Lead Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy; Chattanooga (TN); Hybrid; USD 118,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Sargent & Lundy is seeking an experienced Instrumentation & Controls engineer for nuclear power projects. The role involves digital systems design, PLC, DCS, and HSI development, with emphasis on meeting specifications and client needs.

You will coordinate multi-disciplinary design activities, review calculations and drawings, and interact with vendors to ensure successful project execution. Hybrid work arrangement with in-office presence required.

Qualifications

• BS degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• 10+ years of experience in instrumentation & controls design for heavy industrial plants.
• Experience as a firm/client liaison in a leading engineering role.

Responsibilities

• Direct digital I&C design for nuclear power projects (PLC, DCS, HSI).
• Coordinate design activities to meet specs, codes, and client requirements.
• Prepare and review calculations, schematics, and design input documentation.
• Interface with vendors and review equipment purchase specifications.
• Attend client meetings and site walkdowns to validate scope and satisfaction.

Skills

BS degree (ABET-accredited)

10+ years I&C design experience

Lead/liaison with clients

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Job description

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Nuclear Power Is a Carbon-free Energy Source. Our Nuclear Power Generation Clients Are Digitizing Their Existing Power Plants And Building New Nuclear Power Plants, Small Modular Reactors (SMR). This Is Expanding Work In The Instrumentation And Controls Engineering Group. You Will Work On Major Process Controls Engineering Projects In The Following Areas

• Develop and market high level, complex programs for nuclear power projects associated with design, operational excellence, safety, maintenance, and project management
• This position will offer you the opportunity to direct technical decision making, in a project team environment with other engineers and designers involved in the design, modification, and analysis of new and existing power plant controls systems, specifically digital upgrades
• You will work on challenging assignments that include investigating, troubleshooting, and solving a wide variety of instrumentation & controls engineering issues
• Coordinate systems design activities to ensure that the design complies with specifications, codes, and client requirements
• Perform Digital Systems Design Development -- PLC, DCS, HSI, and networked computer systems for nuclear plant systems. This includes preparing functional system requirement specifications, quality assessments, and critical digital reviews
• Perform consulting level work for digital IOT, innovation, and strategic first of a kind (FOAK) projects for the nuclear industry
• Prepare and review detailed calculations, including scaling, uncertainty, and setpoint calculations for analog and digital controls applications
• Prepare documentation for design input for drawing production including cable block diagrams and schematics
• Interface with vendors and prepare and review equipment purchase specifications
• Prepare reports and studies that present technical information in a clear and concise manner to meet client requirements
• Perform independent reviews of work performed by others including calculations and drawing preparation
• Attend client meetings and site walkdowns to validate scope and ensure client satisfaction
• Support station outage activities as required

This position is based on a hybrid work schedule and will require in-office work 3 days per week.

Qualifications

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential Skills

• A BS degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program
• 10 or more years of experience in the design engineering of instrumentation and controls engineering systems in a project team environment for heavy industrial plants, with a focus on integrated, detailed system design for new plants or replacements for existing plants
• Technically knowledgeable of available equipment and proven pre-engineered systems to execute systems design
• Experience with serving as firm/client liaison in a support or lead engineering role is desirable
• Experience in reviewing design drawings created by others

Valued But Not Required Skills And Experience

• PE license
• Broad background in providing technical support to nuclear plant projects - from design engineering, project planning, providing technical expertise associated with testing and operations, contract specifications, project oversight, successful project execution, and overall direction of complex nuclear projects.

Technology & Innovation

Sargent & Lundy values the appropriate use of technology to improve how work gets done and deliver high-quality outcomes for our clients. Depending on the role, employees may use data, automation, artificial intelligence, and other digital tools to support research, analysis, engineering and design activities, workflow improvement, or other aspects of their work.

We value candidates who demonstrate an interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies where relevant to their role. Employees remain accountable for their work and are expected to apply appropriate professional judgment and review when using technology-assisted tools.

Experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued where relevant but is not required unless specifically identified elsewhere in the job description.

About Sargent & Lundy

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 ofwork-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, 2024.

Health & Wellness Financial Benefits Work-Life Balance

• 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

Join Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group and be part of a team driving the future of clean, carbon-free energy. Since 1954, we’ve been a trusted leader in nuclear engineering, design, and licensing, with expertise spanning small modular reactors (SMR), advanced reactor technology (ART), and first-of-a-kind commercial reactor restart projects. Our work supports life extensions and digital modernization of existing nuclear plants, coal-to-nuclear conversion initiatives with the Department of State, and international nuclear new-build projects. With a commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, we provide cutting-edge solutions that power communities worldwide while reducing emissions. Shape the future of global energy with us!

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.