Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy; Metairie (LA); Hybrid; USD 84,862 - 129,498; Full time

Job summary

Sargent & Lundy in Metairie, LA, offers a hybrid role focused on digitizing existing plants and advancing SMR projects. You will design, modify, and analyze instrumentation and control systems for nuclear power facilities, with leadership in AI-enabled engineering workflows.

The position requires 5+ years in I&C design, ABET-accredited engineering, and strong client-facing experience. Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team and mentorship responsibilities are expected.

Qualifications

• Five or more years of experience in I&C Design Engineering.
• Experience selecting equipment, developing control philosophy, and assembling design packages, calculations, and specifications.
• Experience designing control systems for turbines, pumps, feedwater controls, and data displays.
• Experience serving as a client liaison in a support or lead engineering role.
• Experience reviewing design documentation.
• Preferred: PE license.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop digital control systems – PLC, DCS, touchscreens, network switches, and control platforms.
• Create functional requirements and procurement specifications for control systems.
• Develop mechatronics and control solutions for pumps, valves, heat exchangers, steam turbines, and reactors.
• Conduct critical digital asset cyber assessments and review the results.
• Meet with clients and conduct site walk-downs to validate scope and ensure satisfaction.
• Assist the project manager/director to keep projects on schedule, within budget, and to client expectations.
• Prepare and review detailed calculations, including scaling, uncertainty, and set-point calculations for digital and analog controls applications.
• Interface with vendors to review documentation and prepare equipment purchase specifications.
• Prepare reports and studies that present technical information clearly and concisely to meet client requirements.
• Perform independent reviews of work performed by others, including design documentation, specifications, calculations, and drawings.
• Participate in professional Communities of Practice to enhance career development.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to less experienced engineers.

Skills

I&C Design

Client liaison

Design documentation

Project coordination

Automation oversight

Education

ABET-accredited Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Advanced Excel

Job description

Job Summary

This hybrid position offers three days per week in the office and two days of remote work. You will join Sargent & Lundy’s Nuclear Power Group to support the digitization of existing plants and the construction of small modular reactors (SMRs). The role focuses on the design, modification, and analysis of instrumentation and control systems for new and existing nuclear power plants.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop digital control systems – PLC, DCS, touchscreens, network switches, and control platforms.
• Create functional requirements and procurement specifications for control systems.
• Develop mechatronics and control solutions for pumps, valves, heat exchangers, steam turbines, and reactors.
• Conduct critical digital asset cyber assessments and review the results.
• Meet with clients and conduct site walk‑downs to validate scope and ensure satisfaction.
• Assist the project manager/director to keep projects on schedule, within budget, and to client expectations.
• Prepare and review detailed calculations, including scaling, uncertainty, and set‑point calculations for digital and analog controls applications.
• Interface with vendors to review documentation and prepare equipment purchase specifications.
• Prepare reports and studies that present technical information clearly and concisely to meet client requirements.
• Perform independent reviews of work performed by others, including design documentation, specifications, calculations, and drawings.
• Participate in professional Communities of Practice to enhance career development.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to less experienced engineers.

AI & Automation Leadership

• Lead others in using data, automation, and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost‑effective designs.
• Direct automation and process‑improvement work, such as automating calculations, summarizing technical documents, and generating design documentation.
• Oversee engineers who script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, reviewing automated outputs.
• Value additional learning in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or Software Engineering that enables oversight of AI-enabled engineering workflows.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET‑accredited program.
• Five or more years of experience in I&C Design Engineering.
• Experience selecting equipment, developing control philosophy, and assembling design packages, calculations, and specifications.
• Experience designing control systems for turbines, pumps, feedwater controls, and data displays.
• Experience serving as a client liaison in a support or lead engineering role.
• Experience reviewing design documentation.
• Preferred: PE license.
• Note: we do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Award‑Winning Benefits

• Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life & Accident Insurance
• Disability Coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Backup 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

$84,762 – $129,498

Transparency Statement

Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges in compliance with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package includes a base salary or hourly rate and comprehensive benefits, with potential eligibility for a discretionary bonus.

About This Business Unit

The Nuclear Power Group is a trusted leader in nuclear engineering, design, and licensing. Since 1954, we have delivered solutions for SMRs, advanced reactor technology, and first‑of‑a‑kind commercial reactor restart projects, as well as digital modernization of existing plants. Our work supports life extensions, coal‑to‑nuclear conversion initiatives, and international new‑build projects, driving a carbon‑free future.

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.