Lead Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Cedar Rapids, IA, 52405
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 13 January 2026
Description
This position will require onsite support in/around the Cedar Rapids Area supporting project needs with a hybrid work arrangement. You'll spend three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days.
This I&C position offers the opportunity to work on upgrading and modernizing nuclear power plants with the latest control technologies the industry offers. You will be expected to both lead and support small and large controls projects with a focus on technical execution and effective Project Management. These projects will require coordination with mechanical, electrical, and structural disciplines to bring the project to completion.
You work will include investigating, troubleshooting, and resolving a wide variety of controls engineering issues, including the following:
- Develop Digital Systems Design -- PLC, DCS, HSI, networked computer systems.
- Prepare control system functional and implementation requirements and procurement specifications for nuclear plant control systems.
- Interface with the client to ensure proper project execution and client satisfaction.
- Prepare and review technical reports, calculations, and studies to present information in a clear and concise manner to meet client requirements.
- Manage resources/resource loading and develop estimates for task completion and budget development.
- Support the development of proposals.
- Prepare and review diagrams and drawings for new and upgraded controls solutions.
- Evaluate vendor bids from a technical perspective.
- Interface with vendors to perform document reviews, ensure equipment compliance with specifications and needs of the plant, and witness FAT performance on behalf of the client.
- Support implementation of the project at the client’s facilities.
Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
- BS or MS in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or Nuclear Engineering from an ABET accredited program.
- 10 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 and detailed system design modifications.
- Professional Engineering license is preferred.
- Ability to clearly communicate both in speech and written formats.
- 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.
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
$116,620.00 - $179,890.00Transparency 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.
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Frequently asked questions
This position plays a pivotal role in upgrading nuclear facilities by integrating cutting-edge instrumentation and control systems, ensuring projects not only meet technical standards but also enhance operational safety and efficiency within the nuclear sector.
Expertise in nuclear-grade control system design, strict compliance with safety protocols, and proficiency in digital systems like PLC and DCS tailored for nuclear environments set this role apart, demanding deep knowledge of nuclear regulations and engineering nuances.
Professionals can progress to senior engineering roles, project leadership, or specialized consultancy within nuclear controls, leveraging experience with regulatory compliance, advanced control system integration, and cross-disciplinary project management.
Cedar Rapids hosts a niche but growing market for nuclear engineering talent, with moderate competition due to specialized skill requirements and ongoing modernization efforts, making it a strategic location for professionals in this field.
While a Professional Engineering license is preferred, additional certifications like Nuclear Quality Assurance (NQA-1) and OSHA nuclear safety training can significantly boost employability and project leadership opportunities in the Cedar Rapids area.
At Sargent & Lundy, engineers benefit from a collaborative environment that prioritizes innovation and safety, requiring the Lead Engineer to navigate cross-disciplinary coordination effectively while embracing the company’s commitment to sustainable nuclear solutions.
Sargent & Lundy’s focus on pioneering nuclear modernization projects demands versatility in handling complex digital control systems and stringent regulatory standards, alongside balancing hybrid onsite and remote work schedules specific to their operational model.
Compensation ranges from $116,620 to $179,890 annually, reflecting the role’s seniority, nuclear specialization, and the company’s comprehensive benefits, aligning with Cedar Rapids’ market rates for experienced engineering professionals.
Daily responsibilities emphasize nuclear-specific system design, rigorous safety compliance, and multi-disciplinary collaboration, alongside troubleshooting high-stakes control system issues unique to nuclear plant environments.
The role offers exposure to advanced nuclear technologies, leadership in large-scale modernization projects, and a supportive culture recognized for benefits and innovation, making it a compelling career choice within the nuclear engineering community.