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Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Surry, VA, 23883
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 13 January 2026
Description
This will be an on-site field support position at Surry Nuclear Power Plant.
You will work on major process controls engineering projects for upgrades and modifications to nuclear power plants in the following areas:
- Digital Systems -- PLC, DCS, Touchscreen displays, network switches and control systems
- Functional Requirement and Procurement Specifications for instrumentation and control systems for nuclear power plants
- Process instrumentation replacement evaluation reports and nuclear modification packages
- Mechatronics, Control Systems for pumps, valves, heat exchangers, steam turbines and reactors to improve the functionality of the client’s plant
- 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
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
- A minimum of 5 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.
Salem, VA
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Frequently asked questions
Surry, VA adheres to rigorous engineering standards reflecting Virginia's nuclear regulatory environment. Instrumentation & controls engineers must integrate these local codes into system designs, ensuring compliance with state-specific safety mandates and operational protocols essential for nuclear plant modifications.
Commuting to Surry Nuclear Power Plant involves navigating rural routes, which can be affected by weather conditions typical of Virginia. Engineers should anticipate variable travel times and plan accordingly, especially during peak hours or inclement weather, to maintain consistent onsite support.
Senior engineers in nuclear instrumentation must master nuclear-grade control system design, including safety-critical PLCs and DCS tailored for reactor environments. Expertise in regulatory documentation, nuclear process instrumentation, and mentoring junior engineers distinguishes this senior role from generic controls positions.
Many presume these engineers only work on software or hardware separately, but in nuclear settings, they must blend mechatronics, control logic, and rigorous safety validation. Their role also extends beyond design to include client coordination and thorough field verification.
Advancement often leads to principal engineering roles or project management within nuclear engineering teams. Exposure to cutting-edge reactor technologies and digital modernization projects can open pathways into specialized reactor licensing or international nuclear energy initiatives.
Sargent & Lundy emphasizes integrating advanced PLCs, DCS, and networked control systems to upgrade existing plants. Their engineers collaborate on pioneering digital upgrades aligned with nuclear safety standards, enhancing plant performance while mentoring less experienced staff.
This position offers a competitive salary between $82,380 and $125,860 annually, reflecting the specialized nuclear controls expertise required. The package includes comprehensive benefits, supporting a balanced professional and personal life within the nuclear engineering sector.
Certifications aligned with Virginia’s nuclear regulatory framework enhance an engineer's profile, demonstrating compliance knowledge and technical competence. While not always mandatory, these credentials can improve candidacy in the competitive Surry, VA nuclear engineering job market.
Sargent & Lundy integrates a strong mentorship culture and involvement in cutting-edge nuclear projects like SMRs and reactor restarts. Their award-winning benefits and focus on employee well-being foster a supportive environment uncommon in highly technical nuclear engineering roles.
These systems require precise calibration and integration to ensure operational reliability and safety. Engineers optimize control logic for equipment like turbines and feedwater pumps, balancing automation with stringent nuclear safety protocols that are critical for plant performance.