Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent Lundy; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 82,380 - 125,860; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive healthcare plans

Paid time off

401(k) plan

Tuition Assistance

Flexible Work Arrangements

Job summary

A major engineering firm seeks a full-time engineer for its nuclear process control systems team in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The role involves leading engineering projects, mentoring junior engineers, and developing control system designs. Candidates must have a BS or MS in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering and at least 5 years of relevant experience, particularly in nuclear settings. The position offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including extensive health and wellness programs.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in design engineering for process control systems.
• Experience in nuclear power plant control system design preferred.
• Technically knowledgeable of available pre-engineered systems for design.

Responsibilities

• Work on engineering projects for upgrades to nuclear power plants.
• Develop specifications for instrumentation and control systems.
• Mentor less experienced engineers in instrumentation and controls.

Skills

Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Process Control Systems Design

Controls System Design

Nuclear Power Plant Experience

Mechatronics

Automation Tools

Education

BS or MS in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Advanced Excel

Job description

Description

This will be a full-time (5 days/week) on-site position at TRISO-X Fuel Fabrication Facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

Our electric power generation clients are updating and replacing the power plant control systems with new digital control systems. This is expanding work in the Instrumentation and Controls Engineering group.

You will work on major process controls engineering projects for upgrades and modifications to nuclear power plants in the following areas:

• Digital Systems -- PLC, DCS, Touchscreen displays, network switches and control systems
• Functional Requirement and Procurement Specifications for instrumentation and control systems for nuclear power plants
• Process instrumentation replacement evaluation reports and nuclear modification packages
• Mechatronics, Control Systems for pumps, valves, heat exchangers, steam turbines and reactors to improve the functionality of the client’s plant
• Attend client meetings and perform site walkdowns to ensure the client is satisfied with our work product
• Provide guidance as a mentor in the development of less experienced nuclear instrumentation and controls design engineers

Qualifications

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

Essential skills and experience:

• A BS or MS in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program with coursework in instrumentation, mechatronics and process controls design engineering is required
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in design engineering for process control systems; Experience in design engineering for nuclear power plant control system is preferred
• Experience with controls system design including applications for low and medium voltage distribution systems and controls for equipment including but not limited to turbines, pumps, feedwater control, and data displays.
• Experience with power plant instrumentation and controls systems design for either BWR or PWR reactors, including DCS for turbine, control, feedwater control, and data display.
• Technically knowledgeable of available equipment and proven pre-engineered systems to execute systems design
• Experience in reviewing design drawings created by others.

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

$82,380.00 - $125,860.00

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.

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.