Lead Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy•Cedar Rapids, IA

23h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Lead Instrumentation & Controls Engineer will support project needs at the Duane Arnold Energy Center. The role starts remotely and may transition to a hybrid arrangement requiring three days per week in the office and two days working remotely. The engineer will lead and support small and large controls projects focused on technical execution and project management, coordinating with mechanical, electrical, and structural disciplines. Work includes upgrading and modernizing nuclear power plants with current control technologies and investigating, troubleshooting, and resolving controls engineering issues. The role develops digital systems designs, including PLC, DCS, HSI, and networked computer systems; prepares functional and implementation requirements and procurement specifications for nuclear plant control systems; and supports project execution and client satisfaction. It also involves preparing and reviewing technical reports, calculations, studies, diagrams, and drawings; managing resources and developing task estimates and budgets; supporting proposals; evaluating vendor bids; reviewing vendor documents and equipment compliance; witnessing factory acceptance testing (FAT); and supporting project implementation at client facilities. Sargent & Lundy’s Nuclear Power Group works on nuclear engineering, design, and licensing, including small modular reactors, advanced reactor technology, reactor restart projects, life extensions and digital modernization of existing plants, coal-to-nuclear initiatives, and international nuclear new-build projects. The company describes its work as supporting clean, carbon-free energy and emissions reduction.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or Nuclear Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
At least 10 years of experience in instrumentation and controls systems design engineering for commercial or industrial applications in a project team environment, focused on integrated and detailed system design modifications.
Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing.
Technical knowledge of available equipment and proven pre-engineered systems for systems design.
Experience serving as the firm’s client liaison in a support or lead engineering role.
Experience reviewing design documentation.

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineering license.
Interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies where relevant to the role; experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued but not required.

Responsibilities

Develop digital systems designs, including PLC, DCS, HSI, and networked computer systems.
Prepare control system functional and implementation requirements and procurement specifications for nuclear plant control systems.
Interface with clients to support proper project execution and client satisfaction.
Prepare and review technical reports, calculations, and studies to meet client requirements.
Manage resources and resource loading, and develop task-completion estimates and budgets.
Support proposal development.
Prepare and review diagrams and drawings for new and upgraded control solutions.
Evaluate vendor bids from a technical perspective.
Interface with vendors, review documents, verify equipment compliance with specifications and plant needs, and witness FAT performance on behalf of the client.
Support project implementation at client facilities.
Lead and support controls projects, coordinating with mechanical, electrical, and structural disciplines.
Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve controls engineering issues.