Automation Controls Engineer Jobs in Chester, VA

Nuclear Power is a carbon-free energy source. Our electric power generation clients are digitizing their existing power plants and building new nuclear power plants, small modular reactors (SMR). This is expanding work in the Instrumentation and Controls Engineering group. You will work on major process controls engineering projects in the following areas:

• Develop and market high level, complex programs for nuclear power projects associated with design, operational excellence, safety, maintenance, and project management.
• This position will offer you the opportunity to direct technical decision making, in a project team environment with other engineers and designers involved in the design, modification, and analysis of new and existing power plant controls systems, specifically digital upgrades
• You will work on challenging assignments that include investigating, troubleshooting, and solving a wide variety of instrumentation & controls engineering issues,
• Coordinate systems design activities to ensure installation and operations will comply with specifications, codes, and client requirements,
• Perform Digital Systems Design Development -- PLC, DCS, HSI, networked computer systems, and digital instrumentation & control systems functional requirements for nuclear plant systems.  Work collaboratively on quality assessments and critical digital reviews,
• Perform consulting level work for digital IOT, innovation, and strategic first of a kind (FOAK) projects for the nuclear industry,
• Prepare and review detailed calculations, including scaling, uncertainty, and setpoint calculations for analog and digital controls applications,
• Prepare documentation for design input for drawing production including master diagrams and schematics,
• Interface with vendors to prepare and review materials and equipment purchase specifications,
• Prepare reports and studies that present technical information in a clear and concise manner to meet client requirements,
• Perform independent reviews of work performed by others including calculations and drawing preparation,
• Attend client meetings and site walkdowns to validate scope and ensure client satisfaction,
• Support station outage activities as required 

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential skills and experience:

A BS or MS in Electrical, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program required 10 or more years of experience in the design of instrumentations and controls engineering systems in a project team environment for non-commercial, heavy industrial plants, with a focus on integrated, detailed system design for new plants, or modifications or replacements for existing plants. Experience with controls system design including applications for low and medium voltage distribution systems and controls for equipment including but not limited to turbines, pumps, feedwater control, and data displays. Experience with power plant instrumentation and controls systems design for either BWR of PWR reactors, including DCS for turbine, control, feedwater control, and data display. Technically knowledgeable of available equipment and proven pre-engineered systems to execute systems design Experience with serving as firm/client liaison in a support or lead engineering role is desirable. Experience in reviewing design drawings created by others.

Valued but not required skills and experience:

PE license preferred Construction and start-up experience a plus Commissioning experience a plus

Broad background in providing technical support to nuclear plant projects - from design, project planning, providing technical expertise associated with testing and operations, contract specifications, project oversight, successful project execution, and overall direction of complex nuclear projects. Licensing strategies associated with Digital I&C Modernization projects.

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to lead others who use modern tools:

• 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 guiding 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.
• We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that enables effective oversight of automation and agentic AI-enabled engineering workflows.

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

• 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

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 State, and international nuclear new-build projects. With a commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, we provide cutting-edge solutions that power communities worldwide while reducing emissions. Shape the future of global energy with us!

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.