Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 84,762 - 129,498; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

Paid time off

401(k)

Tuition assistance

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Sargent & Lundy in the United States is seeking an experienced Instrumentation & Controls Engineering professional to contribute to major nuclear power plant control system upgrades. You will lead teams, mentor junior engineers, and coordinate with clients to deliver high-quality design work.

The role emphasizes applying data-driven approaches and automation tools (Python, MATLAB, Excel) to streamline engineering tasks, with site visits and reviews to ensure accuracy and safety.

Qualifications

• BS degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in design engineering for process control systems, nuclear preferred.
• Experience with control system design for low and medium voltage distribution and equipment controls.
• Experience with I&C system design for BWR or PWR reactors, including DCS.
• Reviewing design drawings created by others.

Responsibilities

• Attend client meetings and perform site walk-downs to ensure client satisfaction with work product.
• Lead engineers in applying data and modern tools to improve workflows and designs.
• Oversee automation and scripting work, review automated outputs.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Client meetings

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Excel

Job description

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

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’ll 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 Requirements 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 walk‑downs 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

Essential Skills And Experience

• BS degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in design engineering for process control systems; experience in design engineering for nuclear power plant control systems is preferred.
• Experience with control 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 system 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 system 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 guide 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 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

$84,762 - $129,498

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.