Lead Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy seeks a Lead Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 - Nuclear in Chicago, IL with a hybrid work arrangement. This role centers on upgrading and modernizing nuclear plant control systems, while leading and supporting I&C projects through strong project management and cross-discipline coordination.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support both small and large controls projects with emphasis on technical execution and effective project management.
• Coordinate with mechanical, electrical, and structural disciplines to bring projects to completion.
• Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve a wide range of controls engineering issues.
• Develop Digital Systems Design.
• Prepare control system functional and implementation requirements and procurement specifications for nuclear plant control systems.
• Interface with the client to ensure proper project execution and client satisfaction.
• Prepare and review technical reports, calculations, and studies to present information clearly and concisely to meet client requirements.
• Manage resources and loading; develop estimates for task completion and budget development.
• Support the development of proposals.
• Prepare and review diagrams and drawings for new and upgraded controls solutions.
• Evaluate vendor bids from a technical perspective.
• Interface with vendors to perform document reviews, ensure equipment compliance with specifications and plant needs, and witness FAT on behalf of the client.
• Support implementation of the project at the client facilities.

Requirements

• BS or MS in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or Nuclear Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• 10 or more years of experience in I&C Design Engineering.
• Professional Engineering license is preferred.
• Clear communication skills, both written and spoken.
• Technically knowledgeable about available equipment and proven pre-engineered systems to execute system design.
• Experience serving as a client liaison in a support or lead engineering role.
• Experience reviewing design documentation.

Technologies

• PLC
• DCS
• Touchscreens
• Network switches
• Python
• MATLAB
• Advanced Excel

Benefits

• 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

$118,023 - $180,313

AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy

You are expected to lead others in taking engineering problems from issue to solution by setting expectations for using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost effective designs. Leaders in these roles often direct automation and process-improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guide when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked. Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs, is valued but not required. Additional learning in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields is encouraged to enable effective oversight of automation and agentic AI-enabled engineering workflows.

Award-Winning Benefits

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.

Transparency 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 St

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.