The Nuclear Company
Principal Anti-Drone Engineer Seattle, WA
The Nuclear Company, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127
The Nuclear Company is the fastest growing startup in the nuclear and energy space creating a never before seen fleet‑scale approach to building nuclear reactors. Through its design‑once, build‑many approach and coalition building across communities, regulators, and financial stakeholders, The Nuclear Company is committed to delivering safe and reliable electricity at the lowest cost, while catalyzing the nuclear industry toward rapid development in America and globally.
Position Overview As a Principal Anti‑Drone Engineer at The Nuclear Company, you will lead the design, development, and deployment of advanced counter‑unmanned aerial systems (C‑UAS) to protect mission‑critical nuclear infrastructure from drone threats. This senior technical leadership role combines expertise in RF detection, electronic warfare, sensor fusion, and physical security systems to build comprehensive anti‑drone defense capabilities for Nuclear OS and fleet‑scale nuclear power plant operations. You’ll work at the intersection of emerging security technologies and nuclear facility protection, helping to establish industry‑leading standards for counter‑drone systems in the nuclear sector.
Key Responsibilities Technical Leadership & System Architecture
Design and implement comprehensive counter‑drone detection, tracking, and mitigation systems for nuclear construction sites and operational facilities
Develop multi‑layered defense strategies employing diverse and mutually‑supporting tools, technologies, and processes for timely detection, protection, and response to drone threats
Lead the integration of passive 3D detection, RF spectrum analysis, radar systems, and optical tracking technologies for 360° coverage
Architect sensor fusion systems that combine multiple detection modalities to identify and classify drone threats with high confidence
Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and cross‑functional security teams
Detection & Countermeasure Development
Design and deploy RF detection systems capable of identifying drone control signals across multiple frequency bands (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, ISM bands)
Develop electronic countermeasure (ECM) capabilities including GPS jamming, RF signal disruption, and protocol‑specific interference systems
Implement real‑time detection and alerting systems to provide early warning of drone incursions
Evaluate and mitigate radio jamming threats and develop alternate communication methods for security operations
Design tamper detection mechanisms and surveillance systems for perimeter security enhancement
Regulatory Compliance & Security Integration
Ensure compliance with NRC physical security requirements and nuclear facility protection standards
Integrate anti‑drone systems with existing physical security plans and intrusion detection systems
Coordinate with NRC and regulatory bodies on emerging drone threat assessments and security measures
Document countermeasure strategies and maintain compliance with 10 CFR 73.55 physical protection requirements
Protect safety, security, and emergency preparedness (SSEP) functions from drone‑based threats
Electromagnetic Compatibility & Safety
Evaluate proprietary protocol‑controlled drones and anti‑drone transmissions to ensure safe operation near sensitive nuclear equipment
Conduct electromagnetic interference (EMI) testing to verify that counter‑drone systems do not disrupt critical station equipment
Evaluate wireless transmissions to avoid interference with station components and safety systems
Assess radio frequency interference (RFI) impacts on nuclear facility wireless networks and IoT systems
Threat Assessment & Response
Conduct threat assessments for commercial and military‑grade unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) including NATO Class 1‑3 drones and drone swarms
Evaluate adversary capabilities including reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and potential attack scenarios against nuclear facilities
Develop incident response protocols for drone detection events and coordinate with security response forces
Assess AI‑enabled flight technologies and autonomous drone capabilities that may evade traditional countermeasures
Project Leadership & Innovation
Lead complex engineering projects involving multi‑site anti‑drone system deployments
Drive innovation in counter‑UAS technologies and stay current with emerging drone threats and mitigation techniques
Collaborate with physical security, cybersecurity, and operations teams to ensure integrated defense‑in‑depth strategies
Manage vendor relationships for counter‑drone technology procurement and integration
Develop testing and validation protocols for anti‑drone system performance and reliability
Required Qualifications Education
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field
Experience
10+ years of professional engineering experience in counter‑drone systems, electronic warfare, RF engineering, or related security technologies
5+ years in a senior or lead engineering role with demonstrated technical leadership
Technical Skills
Deep expertise in RF detection and analysis including spectrum analyzers, software‑defined radios (SDR), and signal processing
Proficiency in electronic countermeasures including jamming techniques, GPS spoofing, and protocol disruption
Experience with radar systems, optical tracking, acoustic detection, and multi‑sensor fusion
Strong understanding of drone technologies including flight controllers, communication protocols, and autonomous navigation systems
Knowledge of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and radio frequency interference mitigation
Programming skills in Python, C++, or similar languages for system integration and data analysis
Understanding of wireless communication protocols (Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, proprietary RF)
Security & Compliance
Understanding of NRC regulations and nuclear facility security standards
Knowledge of physical security systems and defense‑in‑depth principles for critical infrastructure
Security clearance eligibility for nuclear facility access
Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities with ability to guide technical teams
Ability to work independently and lead technical initiatives across multiple projects
Excellent communication skills for interfacing with security teams, regulatory bodies, and executive leadership
Leadership Competencies
Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities with ability to guide technical teams
Ability to work independently and lead technical initiatives across multiple projects
Excellent communication skills for interfacing with security teams, regulatory bodies, and executive leadership
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree (Ph.D. or M.S.) in RF Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
Professional Engineer (PE) license
Advanced certifications in security systems, electronic warfare, or RF engineering
Military or defense industry experience with counter‑UAS systems
Experience in nuclear industry or other highly regulated critical infrastructure sectors
Background in AI/ML for autonomous threat detection and classification
Familiarity with NIST cybersecurity frameworks and critical infrastructure protection standards
Experience with layered security architectures and defense‑in‑depth strategies
Competitive compensation packages
401k with company match
Estimated Starting Salary Range The estimated starting salary range for this role is $198,000 - $228,000 annually less applicable withholdings and deductions, paid on a bi‑weekly basis. The actual salary offered may vary based on relevant factors as determined in the Company’s discretion, which may include experience, qualifications, tenure, skill set, availability of qualified candidates, geographic location, certifications held, and other criteria deemed pertinent to the particular role.
EEO Statement The Nuclear Company is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an environment of inclusion in the workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We prohibit discrimination in all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, transfer, compensation, and termination.
Export Control Certain positions at The Nuclear Company may involve access to information and technology subject to export controls under U.S. law. Compliance with these export controls may result in The Nuclear Company limiting its consideration of certain applicants.
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Position Overview As a Principal Anti‑Drone Engineer at The Nuclear Company, you will lead the design, development, and deployment of advanced counter‑unmanned aerial systems (C‑UAS) to protect mission‑critical nuclear infrastructure from drone threats. This senior technical leadership role combines expertise in RF detection, electronic warfare, sensor fusion, and physical security systems to build comprehensive anti‑drone defense capabilities for Nuclear OS and fleet‑scale nuclear power plant operations. You’ll work at the intersection of emerging security technologies and nuclear facility protection, helping to establish industry‑leading standards for counter‑drone systems in the nuclear sector.
Key Responsibilities Technical Leadership & System Architecture
Design and implement comprehensive counter‑drone detection, tracking, and mitigation systems for nuclear construction sites and operational facilities
Develop multi‑layered defense strategies employing diverse and mutually‑supporting tools, technologies, and processes for timely detection, protection, and response to drone threats
Lead the integration of passive 3D detection, RF spectrum analysis, radar systems, and optical tracking technologies for 360° coverage
Architect sensor fusion systems that combine multiple detection modalities to identify and classify drone threats with high confidence
Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and cross‑functional security teams
Detection & Countermeasure Development
Design and deploy RF detection systems capable of identifying drone control signals across multiple frequency bands (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, ISM bands)
Develop electronic countermeasure (ECM) capabilities including GPS jamming, RF signal disruption, and protocol‑specific interference systems
Implement real‑time detection and alerting systems to provide early warning of drone incursions
Evaluate and mitigate radio jamming threats and develop alternate communication methods for security operations
Design tamper detection mechanisms and surveillance systems for perimeter security enhancement
Regulatory Compliance & Security Integration
Ensure compliance with NRC physical security requirements and nuclear facility protection standards
Integrate anti‑drone systems with existing physical security plans and intrusion detection systems
Coordinate with NRC and regulatory bodies on emerging drone threat assessments and security measures
Document countermeasure strategies and maintain compliance with 10 CFR 73.55 physical protection requirements
Protect safety, security, and emergency preparedness (SSEP) functions from drone‑based threats
Electromagnetic Compatibility & Safety
Evaluate proprietary protocol‑controlled drones and anti‑drone transmissions to ensure safe operation near sensitive nuclear equipment
Conduct electromagnetic interference (EMI) testing to verify that counter‑drone systems do not disrupt critical station equipment
Evaluate wireless transmissions to avoid interference with station components and safety systems
Assess radio frequency interference (RFI) impacts on nuclear facility wireless networks and IoT systems
Threat Assessment & Response
Conduct threat assessments for commercial and military‑grade unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) including NATO Class 1‑3 drones and drone swarms
Evaluate adversary capabilities including reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and potential attack scenarios against nuclear facilities
Develop incident response protocols for drone detection events and coordinate with security response forces
Assess AI‑enabled flight technologies and autonomous drone capabilities that may evade traditional countermeasures
Project Leadership & Innovation
Lead complex engineering projects involving multi‑site anti‑drone system deployments
Drive innovation in counter‑UAS technologies and stay current with emerging drone threats and mitigation techniques
Collaborate with physical security, cybersecurity, and operations teams to ensure integrated defense‑in‑depth strategies
Manage vendor relationships for counter‑drone technology procurement and integration
Develop testing and validation protocols for anti‑drone system performance and reliability
Required Qualifications Education
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field
Experience
10+ years of professional engineering experience in counter‑drone systems, electronic warfare, RF engineering, or related security technologies
5+ years in a senior or lead engineering role with demonstrated technical leadership
Technical Skills
Deep expertise in RF detection and analysis including spectrum analyzers, software‑defined radios (SDR), and signal processing
Proficiency in electronic countermeasures including jamming techniques, GPS spoofing, and protocol disruption
Experience with radar systems, optical tracking, acoustic detection, and multi‑sensor fusion
Strong understanding of drone technologies including flight controllers, communication protocols, and autonomous navigation systems
Knowledge of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and radio frequency interference mitigation
Programming skills in Python, C++, or similar languages for system integration and data analysis
Understanding of wireless communication protocols (Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, proprietary RF)
Security & Compliance
Understanding of NRC regulations and nuclear facility security standards
Knowledge of physical security systems and defense‑in‑depth principles for critical infrastructure
Security clearance eligibility for nuclear facility access
Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities with ability to guide technical teams
Ability to work independently and lead technical initiatives across multiple projects
Excellent communication skills for interfacing with security teams, regulatory bodies, and executive leadership
Leadership Competencies
Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities with ability to guide technical teams
Ability to work independently and lead technical initiatives across multiple projects
Excellent communication skills for interfacing with security teams, regulatory bodies, and executive leadership
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree (Ph.D. or M.S.) in RF Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
Professional Engineer (PE) license
Advanced certifications in security systems, electronic warfare, or RF engineering
Military or defense industry experience with counter‑UAS systems
Experience in nuclear industry or other highly regulated critical infrastructure sectors
Background in AI/ML for autonomous threat detection and classification
Familiarity with NIST cybersecurity frameworks and critical infrastructure protection standards
Experience with layered security architectures and defense‑in‑depth strategies
Competitive compensation packages
401k with company match
Estimated Starting Salary Range The estimated starting salary range for this role is $198,000 - $228,000 annually less applicable withholdings and deductions, paid on a bi‑weekly basis. The actual salary offered may vary based on relevant factors as determined in the Company’s discretion, which may include experience, qualifications, tenure, skill set, availability of qualified candidates, geographic location, certifications held, and other criteria deemed pertinent to the particular role.
EEO Statement The Nuclear Company is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an environment of inclusion in the workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We prohibit discrimination in all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, transfer, compensation, and termination.
Export Control Certain positions at The Nuclear Company may involve access to information and technology subject to export controls under U.S. law. Compliance with these export controls may result in The Nuclear Company limiting its consideration of certain applicants.
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