Freelance Control Systems Engineer Jobs in Markham, IL

About NANO Nuclear Energy

NANO Nuclear Energy is an advanced nuclear technology company developing next-generation microreactor systems that will help transform the future of clean, reliable, and resilient energy. Through the development of its KRONOS MMR Energy System, LOKI MMR Energy System, and ZEUS Solid Core Battery Reactor-advanced high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) technologies designed for applications including data centers, industrial operations, remote communities, and critical infrastructure-the company is advancing innovative nuclear solutions for a rapidly evolving energy landscape. NANO Nuclear has also submitted a Construction Permit Application (CPA) to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to support the planned deployment of the KRONOS MMR at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), representing a significant milestone toward the commercialization of advanced nuclear technology. 

Joining NANO Nuclear means contributing to pioneering technologies with the potential to redefine the nuclear industry while working alongside experts in engineering, science, and innovation. Our team operates in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where employees are encouraged to solve challenging technical problems and advance the materials technologies needed for next-generation energy systems. 

Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Instrumentation and Control (I&C) Engineer to develop, implement, integrate, test and verify instrumentation and control solutions based on an established I&C architecture, functional system requirements, and design principles. This role focuses on translating approved system-level and functional requirements into detailed I&C designs, including hands-on control logic execution, PLC/DCS programming, I/O definition, sensor selection, hardware and software integration, requirements traceability, and field commissioning. The engineer will work under the technical direction of the Principal I&C Architect and will contribute to the evolution of the I&C architecture through detailed engineering, analysis, design development, and identification of technical issues and design gaps.

Key Responsibilities

• Translate systemlevel and functional requirements into detailed I&C subsystem and component designs.
• Develop and maintain I&C design documentation and ensure full requirements traceability.
• Implement detailed I&C functions, control logic, and platform configurations.
• Select, specify, and integrate I&C hardware, instrumentation, and controllers.
• Perform subsystemlevel analyses such as FMEA and support reliability and safety evaluations.
• Support verification, validation, testing, and commissioning activities.
• Coordinate crossdisciplinary interfaces, support licensing and safety activities and drive issue resolution.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, or related technical field.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in digital I&C platforms (such as PLC, FPGA, DCS, SCADA, or embedded control system), including configuration, programming, control logic development, and hardware implementation in regulated environments.
• Experience performing or supporting failure analysis, FMEA, testing, verification and validation, including development of test procedures and resolution of design/test issues.
• Proficiency with hardware and software integration across electrical, mechanical, and safety system boundaries.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity implementation practices for industrial control systems.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• 7+ years hands-on experience.
• Experience in the nuclear industry.
• Experience with FPGA-based or digital safety/protection systems, PLCs, DCS, SCADA, or other highly reliable control platforms.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or working toward licensure.
• Experience with project and contract management.

What We Offer 

• A collaborative engineering culture focused on innovation and technical excellence. 
• Opportunities for mentorship, professional growth, and technical leadership. 
• The opportunity to contribute to a cleaner, more reliable energy future. 
• Competitive medical, dental, vision and life insurance with generous company contributions.
• Company 401(k) plan with 5% match.
• Unlimited PTO policy with company holidays and paid parental leave.

Salary range and levels for this role:

• Level III: Typically, five years of experience in an engineering role required.
• Level IV: Typically, ten years of experience in an engineering role required.

Level III: $120,000- $145,000; Level IV: $145,000- 170,000

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the role and may encompass responsibilities across multiple functions or levels within the organization. The scope of the position, title, responsibilities and compensation will be determined based on the specific needs of the business, as well as the candidate's experience, qualifications and level of expertise. The salary range provided, where applicable, is intentionally broad is not indicative of a single level or final compensation offer. Actual compensation will be determined based on relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity and other applicable factors.

Equal Opportunity Statement 

NANO Nuclear Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply.