Lead Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent Lundy; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 109,000 - 169,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm, Sargent & Lundy, seeks an experienced professional in Instrumentation and Controls Engineering to manage significant nuclear power projects. With an emphasis on control system design, troubleshooting, and strategic project leadership, this role plays a vital part in the advancement of sustainable energy solutions. Ideal candidates will possess a strong background in engineering and have a passion for innovation in the nuclear industry.

Benefits

Comprehensive healthcare plans

Generous paid time off

401(k) with merit scholarship program

Tuition assistance

Flexible work arrangements

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in industrial controls system design.
• Experience with power plant instrumentation for BWR or PWR.
• Preferred PE license and construction experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical decision-making on control systems projects.
• Coordinate compliance with specifications and client needs.
• Prepare and review calculations for control systems.

Skills

Designing instrumentation and controls systems

Troubleshooting engineering issues

Client liaison

DCS knowledge

Education

BS or MS in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Description

Nuclear Power is a carbon-free energy source. Our electric power generation clients are digitizing their existing power plants and building new nuclear power plants, including 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 related to design, operational excellence, safety, maintenance, and project management.
• This position offers the opportunity to lead technical decision-making within a project team involving engineers and designers focused on designing, modifying, and analyzing power plant control systems, especially digital upgrades.
• Work on challenging assignments such as investigating, troubleshooting, and resolving instrumentation & controls engineering issues.
• Coordinate system design activities to ensure installation and operation comply with specifications, codes, and client requirements.
• Perform Digital Systems Design Development, including PLC, DCS, HSI, networked computer systems, and digital instrumentation & control systems for nuclear plant systems. Participate in quality assessments and digital reviews.
• Engage in consulting work for digital IoT, innovation, and first-of-a-kind (FOAK) projects within the nuclear industry.
• Prepare and review detailed calculations, including scaling, uncertainty, and setpoint calculations for analog and digital controls applications.
• Create documentation for design inputs, such as master diagrams and schematics.
• Interface with vendors to review materials and equipment specifications.
• Prepare reports and studies that clearly present technical information to meet client needs.
• Conduct independent reviews of others’ work, including calculations and drawings.
• Attend client meetings and site walkdowns to validate scope and ensure satisfaction.
• Support station outage activities as required.

Qualifications

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

Essential skills and experience include:

• A BS or MS in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• 10+ years of experience in designing instrumentation and controls systems for heavy industrial plants, with a focus on detailed system design for new or existing plants.
• Experience with controls system design for low and medium voltage systems, including turbines, pumps, and control panels.
• Experience with power plant instrumentation and controls for BWR or PWR reactors, including DCS for turbines and feedwater control.
• Knowledge of available equipment and pre-engineered systems for system design.
• Experience serving as a liaison with clients or in a lead engineering role is desirable.
• Experience reviewing design drawings created by others.

Valued but not required skills include:

• PE license (preferred).
• Construction and startup experience.
• Commissioning experience.
• Broad experience supporting nuclear projects from design to operations.

Award-Winning Benefits

At Sargent & Lundy, we prioritize employee health and well-being, offering comprehensive healthcare, generous paid time off, and a range of benefits. Our commitment has earned us the Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

• 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
• Charitable Giving Program
• Tuition Assistance
• Licensure Bonus
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Paid Time Off (personal, sick, holidays, parental, bereavement)
• Flexible Work Arrangements

Compensation Range

$109,410.00 - $168,770.00

About This Business Unit

Join Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group and contribute to the future of clean, carbon-free energy. Since 1954, we’ve been leading in nuclear engineering, design, and licensing, with expertise in SMRs, advanced reactors, and first-of-a-kind projects. Our work supports plant life extension, digital modernization, and international nuclear initiatives, emphasizing safety, innovation, and sustainability. Help shape the future of global energy with us!

Awards & Recognition

Equal Opportunity

Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected categories.