Project Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 2 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Waterford, CT, 06385
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 6 January 2026
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, 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 associated with design, operational excellence, safety, maintenance, and project management.
- This position will offer you the opportunity to direct technical decision making, 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, specifically digital upgrades
- You will work on challenging assignments that include investigating, troubleshooting, and solving a wide variety of instrumentation & controls engineering issues,
- Coordinate systems design activities to ensure installation and operations will comply with specifications, codes, and client requirements,
- Perform Digital Systems Design Development -- PLC, DCS, HSI, networked computer systems, and digital instrumentation & control systems functional requirements for nuclear plant systems. Work collaboratively on quality assessments and critical digital reviews,
- Perform consulting level work for digital IOT, innovation, and strategic first of a kind (FOAK) projects for the nuclear industry,
- Prepare and review detailed calculations, including scaling, uncertainty, and setpoint calculations for analog and digital controls applications,
- Prepare documentation for design input for drawing production including master diagrams and schematics,
- Interface with vendors to prepare and review materials and equipment purchase specifications,
- Prepare reports and studies that present technical information in a clear and concise manner to meet client requirements,
- Perform independent reviews of work performed by others including calculations and drawing preparation,
- Attend client meetings and site walkdowns to validate scope and ensure client satisfaction
- Support station outage activities as required
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 preferred
- 12 or more years of experience in the design of instrumentations and controls engineering systems in a project team environment for non-commercial, heavy industrial plants, with a focus on integrated, detailed system design for new plants, or modifications or replacements for existing plants.
- 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 of 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 with serving as firm/client liaison in a support or lead engineering role is desirable.
- Experience in reviewing design drawings created by others.
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- PE license preferred
- Construction and start-up experience a plus
- Commissioning experience a plus
- Broad background in providing technical support to nuclear plant projects - from design, project planning, providing technical expertise associated with testing and operations, contract specifications, project oversight, successful project execution, and overall direction of complex nuclear projects. Licensing strategies associated with Digital I&C Modernization projects
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.
Compensation Range
$131,960.00 - $205,330.00Transparency 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!
Awards & Recognition
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.
Related Jobs
Top trending job titles hiring now
Popular Searches for Controls Engineer
Frequently asked questions
In nuclear projects, this position demands specialized expertise in digital upgrades and safety-critical systems unique to nuclear power plants. It involves complex instrumentation design, stringent regulatory compliance, and collaboration on advanced reactor technologies, setting it apart from standard controls engineering roles.
Mastery of PLC, DCS, and HSI systems, combined with deep understanding of reactor-specific controls (BWR or PWR), plus proficiency in digital system design and vendor coordination, are essential to excel and progress in this specialized nuclear instrumentation engineering career.
Days often involve troubleshooting complex I&C systems, performing detailed calculations, coordinating with multi-disciplinary teams, reviewing design schematics, and ensuring compliance with nuclear codes, all while supporting digital modernization efforts and client-focused technical problem-solving.
Employees enjoy comprehensive healthcare plans, generous paid time off, and competitive compensation, backed by a company culture recognized for workplace excellence in 2022-2024. These benefits foster work-life balance and support overall well-being in the Waterford community.
The company champions cutting-edge digital IOT initiatives and first-of-a-kind nuclear projects, encouraging engineers to lead technical decisions and consult on strategic modernization, blending traditional engineering expertise with forward-thinking solutions in the nuclear sector.
While a PE license is preferred, deep familiarity with nuclear regulatory standards and digital I&C licensing strategies significantly enhances candidacy, reflecting the company's focus on compliance and technical excellence within nuclear project scopes.
Compensation ranges between $131,960 and $205,330 annually, reflecting the seniority and specialized skills required. This package also includes benefits and potential discretionary bonuses, underscoring the role’s value in the nuclear engineering field.
Waterford’s nuclear industry maintains steady demand for seasoned controls engineers due to ongoing plant modernization and SMR projects, though competition remains moderate given the specialized expertise required for digital and safety-critical instrumentation systems.
Prospective applicants should account for regional commuting options, cost of living, and the presence of a nuclear engineering cluster that fosters collaboration. Additionally, understanding Connecticut’s regulatory environment benefits those engaging in local nuclear power projects.
Engineers operate within multidisciplinary teams, coordinating with designers, vendors, and clients to deliver integrated digital control solutions. This environment emphasizes shared technical decision-making and collective accountability on complex nuclear instrumentation efforts.