Risevoic
Lead Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Wilmington, DE, 19801
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 13 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 required• 10 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.
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
In Wilmington's nuclear industry, certifications like the Professional Engineer (PE) license and specialized nuclear instrumentation credentials enhance credibility. These validate expertise in digital I&C modernization and safety protocols, making candidates more competitive for senior roles in nuclear power plant projects.
Wilmington's proximity to multiple energy firms creates a moderately competitive market for senior nuclear controls engineers. Demand for experienced professionals skilled in digital upgrades and safety compliance remains strong, but candidates with proven project leadership and nuclear-specific expertise stand out.
This lead role uniquely blends advanced digital systems design with nuclear safety standards, emphasizing oversight of complex I&C upgrades for reactors. It demands coordination among multidisciplinary teams, vendor liaison, and hands-on troubleshooting within carbon-free energy projects, setting it apart from typical engineering positions.
Unlike junior engineers, this position involves high-stakes decision-making on nuclear safety systems, leading design modifications, and ensuring strict regulatory compliance. It requires deep technical knowledge of DCS, PLC, and networked control systems, along with managing troubleshooting on critical plant instrumentation.
Mastery in digital I&C system design, vendor coordination, and nuclear safety regulations is essential. Strong project leadership, analytical problem-solving with scaling and setpoint calculations, and familiarity with SMRs and reactor types accelerate career progression in this niche field.
Sargent & Lundy's award-winning culture emphasizes innovation, safety, and employee well-being, fostering a collaborative environment. Engineers benefit from continuous learning, competitive benefits, and opportunities to work on pioneering nuclear projects like SMRs, enhancing both professional growth and job satisfaction.
This role uniquely integrates strategic digital modernization with first-of-a-kind nuclear projects, supported by a company renowned for safety and sustainability. The combination of hands-on design leadership and involvement in cutting-edge reactor technologies distinguishes it from typical local nuclear engineering openings.
Salaries for this senior role typically range from $116,620 to $179,890 annually, reflecting the specialized skills in nuclear digital control systems and project leadership. This package often includes comprehensive benefits and potential discretionary bonuses aligned with industry standards in Wilmington.
Wilmington's manageable commute times and regional focus on energy innovation contribute to a balanced lifestyle. Coupled with Sargent & Lundy's flexible work policies and generous leave programs, engineers can maintain productivity without sacrificing personal time.
Leads must navigate stringent regulatory compliance, complex digital system integration, and rapid troubleshooting under operational pressures. Coordinating multidisciplinary teams and vendors while ensuring safety and reliability in aging and new nuclear plants adds layers of complexity to daily tasks.