Risevoic
Lead Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chicago, IL, 60603
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 13 January 2026
Description
This role offers a hybrid work arrangement. You'll spend three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days.
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) due to the increasing demand for electric power. This is expanding our work in the Instrumentation and Controls Engineering group. Due to this influx of work, Sargent & Lundy has a need for additional I&C Engineers.
This I&C position offers the opportunity to work on upgrading and modernizing nuclear power plants with the latest control technologies the industry offers. You will be expected to both lead and support small and large controls projects with a focus on technical execution and effective Project Management. These projects will require coordination with mechanical, electrical, and structural disciplines to bring the project to completion. You work will include investigating, troubleshooting, and resolving a wide variety of controls engineering issues, including the following:
- Develop Digital Systems Design -- PLC, DCS, Touchscreens, network switches and control systems.
- Prepare control system functional and implementation requirements and procurement specifications for nuclear plant control systems.
- Interface with the client to ensure proper project execution and client satisfaction.
- Prepare and review technical reports, calculations, and studies to present information in a clear and concise manner to meet client requirements.
- Manage resources/resource loading and develop estimates for task completion and budget development.
- Support the development of proposals.
- Prepare and review diagrams and drawings for new and upgraded controls solutions.
- Evaluate vendor bids from a technical perspective.
- Interface with vendors to perform document reviews, ensure equipment compliance with specifications and needs of the plant, and witness FAT performance on behalf of the client.
- Support implementation of the project at the client’s facilities.
Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
- BS or MS in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or Nuclear Engineering from an ABET accredited program.
- 10 or more years of experience in I&C Design Engineering.
- Professional Engineering license is preferred.
- Ability to clearly communicate both in speech and written formats.
- Technically knowledgeable of available equipment and proven pre-engineered systems to execute systems design.
- Experience with serving as the firm's client liaison in a support or lead engineering role.
- Experience in reviewing design documentation.
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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
Mastery of control systems such as PLCs and DCS, combined with a solid understanding of nuclear plant safety protocols, is essential. Familiarity with digital systems design and coordination across mechanical and electrical disciplines greatly enhances effectiveness in this specialized engineering role.
They spearhead the integration of advanced digital control technologies, oversee project management, and ensure compliance with nuclear standards. Their role involves troubleshooting complex control issues and collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams to upgrade existing plant systems.
Professionals can advance to senior engineering leadership, project management roles, or specialize further in nuclear licensing and safety analysis. Gaining PE licensure and expanding expertise in emerging reactor technologies like SMRs can accelerate upward mobility.
Sargent & Lundy’s long-standing nuclear expertise and award-winning benefits package offer stability and growth. Their hybrid work model and commitment to innovation in digital modernization create a supportive environment that distinguishes them in Chicago’s competitive sector.
The position requires seamless coordination with mechanical, electrical, and structural teams to ensure project success. Acting as a client liaison and managing vendor interactions emphasizes the importance of communication skills alongside technical leadership.
Salaries generally range from $116,620 to $179,890 annually, reflecting the specialized skills and seniority of the role. Chicago’s competitive market and the complexity of nuclear projects influence these figures, often supplemented by bonuses and comprehensive benefits.
With increased interest in clean energy, Chicago’s nuclear sector is expanding, particularly in SMR development and plant modernization. This growth fosters strong demand for skilled instrumentation and controls engineers who can navigate advanced digital systems.
While a Professional Engineering (PE) license is preferred, specialized certifications in nuclear safety, control systems, or project management can enhance job prospects. Local employers value credentials that demonstrate compliance knowledge and technical proficiency.
Project leaders must manage strict regulatory compliance, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and address complex legacy system integrations. Navigating vendor relations and client expectations while adhering to tight schedules adds layers of complexity unique to Chicago’s nuclear projects.
Splitting time between onsite and remote work offers flexibility while maintaining critical in-person collaboration. This balance supports efficient project management and fosters strong communication channels necessary for coordinating nuclear control system upgrades.