Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 2 - Nuclear

Sargent Lundy; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 153,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

401(k)

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Sargent & Lundy in Chicago seeks an experienced electrical/mechanical engineer to design, modify, and analyze power plant controls systems within a project team. You will tackle instrumentation and controls projects for nuclear facilities, including PLC/DCS, and interface with vendors and client teams.

The role emphasizes engineering rigor, design documentation reviews, and mentoring junior engineers while adhering to schedules and budgets. PE preferred; ABET-accredited degrees required.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited program.
• 7+ 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, detailed system design for modifications to existing nuclear power plants.
• Selection of equipment, materials, control philosophy, and the preparation assembly of design packages, calculations, and specifications.
• Experience with controls system design including applications for low and medium voltage distribution systems and controls for equipment such as turbines, pumps, feedwater controls, and data displays.
• 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.
• PE license is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor project engineering teams to deliver instrumentation and controls solutions for nuclear power facilities.
• Review design documentation, specifications, calculations, and drawings for accuracy and compliance.
• Interface with vendors, prepare procurement specifications, and present technical information clearly to clients.
• Support project managers to ensure on-time, on-budget project delivery and client satisfaction.

Skills

Client liaison

Design documentation review

Mentoring less experienced engineers

Education

ABET-accredited BS/MS in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Excel

Job description

Description

This position will offer you the opportunity to work in a project team environment with other engineers and designers involved in the design, modification, and analysis of new and existing power plant controls systems.

You will work on interesting and challenging projects that include investigating, trouble‑shooting, and solving a wide variety of electrical controls engineering issues, including the following:

• Digital Systems Design Development -- PLC, DCS, HSI, networked computer systems, and control systems
• Functional requirement and procurement specifications for control systems
• Mechatronics, control systems for pumps, valves, heat exchangers, steam turbines and reactors to improve the functionality of the nuclear power plant
• Critical digital asset cyber assessment and assessment review
• Client meetings and site walkdowns to validate scope and ensure client satisfaction
• Assist the project manager/director to ensure projects are completed satisfactorily, on time, and within budget
• Prepare and review detailed calculations, including scaling, uncertainty, and setpoint calculations for digital and analog controls applications
• Interface with vendors to perform document reviews and prepare materials and equipmentpurchase specifications
• Prepare reports and studies that present technical informationin a clear and concise manner to meet client requirements
• Perform independent reviews of work performed by others, including design documentation, specifications, calculations, and drawings
• Enhance your career via participation in professional Communities of Practice
• Provide guidance as a mentor in the development of less experienced engineers

Qualifications

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

• BS or MS in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited program
• 7 or more 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, detailed system design for modifications to existing nuclear power plants
• Selection of equipment, materials, control philosophy, and the preparation assembly of design packages, calculations, and specifications
• Experience with controls system design including applicationsfor low and medium voltage distribution systems and controls for equipment such as turbines, pumps, feedwater controls, and data displays
• 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
• PE license is preferred

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 & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-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

$100,019 - $152,807

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.