Risevoic
Senior 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:
- Digital Systems -- PLC, DCS, Touchscreen displays, network switches and control systems
- Functional Requirement and Procurement Specifications for instrumentation and control components and systems
- Process instrumentation replacement evaluation reports and nuclear modification packages
- Mechatronics, Control Systems for pumps, valves, heat exchangers, steam turbines and reactors
- Development of P&ID’s and System Design Descriptions
- Attend client meetings and perform site walkdowns to ensure the client is satisfied with our work product
- Provide guidance as a mentor in the development of less experienced nuclear instrumentation and controls design engineers
- 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 with coursework in instrumentation, mechatronics and process controls design engineering is required
- 5 or more years of experience in design engineering for process control systems; Experience in design engineering for nuclear power plant control system is preferred
- 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 in reviewing design drawings created by others.
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
$82,380.00 - $125,860.00Transparency 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 nuclear power engineering, mastery of digital systems such as PLCs, DCS, touchscreen interfaces, and network switches is essential. Additionally, expertise in mechatronics for pumps, valves, turbines, and reactors, plus proficiency in P&ID development, form the core tools for effective process controls design.
Starting as an Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 in nuclear, professionals often advance into senior specialist roles or project leadership within nuclear power plant modernization. Developing mentoring skills and deepening expertise in digital control systems can pave the way toward principal engineering positions or nuclear systems consultancy.
Cary, NC, benefits from a growing clean energy sector with moderate competition for nuclear engineering roles. The regional focus on advanced reactor technology and SMRs attracts specialized talent, but opportunities remain strong for engineers with nuclear control systems experience and ABET-accredited degrees.
While ABET-accredited engineering degrees are standard, North Carolina employers often value certifications in nuclear safety, control system design, and project management. Familiarity with NRC regulations and digital control system standards can significantly enhance candidacy in the regional nuclear engineering workforce.
Salary for this role typically spans from $82,380 to $125,860 annually, reflecting expertise in nuclear process control systems and regional market factors. Compensation packages often include comprehensive benefits and performance bonuses, rewarding specialized skills and contributions to nuclear plant modernization.
Sargent & Lundy emphasizes hybrid work flexibility and hands-on involvement with cutting-edge small modular reactors and advanced reactor tech. Their focus on mentorship and digital modernization projects creates a collaborative environment distinct from firms focused solely on traditional nuclear plant operations.
Beyond competitive compensation, Sargent & Lundy fosters growth via mentoring opportunities, tuition assistance, and exposure to diverse reactor technologies including SMRs and commercial reactor restarts. This approach cultivates both technical depth and leadership within their nuclear engineering teams.
Expect to design and evaluate control systems including PLC and DCS integration, develop procurement specs for instrumentation, and perform site walkdowns ensuring compliance with nuclear safety standards. These tasks support seamless plant digital transformation while maintaining operational reliability.
A hybrid model blends in-office collaboration three days weekly with remote work, balancing onsite client meetings and hands-on system reviews with flexible design tasks at home. This structure aligns with Cary’s growing tech-friendly culture while maintaining critical nuclear project engagement.
This role demands deep integration of nuclear safety protocols with advanced control system design for critical plant components like turbines and reactors. Unlike general electrical or mechanical engineering, it requires specialized knowledge in nuclear regulations, digital control platforms, and process instrumentation unique to power generation.