Lead Network Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy•Chicago, IL

5d•$118,023 - $180,313•Hybrid

About The Position

Sargent & Lundy is seeking a Lead Network Engineer 1 for its Instrumentation and Controls Engineering group, supporting nuclear power generation clients as they digitize existing plants and build new nuclear power plants and small modular reactors. The position focuses on digital system network design for operational technology (OT), digital I&C, DCS, PLC, and SCADA systems. It uses a hybrid work arrangement, with three days per week in the Chicago office and two days working remotely. Periodic travel to client sites, testing facilities, and other Sargent & Lundy offices is required. The engineer will design, document, configure, test, and support segmented, fault-tolerant OT networks and integrated control systems. Work includes network architecture and configuration documentation, industrial hardware specification, laboratory staging and validation, site installation and commissioning support, and troubleshooting. The role follows formal nuclear quality assurance requirements and design change controls, including 10 CFR 50 Appendix B and NQA-1. Sargent & Lundy describes its benefits as including comprehensive healthcare plans, paid time off, financial benefits, and flexible work arrangements. Eligible positions may also include participation in a yearly discretionary bonus.

Requirements

A BS degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering from an ABET-accredited program, or equivalent professional experience.
At least 10 years of network architecture design and implementation experience, including OT/ICS, SCADA, DCS, or digital I&C.
Demonstrated expertise in network design, such as CCNA or CCENT certifications.
Understanding of the function and design of routers, network switches, firewalls, data diodes, and network security configurations.
Understanding of IP routing, subnetting, spanning-tree protocols, and related networking concepts.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to respond to requests and provide updates in a timely manner.
Experience collaborating with control system design engineers, clients, and vendors.
U.S. work authorization sponsorship is not available for this position.

Nice To Haves

Experience in design engineering for nuclear power plant control systems.
Professional Engineer (PE) license.
Interest in and effective use of emerging technologies where relevant; experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued where relevant but is not required unless otherwise identified.

Responsibilities

Design and document segmented, fault-tolerant OT networks for digital I&C, DCS, PLC, and SCADA systems, including network topologies, IP plans, VLANs, routing, IDMZs, and secure access.
Specify industrial networking hardware, including appliances, cabling, and media converters, and integrate industrial protocols, network redundancy, and time synchronization.
Prepare, review, and maintain engineering deliverables, including network architecture drawings, rack elevation drawings, cable schedules, specifications, bills of materials, and configuration workbooks.
Confirm configurations of devices installed at sites against network diagrams and system documentation.
Follow formal nuclear quality assurance programs, 10 CFR 50 Appendix B, NQA-1, and design change and modification control processes.
Develop Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and commissioning test plans, test cases, and execution procedures for network hardware and integrated control systems.
Stage, configure, and validate network equipment, switches, routers, and firewalls in laboratory test environments before field installation.
Support on-site installation, system walkdowns, loop checks, and cutover activities during plant outages and modifications.
Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve physical, data link, and network layer issues across legacy and modern OT equipment.
Provide technical support requested by Digital Engineering and OT System Integration supervisors.
Travel periodically to client sites, testing facilities, and other Sargent & Lundy offices.