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Lead Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Elkridge, MD, 21075
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 & 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
This role uniquely focuses on digital upgrades and control systems specific to nuclear plants, involving complex projects like SMRs and advanced reactors. It demands expertise in nuclear safety standards and integration of cutting-edge instrumentation, setting it apart from general controls engineering positions.
Highlight your experience with digital control systems design, particularly PLC and DCS within nuclear environments. Emphasize knowledge of BWR or PWR reactors, safety compliance, and your ability to lead multi-disciplinary project teams on instrumentation modernization projects.
In Elkridge, certifications like PE licensure in electrical or mechanical engineering are highly regarded. Additionally, specialized nuclear industry certifications and familiarity with NRC standards can improve candidacy for senior control systems roles.
Engineers must navigate stringent regulatory compliance while integrating novel digital controls into existing nuclear infrastructure. Balancing innovation with safety, coordinating across teams, and managing vendor specifications are key hurdles distinctive to Sargent & Lundy’s nuclear engineering scope.
Elkridge's proximity to major nuclear facilities and engineering hubs creates a moderately competitive environment. Demand is steady due to ongoing digital modernization projects, but candidates with hands-on nuclear controls experience have a distinct advantage.
Sargent & Lundy offers a transparent salary range from $116,620 to $179,890, complemented by award-winning benefits. This package is competitive locally, reflecting the role’s seniority and the specialized nuclear expertise required.
The position involves guiding technical decisions, mentoring junior engineers, and liaising with clients and vendors. Leadership here extends beyond design, encompassing project oversight and ensuring adherence to nuclear safety and quality standards.
Daily activities include developing control system programs, reviewing design schematics, troubleshooting instrumentation issues, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring compliance with nuclear codes during digital modernization efforts.
Sargent & Lundy fosters a collaborative environment emphasizing safety, innovation, and employee well-being. Their recognition for compensation and benefits demonstrates commitment to sustaining focus and motivation among lead engineers in challenging nuclear initiatives.
Elkridge offers accessible routes to major nuclear plants and industrial zones, but traffic congestion during peak hours can impact commute times. Many professionals leverage flexible work arrangements to mitigate daily travel challenges.