure that the necessary counter action can be taken prior to the safety limit being reached. The engineer will be responsible for performing and maintaining uncertainty analysis using the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved Westinghouse Setpoint Methodology (WSM) for both AP1000 plants and other domestic nuclear plants. The calculations will ensure that the NTSs adequately protect the Safety Limits when all sources of process uncertainty and instrumentation uncertainty (such as transmitters, resistance temperature detectors, process racks, and indicators) are considered.

• In some instances, a nuclear power plant may seek to extend surveillance intervals (which are typically 18-months) for instrumentation (such as differential pressure transmitters) as a means of cost savings. The engineer will be responsible for performing statistical / data analyses to examine the instrument performance (drift) over time, and to project performance over a longer time period. The objective of this analysis will be to determine whether instrument drift is time-dependent and to determine if the surveillance intervals can be safely extended. Additionally, the engineer will also be responsible for ensuring that the surveillance extensions are adequately addressed in the setpoint uncertainty analysis.

• The candidate will meet periodically with their SCS mentor and SCS supervisor to review assignments, status, training gaps, and ensure overall understanding of the work being completed by the individual.

• Scoping and cost estimating impacts of design changes on existing designs

• Supporting Project Management on schedule creation

• Composing clear and concise reports on the above tasks for internal and external customers.

• Other duties as assigned by the SCS Supervisor.

What we’d like to see from you:

• BS in Mechanical or Nuclear Engineering

• MS in Mechanical or Nuclear Engineering preferred.

• 10+ years of similar work experience preferred.

• Strong technical foundational knowledge, including a desire and willingness to learn.

• Previous knowledge of overall design and operation of Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR) and systems is highly preferred but not required.

• Prior knowledge and experience with instrumentation associated with pressure, temperature, level, flow and power measurement.

• Experience modeling PWR transients is preferred but not required.

• A basic knowledge of statistics and data analysis is preferred but not required.

• Ability to apply fundamental engineering principles (including fluid mechanics and thermodynamics).

• Ability to evaluate analysis inputs and results to develop a specific technical solution that addresses the customer requirements.

• Ability to work within a team and request support, as needed, to successfully complete project scope, while also being able to handle tasks independently.

• Ability to effectively communicate (written and verbal) analyses basis, summary of results, proposed solutions, and implementation instructions to internal and external stakeholders.

• Ability to develop and maintain positive customer relationships by addressing customer concerns and issues.

• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office.Ability to effectively communicate (written and verbal) analyses basis, summary of results, proposed solutions, and implementation instructions to internal and external stakeholders.Ability to develop and maintain positive customer relationships by addressing customer concerns and issues.Must be proficient in Microsoft Office.

Our Safety Pledge to You:If you are as committed to your success as we are committed to your safety, then this is the position for you! For us, our guiding principle has always been and will continue to be the safety of our people. It’s that simple!

Position Pay RangeThis opportunity offers a pay range of between $50.00-$60.00 per hour.

Why WECTEC Staffing Services?

Through the ever changing and rapidly evolving contract labor market we continue to employ experienced, highly motivated, and qualified employees with proven track records to meet our clients’ needs. We have expanded our scope of services outside of the nuclear industry to include international contracts in more than five countries. Our dedicated employees range in expertise from highly specialized technical niche positions to corporate function positions and we want YOU to be a part of our impressive talent network!

Additionally, WECTEC Staffing Services offers competitive pay as well as benefits to qualifying positions. To learn more about us visit

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