Fire Protection Engineer

About the role

Fire Protection Engineer, Ward250

Valar Atomics is developing a pioneering high-temperature gas-cooled reactor in Orangeville, Utah. This facility will showcase advanced nuclear energy systems designed for industrial applications and next-generation manufacturing. The Fire Protection Engineer for Ward250 is a critical technical role responsible for ensuring the highest standards of fire safety and regulatory compliance. This position serves as the definitive technical authority on fire protection for the project, directly interfacing with the Department of Energy.

The core mission of this role is to own and maintain the technical integrity of the Ward250 Fire Protection Program. This involves a comprehensive set of duties centered on hazard analysis, regulatory adherence, and emergency preparedness specific to a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor environment. The engineer will manage all aspects of fire safety, from initial design reviews to long-term program maintenance and decommissioning considerations.

A primary responsibility is conducting and maintaining the Fire Hazards Analysis. This requires a thorough, defendable application of NE O 420.1 principles and DOE-STD-1066-2023. The engineer will define fire areas, rigorously evaluate potential fire scenarios, and determine the Maximum Possible Fire Loss. Based on this analysis, specific fire protection requirements must be established for each designated area within the facility.

Ensuring strict code compliance is another fundamental duty. The engineer must uphold the project's code of record, which includes NFPA 10, 70, 72, 101, 110, 111, and 801, along with ANSI/ANS 15.17, DOE-STD-1066-2023, and the Utah Building Code 2021 aligned with IBC 2021. This involves developing robust technical justifications for any proposed equivalencies or exemptions. The role necessitates active management of interactions with Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) officials and the meticulous maintenance of compliance records for ongoing review.

The engineer is tasked with sustaining the facility's Fire Protection Program in accordance with NE O 420.1, Attachment 2, Chapter II. This encompasses a wide range of activities, including the control of combustible materials, the administration of hot-work permits, and the systematic tracking of fire protection system impairments. The program also enforces inspection, testing, and maintenance schedules, performs a Baseline Needs Assessment, and ensures seamless integration with the Physical Security Plan.

Emergency response coordination is vital for a facility with unique characteristics. The engineer will support a tiered response strategy, working closely with Emery County Fire Department and EMS. This includes developing specialized firefighting procedures that account for the unique challenges of the Ward250 environment. Key considerations involve managing a helium atmosphere, handling radioactive materials, and adhering to criticality safety constraints established by subject matter experts. Procedures must respect restrictions on neutron-moderating materials to ensure safety in all scenarios.

Technical analysis for safe shutdown is equally important. The engineer must verify and maintain the analysis concerning fire effects on safe shutdown. This ensures the reactor can achieve and maintain a safe shutdown under all credible fire conditions. The analysis credits the inherent fuel characteristics, the facility's passive decay heat removal systems, and the gravity-driven reactor trip mechanism.

Finally, the role extends into the decommissioning phase. The engineer will advise on fire protection requirements during decommissioning and decontamination activities. This includes ensuring continued fire detection coverage during hot work operations and supporting all protocols leading through Phase 3 site clearance. This position represents a significant opportunity to shape the safety and operational excellence of a groundbreaking energy project.

About the company

Valar Atomics develops nuclear energy systems to power heavy industry and produce clean hydrocarbon fuels. The team builds and operates reactors that deliver high-temperature heat and electricity for demanding industrial processes.

Work focuses on system design, safety analysis, component testing, and deployment planning. Roles suit engineers who want to apply nuclear technology to practical, large-scale energy challenges.