Risevoic
Lead Instrumentation & Controls Engineer
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chicago, IL, 60603
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 8 January 2026
Description
- This position will offer you the opportunity to utilize and expand your academic background in Instrumentation and Controls Engineering.
- You will work on project teams with other I&C engineers involved in the design of new power plants, modifications to existing power generation facilities, and plant controls betterment.
- You will be involved in power distribution designs and the preparation of specifications for the procurement of instrumentation and controls equipment and related installation services.
- As a member of a multi-discipline project team, you will be involved in power plant design coordination, engineering calculation preparation, and electrical control circuit design.
- Through mentoring, classroom-style technical sessions, and on-the-job training, you will increase your knowledge and skills in your engineering discipline.
- There is the potential for you to travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for construction coordination and field verification of designs.
- Develop your career via peer-learning by way of S&L’s systems of process and associated “Communities of Practice.”
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 degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering (from an ABET accredited program) with a strong academic background and coursework in analog and digital control systems is required.
- Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and designation as an Engineer in Training.
- 12+ years of relevant power plant and heavy industrial control systems experience.
- Power or industrial controls experience.
- An understanding of the practical application of instrumentation and controls engineering and technology including applying systems, principles, techniques, and procedures to a project design.
- Experience reading and creating logic diagrams and control narratives.
- Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of technical plans, drawings, and models.
- Proficiency with MS Office applications, with emphasis on MS Excel and Access.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Effective experience working in a collaborative team environment.
- Exceptional work habits.
- Resourceful and enthusiastic attitude.
- This position is located in Chattanooga, TN and may require occasional travel.
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- PE License, preferred.
- Experience with DCS, TCS, and/or PLCs programming.
- Experience performing field work (i.e. control system upgrades, commission, start-up).
- Engineering consulting experience and strong client relationships with Florida clients.
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
The Energy & Industrial Group (EIG) specializes in delivering advanced engineering solutions across various sectors, including power generation, environmental compliance, oil & gas, and industrial projects, from new plant design to plant betterment and upgrade services for operating facilities. We have designed nearly 900 conventional power plants, yielding over 100,000 megawatts (MW) of generation capacity. Our expertise includes numerous recent and ongoing combined cycle projects that leverage the latest advanced machinery, including combustion turbines, steam turbines, and heat recovery steam generators from all leading suppliers. EIG is recognized for its commitment to decarbonization through innovative technologies in renewable energy, carbon capture, and hydrogen power. We excel in detailed engineering services for photovoltaic (PV) solar projects and energy storage integration, and lead the industry in carbon capture technologies, managing projects from conceptual studies, pilot demonstrations and through commercial scale implementation for utilities and industrial plants.
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 Chicago, Instrumentation & Controls Engineers often engage deeply with power plant modernization projects, blending traditional power generation expertise with emerging renewable technologies. The city's industrial backbone demands proficiency in both legacy systems and advanced control architectures, making career progression dynamic and tech-forward.
While a PE license is preferred, certifications like Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and specialized credentials in DCS, PLC programming, and industrial automation enhance employability. Illinois employers prioritize credentials that demonstrate practical control system knowledge tailored to heavy industrial and power plant environments.
Managing interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring control system integrity, and aligning instrumentation specs with evolving project goals are key challenges. Engineers must juggle technical accuracy, vendor coordination, and compliance with safety standards, all while mentoring junior staff and troubleshooting complex system interactions.
Indeed, power plant-focused engineers tend to develop expertise in large-scale control systems, regulatory compliance, and plant optimization, whereas industrial sector roles might emphasize manufacturing automation or process control. Power generation roles often lead to leadership positions overseeing multifaceted engineering teams and large capital projects.
Sargent & Lundy fosters development through peer-learning communities, technical workshops, and hands-on project involvement. Their culture emphasizes mentorship and exposure to cutting-edge power generation technologies, enabling engineers to refine their expertise while navigating complex, multi-disciplinary design challenges.
Applicants should anticipate a hybrid work model requiring in-office presence thrice weekly. Engagement with advanced power plant projects and opportunities for client and site visits distinguish this role. The firm values collaborative problem-solving, technical rigor, and a proactive mindset aligned with industry-leading engineering standards.
The $116,620 to $179,890 salary bracket aligns well with Chicago's market rates for senior instrumentation and controls roles in power generation. This range reflects the position's experience demands, technical expertise, and hybrid work expectations, complemented by a comprehensive benefits package enhancing total compensation.
Chicago's urban environment favors hybrid models that blend office collaboration and remote flexibility. Working three days onsite allows for direct team engagement and site coordination, while remote days support focused engineering tasks, fostering a balanced approach that caters to productivity and personal time.
Chicago's robust energy sector sustains steady demand for experienced controls engineers, but competition remains strong due to the city's appeal to seasoned professionals. Candidates with a blend of extensive industrial controls experience, strong communication skills, and local certifications tend to stand out in this competitive market.
Mastering control system design, logic diagram interpretation, and proficiency with MS Excel and Access for data management are crucial. Additionally, familiarity with DCS, PLC programming, and field commissioning processes enhances effectiveness when navigating Chicago’s complex power generation initiatives.