Lead Network Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy•Warrenville, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Lead Network Engineer will support Sargent & Lundy’s Instrumentation and Controls Engineering group, designing digital system networks for nuclear power generation clients. The work supports modernization of existing nuclear plants and development of new nuclear plants and small modular reactors. The role focuses on segmented, fault-tolerant operational technology (OT) networks for digital I&C, DCS, PLC, and SCADA systems, and includes engineering design, documentation, equipment configuration, testing, commissioning, and field support. The position is hybrid, with three days per week in the Warrenville office and two days remote. When project activities require it, the employee may work from the System Integration Lab at the company’s Chicago office. Periodic travel to client sites, testing facilities, and other Sargent & Lundy offices is required. The role follows formal nuclear quality assurance and design change control processes, including 10 CFR 50 Appendix B and NQA-1 requirements. Sargent & Lundy describes its Nuclear Power Group as supporting nuclear plant life extensions and digital modernization, small modular and advanced reactors, coal-to-nuclear conversion initiatives, and international nuclear projects. The company offers healthcare coverage, paid time off, and other benefits. The listed compensation range is $118,023–$180,313, and eligible employees may also be eligible for a yearly discretionary bonus.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering from an ABET-accredited program, or equivalent professional experience.
At least 10 years of experience in network architecture design and implementation, including OT/ICS, SCADA, DCS, or digital I&C.
Demonstrated expertise in network design, such as through 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, and spanning-tree protocols.
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.
Must be able to work in the U.S. without employer sponsorship; the employer does not sponsor work authorization for this position.

Nice To Haves

Experience in design engineering for nuclear power plant control systems.
Professional Engineer (PE) license; preferred but not required.
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

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 such as 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 QA programs, 10 CFR 50 Appendix B, NQA-1, and design change and modification control processes.
Develop FAT, 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 complex 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.
Work three days per week in the Warrenville office and remotely for two days per week; attend the Chicago System Integration Lab when needed for project activities.