Junior Systems Design Engineer I

Job Description

About ATS Industrial Automation

With 20+ Years of experience bringing automation to nuclear projects, ATS Industrial Automation is expanding the capabilities of its existing nuclear division into the US. ATS provides world-leading automation tooling to the nuclear energy sector for new reactor builds, refurbishment, operations and maintenance.

About the Role

As a Junior Systems Design Engineer – Nuclear, you will play a key role in the design and delivery of complex, high-reliability engineered systems supporting advanced nuclear and regulated industrial applications. Working as part of a multidisciplinary project team, you will help translate customer and regulatory requirements into robust system designs, gaining hands-on exposure to the full system lifecycle—from early concept development through detailed design, integration, testing, and commissioning. This role offers the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of customer processes and technology while contributing to solutions where safety, quality, and performance are critical.

This position is well suited for an early-career engineer who is eager to grow technical depth and systems thinking capability in a highly collaborative environment. You will be supported by experienced engineers while progressively building ownership of system requirements, technical risk mitigation, and verification activities. Through direct involvement in design reviews, analysis, proof-of-principle testing, and on-site support, you will develop into a trusted technical contributor and subject matter expert, helping deliver innovative, compliant, and reliable systems that make a real-world impact.

Specific Responsibilities

Supports the Development of System Requirements Definition and Verification

• Assist in the development, documentation, and maintenance of system-level requirements, including functional, technical, and regulatory requirements.
• Support requirements flow-down to subsystems, components, and third-party equipment under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Participate in requirements verification planning and execution, including analysis, testing, and inspection activities.
• Assist with the preparation and execution of acceptance testing activities such as proof-of-principle testing, factory acceptance testing, and site acceptance testing.
• Evaluate design outputs (drawings, calculations, specifications, and test results) for conformance to defined requirements.
• Support the preparation of technical documentation such as verification matrices, test plans, and acceptance test reports.
• Assist in the identification and mitigation of technical risks through structured problem-solving and design validation activities.

Subject Matter Expertise

• Learn and develop an understanding of customer processes, system functionality, and applicable nuclear and industrial standards.
• Support system-level and component-level analysis and calculations, such as functional capability, accuracy, structural considerations, pressure/flow, heat transfer, and reliability, as applicable.
• Assist in the preparation of technical studies, calculations, and design assessments to support system performance and compliance.
• Support the development of risk assessments, including Failure Modes and Effects Analyses (FMEAs) and Safety Risk Assessments.
• Assist with proof-of-principle studies and hands-on testing to validate design assumptions and reduce technical risk.
• Develop familiarity with applicable codes, standards, quality requirements, and regulatory expectations relevant to nuclear and high-reliability systems.

Work Cross-Functionally with Other Teams

• Work collaboratively with mechanical, electrical, controls, software, assembly, and project management teams to support system design and execution.
• Participate in internal and customer design reviews, contribute technical input and learn best practices for design evaluation.
• Support coordination with third-party vendors of process-critical equipment, including review of technical specifications and participation in acceptance testing.
• Assist with system integration, startup, commissioning, and buy-off activities, including on-site support when required.
• Communicate technical information clearly and effectively within the project team and with customers, with support from senior engineers.

Additional Responsibilities

• First-of-a-kind development efforts, continuous improvement initiatives, and product or process enhancements.
• Assist with problem identification and resolution across multiple engineering disciplines.
• Follow established engineering processes, quality requirements, and health and safety procedures.
• Support the preparation of technical inputs for project planning, execution strategies, and estimates as required.
• Participate in customer meetings and support resolution of technical or project-related issues.
• Perform other engineering duties or project tasks as assigned, consistent with a junior-level development role.

Qualifications

Education:

Associate’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Systems Design Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Engineering Physics, Engineering Science, or a related engineering discipline is preferred.

• Academic exposure to systems engineering principles, design methodology, analysis, and verification is preferred.
• Coursework or project experience related to nuclear, energy, regulated industries, or high-reliability systems is considered an asset.

Experience:

• Early-career experience (internship, co-op, or entry-level role) supporting mechanical, electrical, controls, or systems engineering activities.
• Fundamental understanding of engineering design, analysis, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Exposure to requirements definition, technical documentation, or verification and validation activities is an asset.
• Ability to support basic engineering calculations, analyses, and studies under guidance, such as functional performance, accuracy, structural considerations, or process capability.
• Familiarity with interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documents.
• Hands-on interest or experience in testing, prototyping, proof-of-principle activities, or system integration support is preferred.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for technical documentation and communication.

Nuclear-Related Knowledge

• Interest in developing expertise in nuclear, regulated, or safety-critical systems and environments.
• Willingness to learn and work within applicable codes, standards, quality programs, and regulatory requirements.
• Ability and willingness to support work in controlled or regulated environments, including on-site support as required.

Join our globally growing team at ATS Industrial Automation where we create complex automation solutions at the highest level that sustainably impact lives around the world. 

At ATS, a publicly traded global company with a proud 40-year history, we help drive the future with our factory-wide automation solutions. At ATS Industrial Automation, what we do matters - both to our customers and to their customers. With 600 skilled employees around the world, we design, build and service mission-critical automated assembly and test solutions for mobility, nuclear and specialty automation. Our customers are leaders in their industries and rely on us to deliver what we promise - on time and on budget. Combined with our broad product portfolio, financial strength and global presence, we provide our customers with the best automation solutions wherever and whenever they need them. 

Join our ATS Industrial Automation Team because:

• We VALUE our People : The foundation of a great company is having the best team which is why we continuously work to develop, engage, empower, and energize our people.
• We’ve got GREAT Work Perks : We provide a variety of perks to our employees. Make sure you ask more about our flexible work schedules, employee events, free coffee beverages, employee referral program and safety shoe programs. 
• We offer COMPETITIVE Total Rewards: Competitive starting salaries, overtime pay eligibility, paid vacation, company paid short- and long-term disability and life insurance, comprehensive health benefits, 401K matching program, Employee Incentive Bonus program and optional Employee Share Purchase Program. 
• We support internal GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT : ATS Automation offers endless opportunities for professional growth and development, including tuition reimbursement programs and our commitment to promoting from within.