Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Wilmington, DE, 19801
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.
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Frequently asked questions
Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineers in nuclear environments focus on highly specialized digital control systems for nuclear plants, unlike typical engineering roles. In Wilmington, DE, this means working with complex safety-critical controls and regulatory compliance unique to nuclear power, demanding deep expertise in reactor instrumentation and process controls.
This senior position requires proven experience in nuclear process control system design, including digital controls like PLCs and DCS. Candidates must demonstrate mastery in equipment like turbines and valves, plus mentoring abilities—far beyond foundational engineering tasks typical of entry-level jobs.
Professionals in this role can advance towards leadership in nuclear systems modernization, project management, or regulatory compliance. Given the industry's focus on clean energy innovation, engineers often transition into roles overseeing SMRs or advanced reactor tech, expanding their influence across nuclear energy sectors.
Wilmington’s nuclear engineering scene is moderately competitive, with growing demand driven by plant upgrades and digital modernization projects. Candidates with nuclear-specific controls expertise and ABET-accredited degrees typically find favorable hiring prospects amid a specialized talent pool.
While a formal nuclear license isn’t always mandatory, possessing certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) or Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) training enhances local credibility. Wilmington employers value credentials demonstrating mastery of nuclear safety and instrumentation standards.
Engineers at Sargent & Lundy must navigate rigorous safety protocols and evolving regulatory frameworks while integrating cutting-edge digital controls. Balancing client expectations with technical precision and mentoring junior engineers adds complexity to project delivery in this high-stakes, innovative environment.
The company offers flexible work arrangements alongside comprehensive health benefits and generous paid time off. This approach fosters a supportive culture for engineers tackling demanding nuclear projects, helping maintain personal well-being while delivering high-quality control system designs.
Salaries generally span from $82,380 to $125,860, aligning closely with national nuclear engineering compensation benchmarks. This reflects the seniority and specialized skills required, as well as Wilmington’s cost of living and competitive market for nuclear process control professionals.