Risevoic
Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chicago, IL, 60603
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 13 January 2026
Description
This role offers a hybrid work arrangement. You'll spend three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days.
Nuclear Power is a carbon-free energy source. Our nuclear power generation clients are digitizing their existing power plants and building new nuclear power plants, small modular reactors (SMR) due to the increasing demand for electric power. This is expanding our work in the Instrumentation and Controls Engineering group. Due to this influx of work, Sargent & Lundy has a need for additional I&C Engineers.
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 instrumentation and control systems in new and existing power plants. 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, Touchscreens, network switches , 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 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 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
- Five or more years of experience in I&C Design Engineering.
- Experience with the selection of equipment, control philosophy, and the preparation and assembly of design packages, calculations, and specifications
- Experience with controls system design including applications for equipment such as turbines, pumps, feedwater controls, and data displays
- 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
#indeedSL
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
$82,380.00 - $125,860.00Transparency 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
Canton, IL
Top trending job titles hiring now
Popular Searches for Controls Engineer
Frequently asked questions
Experts in this role leverage advanced knowledge of PLCs, DCS, and digital control systems tailored for nuclear plant operations. They excel at integrating control systems for turbines and reactors, ensuring safety while optimizing plant functionality, which distinguishes them from general controls engineers.
Proficiency in cyber assessments is crucial for safeguarding critical digital assets in nuclear plants. Engineers adept in this area become valuable for leading modernization projects, increasing their leadership opportunities and marketability within the expanding nuclear engineering field.
Chicago's proximity to multiple nuclear facilities and ongoing clean energy initiatives boosts demand for I&C engineers. Local industry emphasis on digital modernization and nuclear plant life extensions creates a competitive yet opportunity-rich environment for specialists in this niche.
While the nuclear sector offers stable opportunities in Chicago, senior roles require substantial experience and PE licensure preference. The specialized skill set narrows the candidate pool, making competition moderate but rewarding for qualified engineers.
Daily tasks include designing and troubleshooting control systems, preparing procurement specs, conducting site reviews, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. The role demands meticulous analysis of analog and digital control calculations to ensure system reliability and compliance.
A Professional Engineer (PE) license is highly regarded, signaling advanced expertise and credibility. Additional certifications in nuclear safety or control systems engineering further strengthen a candidate’s standing within specialized nuclear instrumentation roles.
The hybrid model offers three days onsite for hands-on collaboration and two remote days for focused design work. This balance promotes productivity while accommodating work-life integration, vital for complex nuclear engineering projects requiring both teamwork and deep technical concentration.
This role stands out due to its involvement in cutting-edge nuclear digital modernization and SMR projects, coupled with award-winning benefits and career mentorship. The firm’s legacy since 1954 and focus on sustainability provide a distinct professional environment.
The compensation range of $82,380 to $125,860 aligns well with the national market for senior nuclear controls engineers, reflecting Chicago’s cost of living and the specialized skills required. Total rewards also include comprehensive benefits and potential bonuses.
Senior engineers are encouraged to guide junior staff, fostering knowledge transfer in instrumentation design and nuclear safety practices. This mentorship culture enhances team capability while supporting professional growth and leadership development.