Risevoic
Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Avila Beach, CA, 93424
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 position will offer you the opportunity to work in a project team environment with other engineers and designers involved in the design, modification, and analysis of instrumentation and control systems in new and existing power plants. You will work on interesting and challenging projects that include investigating, trouble-shooting, and solving a wide variety of electrical controls engineering issues, including the following:
- Digital Systems Design Development -- PLC, DCS, Touchscreens, network switches , and control systems
- Functional requirement and procurement specifications for control systems
- Mechatronics, control systems for pumps, valves, heat exchangers, steam turbines and reactors to improve the functionality of the nuclear power plant
- Critical digital asset cyber assessment and assessment review
- Client meetings and site walkdowns to validate scope and ensure client satisfaction
- Assist the project manager/director to ensure projects are completed satisfactorily, on time, and within budget
- Prepare and review detailed calculations, including scaling, uncertainty, and setpoint calculations for digital and analog controls applications
- Interface with vendors to perform document reviews and prepare 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 design documentation, specifications, calculations, and drawings
- Enhance your career via participation in professional Communities of Practice
- Provide guidance as a mentor in the development of less experienced engineers
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 or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited program
- Five or more years of experience in I&C Design Engineering.
- Experience with the selection of equipment, control philosophy, and the preparation and assembly of design packages, calculations, and specifications
- Experience with controls system design including applications for equipment such as turbines, pumps, feedwater controls, and data displays
- Experience with serving as the firm's client liaison in a support or lead engineering role
- Experience in reviewing design documentation
- PE license is preferred
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
Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineers in Avila Beach often navigate unique project demands tied to the region’s nuclear facilities. The coastal location can impact system designs due to environmental factors, while local regulatory standards require precise compliance, adding complexity to instrumentation and control tasks.
Proficiency in digital system design like PLCs, DCS, and control network architectures distinguishes I&C Engineers in nuclear environments. A deep understanding of control philosophies for turbines, pumps, and reactors is crucial, alongside the ability to produce detailed technical documentation and conduct cyber asset assessments.
Career trajectories often lead from hands-on design roles to project leadership or specialist consulting within nuclear engineering. Gaining expertise in small modular reactors and digital modernization opens opportunities for senior technical advisor positions or management roles overseeing multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
Sargent & Lundy emphasizes a hybrid work model balancing remote flexibility with collaborative office time. Its legacy in nuclear innovation, especially in SMR and advanced reactors, offers engineers exposure to cutting-edge projects that blend legacy plant modernization with next-gen technologies.
Engineers benefit from mentorship opportunities and participation in professional communities of practice. The company’s award-winning benefits, combined with challenging projects in nuclear digital modernization, foster continuous learning and career advancement within a supportive culture.
Salaries range from approximately $82,380 to $125,860 annually, reflecting experience and technical expertise in nuclear control system design. This compensation includes base pay plus eligibility for discretionary bonuses, aligned with regional market standards for senior engineering roles.
While a PE license is highly favored, California also values state-specific engineering certifications and compliance knowledge with California Energy Commission standards. Familiarity with regional safety protocols and environmental regulations enhances competitiveness in local nuclear engineering roles.
Avila Beach benefits from a niche but growing demand for nuclear engineers due to nearby power plant modernization projects. Although competition exists, candidates with strong I&C expertise and experience in digital control systems have a distinct advantage given limited local specialists.
Expect hands-on involvement in troubleshooting control systems, developing digital designs for PLCs and DCS, preparing technical reports, and collaborating closely with vendors and clients. The role demands a mix of field assessments and detailed engineering calculations to ensure plant safety and efficiency.
The role offers a flexible schedule with three days onsite in Avila Beach and two remote days weekly. This balance supports focused design work alongside essential team collaboration and site visits, promoting productivity while accommodating modern work-life preferences.