Lead Cyber Security Engineer 1 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chicago, IL, 60603
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 31 December 2025
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 position requires an engineer who has expertise in US nuclear cyber security rules and NEI cyber security guidance.
Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
- Reviewing Critical Digital Asset (CDA) determinations and assessments for technical accuracy.
- Addressing related plant corrective actions and notifications.
- Confirming the configuration of devices installed at the site based on network diagrams and system documentation.
- Supporting installation of software and hardware on plant digital systems.
- Performing tasks for changing device settings to implement cyber security controls.
- Performing technical supports requested by the Digital Engineering and Cyber Security supervisors.
- Performing other tasks as related to Cyber Security.
Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
- BS degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program or equivalent professional experience
- A minimum of 10 years of experience in design engineering for process control systems and general understanding of Cyber Security topics and I&C Systems.
- Experience in design engineering for nuclear power plant control systems is preferred.
- Demonstrated expertise in nuclear power cyber security.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- PE license preferred, but not required.
- A basic understanding of cyber security, the concept of a cyber security operation center and knowledge of networks are essential.
- Ability to respond and update, in a timely manner, to requests.
- Work experience in designing or implementing networks would be very helpful.
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
Chicago’s energy industry is growing its digital defense capabilities, boosting demand for senior cyber security engineers, especially in nuclear power. Candidates with expertise in US nuclear cyber guidelines and I&C systems face robust competition but also enjoy multiple opportunities as local firms prioritize securing critical infrastructure.
Working within Chicago’s nuclear power plants requires navigating stringent safety standards and federal cyber security mandates. Engineers must adapt to hybrid work settings while ensuring digital assets meet critical compliance, often collaborating on complex instrumentation and controls systems specific to nuclear environments.
Sargent & Lundy integrates hybrid work flexibility with a focus on cutting-edge nuclear digital modernization projects like SMRs. Their emphasis on comprehensive benefits combined with advanced cyber security responsibilities distinguishes the role, blending technical expertise with a culture celebrating employee well-being and innovation.
While a PE license is preferred but not mandatory, credentials demonstrating proficiency in US nuclear cyber security standards or network design enhance candidacy. Familiarity with NEI cyber security guidance and experience with nuclear instrumentation & controls significantly boost a candidate’s attractiveness at Sargent & Lundy.
Professionals in this role often progress toward senior leadership or specialized cyber operations roles, leveraging ten-plus years of engineering experience. Chicago's expanding nuclear projects, including SMRs, provide pathways to influence safety protocols and digital modernization, making it a fertile ground for long-term career growth.
The stated compensation between $116,620 and $179,890 aligns well with Chicago’s competitive market for senior cyber security engineers in nuclear fields. This range accommodates the city’s living expenses while reflecting the specialized skills needed to safeguard critical nuclear infrastructure.
Sargent & Lundy promotes hybrid schedules, granting remote work flexibility alongside in-office collaboration. Coupled with paid parental leave, generous PTO, and wellness programs, the company fosters a supportive environment tailored to sustain engineers’ personal and professional well-being.
Cyber security roles are integral to Sargent & Lundy’s transition of nuclear plants into digitally advanced facilities. Engineers ensure that critical digital assets remain secure while supporting software and hardware installations, reinforcing the reliability and safety of evolving power generation technologies.
Daily activities include validating critical digital asset configurations, applying cyber security controls, troubleshooting network setups, and collaborating with digital engineering teams to uphold system integrity. This hands-on work is vital for maintaining compliance with nuclear cyber security standards.
Network design skills complement the cyber security focus by enabling precise configuration assessments and device settings adjustments. This expertise supports the secure integration of plant digital systems, a key aspect of Chicago’s evolving nuclear infrastructure managed by Sargent & Lundy.