Lead Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 - Nuclear

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive healthcare plans

401(k)

Tuition Assistance

Flexible Work Arrangements

Job summary

Sargent Lundy in Richland, WA, seeks an experienced controls engineer to upgrade and modernize nuclear power plants. Responsibilities include leading projects, troubleshooting engineering issues, and client interface. Candidates should have a relevant degree and 10+ years of experience in design engineering.

The position offers a competitive salary range of $118,023 - $180,313, and includes award-winning benefits for health, wellness, and work-life balance.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in project team environments focusing on system design.
• Professional Engineering license is preferred.
• Experience in reviewing design documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support controls projects focusing on technical execution.
• Investigate and resolve engineering issues across disciplines.
• Interface with clients and vendors to ensure project execution.

Skills

Design engineering of controls systems

Technical communication

Client liaison

Troubleshooting engineering issues

Education

BS or MS in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or Nuclear Engineering

Job description

Description

This I&C position offers the opportunity to work on upgrading and modernizing nuclear power plants with the latest control technologies the industry offers. You will be expected to both lead and support small and large controls projects with a focus on technical execution and effective Project Management. These projects will require coordination with mechanical, electrical, and structural disciplines to bring the project to completion.

Your work will include investigating, troubleshooting, and resolving a wide variety of controls engineering issues, including the following:

• Develop Digital Systems Design -- PLC, DCS, HSI, networked computer systems.
• Prepare control system functional and implementation requirements and procurement specifications for nuclear plant control systems.
• Interface with the client to ensure proper project execution and client satisfaction.
• Prepare and review technical reports, calculations, and studies to present information in a clear and concise manner to meet client requirements.
• Manage resources/resource loading and develop estimates for task completion and budget development.
• Support the development of proposals.
• Prepare and review diagrams and drawings for new and upgraded controls solutions.
• Evaluate vendor bids from a technical perspective.
• Interface with vendors to perform document reviews, ensure equipment compliance with specifications and needs of the plant, and witness FAT performance on behalf of the client.
• Support implementation of the project at the client’s facilities.

Qualifications

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

Essential skills and experience:

• BS or MS in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or Nuclear Engineering from an ABET accredited program.
• 10+ years of experience in the design engineering of instrumentation and controls systems in a project team environment for commercial, industrial applications, with a focus on integrated and detailed system design modifications.
• Professional Engineering license is preferred.
• Ability to clearly communicate both in speech and written formats.
• Technically knowledgeable of available equipment and proven pre-engineered systems to execute systems design.
• Experience with serving as the firm’s client liaison in a support or lead engineering role.
• Experience in reviewing design documentation.

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.

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 (SMRs), 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.