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Lead Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Phoenix, AZ, 85003
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 13 January 2026
Description
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). 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 that the design complies with specifications, codes, and client requirements
- Perform Digital Systems Design Development -- PLC, DCS, HSI, and networked computer systems for nuclear plant systems. This includes preparing functional system requirement specifications, 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 cable block diagrams and schematics
- Interface with vendors and prepare and review 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
This position is based on a hybrid work schedule and will require in-office work 3 days per week.
Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential Skills:
- A BS or MS in engineering from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program
- 10 or more years of experience in the design engineering of instrumentation and controls engineering systems in a project team environment for heavy industrial plants, with a focus on integrated, detailed system design for new plants or replacements for existing plants
- 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
- Broad background in providing technical support to nuclear plant projects - from design engineering, project planning, providing technical expertise associated with testing and operations, contract specifications, project oversight, successful project execution, and overall direction of complex nuclear projects.
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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 Phoenix, certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure and specialized nuclear instrumentation credentials elevate a candidate’s profile. These validate expertise in complex digital control systems and compliance with nuclear safety standards, aligning well with Sargent & Lundy's focus on advanced reactor technologies.
Phoenix's nuclear engineering market is growing steadily due to regional SMR projects and modernization initiatives. While not as saturated as traditional hubs like the Northeast, there’s competitive demand for experienced Lead Instrumentation & Controls Engineers skilled in digital upgrades and nuclear safety systems.
Proficiency in digital system design including PLC, DCS, and networked control systems sets a lead engineer apart. Expertise in troubleshooting complex instrumentation challenges, client interfacing, and directing multi-disciplinary teams also marks seniority in nuclear power plant projects.
Leads coordinate design activities, ensure compliance with nuclear codes, and direct technical decisions on digital control upgrades. They also facilitate cross-team collaboration, oversee quality assessments, and manage vendor relations to ensure robust instrumentation solutions for nuclear facilities.
With experience, engineers can progress to senior technical consultant roles, project management, or strategic innovation leadership within the nuclear sector. Specializing in first-of-a-kind digital upgrades and SMR technologies at firms like Sargent & Lundy enhances advancement potential.
Sargent & Lundy offers merit scholarships, tuition assistance, and professional licensure bonuses, fostering continuous learning. Their collaborative environment encourages involvement in cutting-edge nuclear projects, enabling engineers to expand expertise in digital modernization and reactor technology.
Challenges include managing complex digital upgrades within stringent nuclear safety requirements, coordinating across diverse engineering teams, and navigating first-of-a-kind innovation projects. Adapting to hybrid work schedules while meeting client expectations in a high-stakes industry also demands strong organizational skills.
Compensation for this role at Sargent & Lundy ranges approximately from $116,620 to $179,890 annually. This reflects the specialized expertise required in nuclear controls engineering, combined with local market demand and the comprehensive benefits package offered.
The hybrid model balances in-office collaboration with remote flexibility, promoting productivity while respecting work-life harmony. Phoenix's growing tech scene and family-friendly amenities complement this, attracting engineers who value both career advancement and personal well-being.
Arizona follows federal nuclear regulatory frameworks with additional state-level environmental and safety policies affecting instrumentation controls. Engineers must integrate these requirements into system designs, particularly for digital upgrades in nuclear plants to comply with local and national standards.