Lead Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

Sargent & Lundy•Chicago, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Lead Instrumentation & Controls Engineer works on multidisciplinary teams designing new power plants, modifying existing power generation facilities, and improving plant controls. The role includes power distribution design; preparing specifications to procure instrumentation and controls equipment and related installation services; coordinating power plant designs; preparing engineering calculations; and designing electrical control circuits. The position offers mentoring, technical sessions, and on-the-job learning, as well as opportunities to develop professionally through peer learning and Sargent & Lundy's Communities of Practice. Occasional travel may be required to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant sites for construction coordination and design verification. The position follows a hybrid schedule, with in-office work three days per week. Sargent & Lundy's Energy & Industrial Group delivers engineering solutions for power generation, environmental compliance, oil and gas, and industrial projects. Its work spans new plant design, plant betterment, and upgrades to operating facilities, including conventional and combined-cycle power plants, solar projects, energy storage, carbon capture, and hydrogen power.

Requirements

Bachelor's or master's 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.
Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and designation as an Engineer in Training.
12 or more years of relevant power plant and heavy industrial control systems experience.
Experience in power or industrial controls.
Understanding of the practical application of instrumentation and controls engineering and technology, including applying systems, principles, techniques, and procedures to project design.
Experience reading and creating logic diagrams and control narratives.
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles used to produce technical plans, drawings, and models.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Access.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Effective experience working collaboratively in a team environment.
Exceptional work habits.
Resourceful and enthusiastic attitude.
Must have U.S. work authorization; the employer does not sponsor work authorization for this position.

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineer (PE) license.
Experience programming DCS, TCS, and/or PLCs.
Field work experience, such as control system upgrades, commissioning, or start-up.
Engineering consulting experience and strong client relationships with Florida clients.
Interest in learning and using emerging technologies relevant to the role; experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued but not required.

Responsibilities

Work on project teams designing new power plants, modifying existing power generation facilities, and improving plant controls.
Develop power distribution designs.
Prepare specifications for procurement of instrumentation and controls equipment and related installation services.
Coordinate power plant designs as part of a multidisciplinary project team.
Prepare engineering calculations.
Design electrical control circuits.
Participate in design reviews at client and vendor offices and support construction coordination and field verification at plant sites when needed.
Develop engineering knowledge and skills through mentoring, technical sessions, on-the-job training, and peer learning.