Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Cedar Rapids, IA, 52405
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 13 January 2026
Description
This position will require onsite support in/around the Cedar Rapids Area supporting project needs with 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.
- 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
Instrumentation & Controls Engineers in nuclear power focus on designing and troubleshooting control systems specific to nuclear plant operations, including PLCs and DCS. Their work ensures safety and efficiency in managing reactors, turbines, and pumps, which requires specialized knowledge beyond typical electrical or mechanical engineering roles.
Senior I&C engineers in nuclear fields can progress into leadership roles such as project management, principal engineering, or nuclear safety oversight. Expertise in digital modernization and small modular reactors also opens doors to consulting and regulatory positions within the expanding nuclear energy sector.
Proficiency in control system design—especially PLC, DCS, and network communications—is critical. Understanding equipment like turbines, valves, and heat exchangers, along with cyber asset assessment and functional requirement drafting, distinguishes top candidates in nuclear instrumentation engineering.
A Professional Engineer (PE) license is highly regarded in Cedar Rapids’ nuclear sector. Additionally, certifications related to nuclear safety and control systems can boost credibility, aligning with the stringent regulatory environment typical of Iowa’s nuclear projects.
Salaries for I&C engineers in this region typically range from $82,380 to $125,860 annually. Variations depend on experience, certifications, and project complexity, reflecting Cedar Rapids’ competitive market for specialized nuclear engineering talent.
The hybrid schedule allowing three in-office days promotes collaboration on complex nuclear projects, while remote days offer flexibility for focused tasks like design calculations. This balance supports both innovation and work-life harmony within Sargent & Lundy’s engineering teams.
Sargent & Lundy blends decades of nuclear expertise with cutting-edge digital modernization efforts, offering engineers exposure to pioneering projects including SMRs and advanced reactor tech. Their award-winning benefits and mentorship culture foster both professional growth and well-being.
At Sargent & Lundy, senior engineers engage directly with first-of-a-kind reactor restarts and coal-to-nuclear conversions, positioning them at the forefront of energy innovation. This role offers hands-on experience with multi-disciplinary teams shaping carbon-free power solutions globally.