Risevoic
Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Richmond, VA, 23060
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 13 January 2026
Description
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 will 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 Requirement 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 walkdowns 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
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 with coursework in instrumentation, mechatronics and process controls design engineering is required
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in design engineering for process control systems; Experience in design engineering for nuclear power plant control system is preferred
- 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 in reviewing design drawings created by others.
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.
Salem, VA
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Frequently asked questions
Richmond's nuclear sector shows moderate demand for seasoned instrumentation and controls engineers, driven by ongoing plant modernization projects. Candidates with nuclear process control expertise often face competition but benefit from specialized roles supporting local energy infrastructure upgrades.
In Richmond, credentials like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure in electrical or mechanical fields, along with specialized nuclear safety or control systems certifications, significantly improve employability and signal readiness to handle complex nuclear instrumentation challenges.
Expertise in digital control systems like PLCs and DCS, plus deep knowledge of nuclear reactor process instrumentation, sets this senior engineer apart. Proficiency in design review, mechatronics, and nuclear safety protocols is essential for success in such critical roles.
Progression often shifts focus toward mentoring junior engineers, leading complex control system upgrades, and influencing nuclear plant modernization strategies. Senior engineers also engage more heavily with client consultations and regulatory compliance.
Expect hands-on involvement in designing and specifying control hardware and software, conducting site walkdowns, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring all instrumentation meets stringent nuclear safety and performance standards.
Sargent & Lundy fosters advancement through mentorship opportunities, exposure to cutting-edge nuclear technology projects, and access to continuous learning programs, all within a culture recognized for its commitment to employee development and innovation.
The salary range of $82,380 to $125,860 aligns competitively with national figures for senior nuclear control engineers, reflecting Richmond’s cost of living and the specialized expertise required for nuclear plant control system modernization.
They navigate rigorous safety standards, manage complex digital control integrations, and coordinate with diverse stakeholders to modernize legacy systems, all while ensuring reliability and regulatory compliance critical to nuclear operations.
Richmond’s nuclear teams at Sargent & Lundy emphasize collaboration and innovation within a supportive environment, reflecting regional values and the company’s award-winning benefits that prioritize work-life balance and employee wellness.
A BS or MS in electrical or mechanical engineering from an ABET-accredited program with instrumentation and control coursework, plus at least five years of process control system design, preferably within nuclear power plant contexts, are key requirements.