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Lead Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Cary, NC, 27518
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
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 and 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 Lead Instrumentation & Controls Engineer position focuses on nuclear power’s specialized demands, requiring expertise in digital upgrades and safety-critical controls systems unique to reactors. Unlike general engineering roles, it emphasizes compliance with nuclear codes, system integration for power plants, and troubleshooting complex instrumentation challenges.
Progression to a senior level involves deep experience with nuclear plant controls, including digital system design, project leadership, and the ability to handle complex control system integrations. A strong foundation in electrical or mechanical engineering plus regulatory knowledge and hands-on troubleshooting in nuclear environments are key.
Daily tasks include coordinating multidisciplinary teams, validating digital control system designs, resolving unexpected technical issues, and ensuring compliance with stringent nuclear safety standards. Managing vendor interfaces and preparing precise documentation are also critical to support ongoing plant upgrades and operational excellence.
Cary, NC, hosts a growing demand for specialized nuclear engineers due to regional energy initiatives. While competition is moderate, candidates with nuclear-specific controls experience and digital modernization skills stand out, as local employers seek experts to support both new builds and existing plant upgrades.
Locally, a Professional Engineer (PE) license is highly regarded, especially in electrical or mechanical disciplines. Familiarity with NRC regulations and cybersecurity certifications related to industrial control systems can also provide a competitive edge when applying for nuclear instrumentation engineering roles.
Sargent & Lundy emphasizes safety, innovation, and sustainability, which means engineers must balance technical excellence with environmental stewardship and client collaboration. The company’s hybrid work model also fosters flexibility while maintaining close teamwork on cutting-edge nuclear projects.
They expect strong leadership in digital controls design, proactive problem-solving during complex nuclear projects, and adeptness at cross-functional coordination. The role demands initiative in client interfacing and a strategic mindset for first-of-a-kind nuclear control system innovations.
Candidates can expect a competitive base salary ranging from approximately $116,620 to $179,890 annually, reflecting the seniority and specialized skills required in nuclear instrumentation and controls engineering within the Cary market.
The hybrid model, requiring three days in-office, supports collaboration while allowing flexibility. This balance helps engineers manage demanding project workloads with personal commitments, contributing to overall job satisfaction and sustainable productivity in a technically intensive role.
This role uniquely integrates nuclear safety-critical digital control systems expertise with leadership on pioneering projects like SMRs and plant modernizations. Unlike other senior roles, it demands specialized knowledge in nuclear codes, system licensing, and innovation in first-of-a-kind nuclear plant controls.