AOV Engineer

Job description

AOV (Air-Operated Valve) Engineer – Nuclear Industry Position Summary:

Appendix J experience desired

The AOV Engineer in the nuclear industry is responsible for the design, maintenance, troubleshooting, and reliability of air-operated valves (AOVs) used in nuclear power plant systems. This role ensures that AOVs function safely, efficiently, and in compliance with Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requirements, ASME Section XI, and other industry standards. The engineer collaborates with operations, maintenance, and regulatory compliance teams to support plant safety and performance.

Key Responsibilities:1. AOV System Engineering & Design:

• Design, analyze, and optimize AOVs used in safety-related and non-safety-related nuclear plant systems.
• Ensure AOVs meet design-basis requirements for normal, abnormal, and emergency conditions.
• Work with mechanical and controls engineers to integrate AOVs with reactor cooling, steam, and balance-of-plant systems.
• Select materials and coatings resistant to high temperatures, radiation, and corrosion in nuclear environments.

2. Performance & Reliability Engineering:

• Conduct predictive and preventive maintenance programs for AOVs.
• Use Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) to improve valve reliability.
• Perform diagnostic testing (e.g., stroke time, leak rate, pressure response) to verify AOV performance.
• Develop strategies to mitigate valve degradation, such as seat wear, leakage, and actuator failures.

3. Regulatory Compliance & Safety Assurance:

• Ensure compliance with NRC, ASME Section XI, INPO, API, and plant-specific regulatory requirements.
• Support AOV Inservice Testing (IST) programs to verify compliance with ASME OM Code and NRC mandates.
• Prepare engineering evaluations and technical justifications for valve modifications or replacements.
• Assist in NRC inspections, audits, and Licensing Amendment Requests (LARs).

4. Troubleshooting & Technical Support:

• Diagnose and resolve AOV malfunctions, including actuator failures, control signal issues, and pneumatic leaks.
• Provide engineering support to maintenance teams for valve overhauls and refurbishments.
• Work with OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) to resolve complex valve performance issues.

5. Project Management & Upgrades:

• Lead AOV modification and upgrade projects to improve system performance.
• Coordinate with procurement teams to evaluate and qualify new valve suppliers.
• Oversee AOV replacements and refurbishment projects during plant outages.

6. Training & Continuous Improvement:

• Develop and deliver training programs for maintenance personnel on AOV operation, diagnostics, and troubleshooting.
• Stay updated with industry best practices, regulatory changes, and technological advancements in AOVs.
• Participate in nuclear industry working groups and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Qualifications & Requirements: Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or a related field.
• Advanced degrees (M.S. or Ph.D.) in relevant fields are a plus.

Experience:

• 3 years of experience in AOV engineering, valve maintenance, or nuclear plant operations.
• Experience in pressurized water reactors (PWR) or boiling water reactors (BWR) is preferred.
• Prior work in Inservice Testing (IST), Maintenance Rule (10 CFR 50.65), and Equipment Qualification (EQ) programs is beneficial.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in ASME OM Code, ASME Section XI, ANSI, API, and NRC regulatory requirements.
• Hands-on experience with valve diagnostic testing tools (e.g., Furmanite, Teledyne, Score).
• Knowledge of pneumatic actuator design, control logic, and failure mode analysis.
• Familiarity with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) such as Maximo, SAP, or Passport.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and nuclear plant safety systems.

Certifications (Preferred but Not Required):

• Professional Engineer (PE) License
• Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP)
• Nuclear Plant Engineering Certification (NPE)
• Valve Maintenance Technician Certification (VMC)

Soft Skills:

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills for regulatory reporting.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams (operations, maintenance, QA, and NRC inspectors).

Industry Applications:

• Nuclear Power Plants (PWR & BWR reactors)
• Nuclear Fuel Processing & Enrichment Facilities
• Naval Nuclear Propulsion Systems
• Research Reactors & DOE Nuclear Facilities