Lead Automation & Control Systems Engineer 1

Sargent & Lundy; Richland (WA); Hybrid; USD 118,023 - 180,313; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k)

Paid Vacation

Flexible Work Arrangements

Job summary

Sargent & Lundy in Richland, WA, is looking for an experienced Instrumentation and Controls Engineer to join their team. This role encompasses designing PLC-based control systems and performing engineering duties in a hybrid work environment. A BS in engineering is essential while an MS is preferred. The ideal candidate should have over 10 years of experience in this field, with strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to deliver high-quality solutions.

Competitive compensation ranges from $118,023 to $180,313, reflecting the significance of this role in supporting the Department of Energy projects.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. Citizen; dual citizenship with another country does not qualify.
• 10+ years of experience in instrumentation and controls engineering.
• Experience with designing, programming, documenting, and testing automated machinery.

Responsibilities

• Work with engineers on designing PLC-based control systems and Safety Instrumented Systems.
• Prepare specifications and design media for software and control system procurement.
• Increase knowledge in Automation/Control Systems Engineering through mentoring.

Skills

US Government security clearance

Instrumentation and Controls Engineering

PLC/HMI design

Troubleshooting

Industrial communication design

Education

BS degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program

MS degree preferred

Tools

Ethernet IP

Rockwell RSLogix 5000

Python

Job description

This position allows for a hybrid arrangement with a mix of work from home and in the office.

Duties

As a member of a multi-disciplined project team, this position will offer you the opportunity to utilize and expand your background in Instrumentation and Controls Engineering and PLC/HMI design by performing the following duties:

• Work other discipline engineers involved in the design of new Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) based control systems, Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), and other industrial control system platforms
• Prepare specifications and design media for the procurement and implementation of software, instrumentation, and control system platforms
• Through mentoring, classroom-style technical sessions, and on-the-job training in our Automation Lab, you will increase your knowledge and skills in Automation/Control Systems Engineering
• Develop your career via peer learning by way of S&L's systems of process and associated "Communities of Practice"
• Travel to client offices and project sites, as required

Qualifications

Must be a U.S. Citizen; Dual citizenship with a country other than the U.S. does not qualify.

Essential Skills And Experience

• Must be able to obtain US Government security clearance
• BS degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program ; MS degree preferred
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in instrumentation and controls or automation and control systems engineering
• Proven ability to interface with craft for troubleshooting and problem solving
• Experienced with designing, programming, documenting, and/or testing automated machinery or processes at industrial facilities
• Experienced with industrial communication design (Ethernet IP is preferred and a familiarity with Modbus and Profibus is a plus)
• Experienced with producing P&IDs, Control System Narratives, I/O Lists, Cause and Effect or Logic Diagrams, Wiring Diagrams, Factory Acceptance Test Procedures, and Software documentation including O&M manuals

Valued, But Not Required Skills And Experience

• Professional Engineer (PE) License
• Experienced with programming Rockwell RSLogix 5000 and RSView
• Fabrication, Construction, and Instrumentation & Control System Testing

AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to lead others who use modern tools:

• You are expected to lead others in taking engineering problems from issue to solution by setting expectations for using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
• Leaders in these roles often direct automation and process-improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked.
• Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs, is valued but not required.
• We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that enables effective oversight of automation and agentic AI-enabled engineering workflows.

Award-Winning Benefits

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Benefits Details

• Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life & Accident Insurance
• Disability Coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Back-Up Daycare
• FSA & HSA
• 401(k)
• Pre-Tax Commuter Account
• Merit Scholarship Program
• Employee Discount Program
• Corporate Charitable Giving Program
• Tuition Assistance
• First Professional Licensure Bonus
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Bereavement Leave
• Flexible Work Arrangements

Compensation Range

$118,023 - $180,313

Transparency Statement

Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.

About This Business Unit

Sargent & Lundy’s Government Services Division provides cutting-edge engineering design and consulting support to the management and operating contractors for US Department of Energy (DOE) sites and national laboratories. Specifically, we support the DOE Environmental Management Directorate as well as the National Nuclear Security Administration laboratories and sites. What does this mean? You can be a part of multi-discipline design teams supporting projects cleaning up the environmental damage associated with the legacy nuclear weapons production complex and/or preserving our country’s nuclear deterrent. Sargent & Lundy’s personnel design facilities, systems, and equipment that treat, store, and dispose of nuclear waste as well as systems that safely handle and process nuclear material. This mission-critical work is meaningful and challenging–work you can be proud of.

Equal Opportunity

Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.