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Nuclear Instrumentation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nuclear Engineer, Sensors

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$115K - $162K/yr

You will lead and own instrumentation initiatives and studies, strategic direction, and work closely with a collaborative nuclear and engineering team in a fast-paced startup environment. The ideal ...

Nuclear Engineer, Sensors

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$115K - $162K/yr

You will lead and own instrumentation initiatives and studies, strategic direction, and work closely with a collaborative nuclear and engineering team in a fast-paced startup environment. The ideal ...

Nuclear Engineer, Sensors

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$104K - $125K/yr

You will lead and own instrumentation initiatives and studies, strategic direction, and work closely with a collaborative nuclear and engineering team in a fast-paced startup environment. The ideal ...

Nuclear Engineer, Sensors

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

You will lead and own instrumentation initiatives and studies, strategic direction, and work closely with a collaborative nuclear and engineering team in a fast-paced startup environment. The ideal ...

Nuclear Engineer, Sensors

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

You will lead and own instrumentation initiatives and studies, strategic direction, and work closely with a collaborative nuclear and engineering team in a fast-paced startup environment. The ideal ...

Nuclear Engineer, Sensors

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$104K - $125K/yr

You will lead and own instrumentation initiatives and studies, strategic direction, and work closely with a collaborative nuclear and engineering team in a fast-paced startup environment. The ideal ...

Showing results 41-60

Nuclear Instrumentation Engineer information

See salary details

$12.5K

$104.9K

$164K

How much do nuclear instrumentation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for nuclear instrumentation engineer in the United States is $104,896.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $131,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a nuclear instrumentation engineer?

A Nuclear Instrumentation Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, installs, and maintains the instrumentation and control systems used in nuclear power plants and research facilities. These engineers are responsible for ensuring that nuclear reactors operate safely and efficiently by monitoring critical parameters such as temperature, pressure, radiation levels, and reactor core status. They also troubleshoot and upgrade systems, implement safety protocols, and collaborate with other engineers and technicians to comply with regulatory standards. Their work is essential to the safe and reliable operation of nuclear technology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nuclear instrumentation engineer?

To thrive as a Nuclear Instrumentation Engineer, you need a solid background in nuclear engineering, instrumentation, and control systems, typically backed by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as PLCs, SCADA systems, and regulatory certifications like NRC or IEEE standards is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and ensuring safety. These abilities are essential for maintaining precise and reliable instrumentation, which is critical for safe and efficient nuclear facility operations.

What are some typical challenges faced by nuclear instrumentation engineers when maintaining and calibrating reactor monitoring systems?

Nuclear Instrumentation Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring the accuracy and reliability of sensors and control systems in high-radiation environments. Equipment can degrade over time due to radiation and extreme conditions, so staying on top of preventive maintenance and regular calibration is critical. Engineers must also coordinate closely with reactor operations, safety teams, and regulatory bodies to minimize downtime and comply with strict safety standards. Effective troubleshooting and documentation skills are essential for addressing unexpected issues and maintaining system integrity.

What are popular job titles related to Nuclear Instrumentation Engineer jobs?

For Nuclear Instrumentation Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Nuclear Instrumentation Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,896 per year, or $50.4 per hour.

Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Elkridge, MD • On-site

Sargent & Lundy
Civil Engineering Construction • 1 - 5K employees

$84K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Work on major process controls engineering projects for upgrades and modifications to nuclear power plants.

  • Develop functional requirement and procurement specifications for instrumentation and control systems for nuclear power plants.

  • Attend client meetings and perform site walkdowns to ensure client satisfaction with work products.


Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Our electric power generation clients are updating and replacing the power plant control systems with new digital control systems. This is expanding work in the Instrumentation and Controls Engineering group.  

You will work on major process controls engineering projects for upgrades and modifications to nuclear power plants in the following areas:

  • Digital Systems -- PLC, DCS, Touchscreen displays, network switches and control systems
  • Functional Requirement and Procurement Specifications for instrumentation and control systems for nuclear power plants
  • Process instrumentation replacement evaluation reports and nuclear modification packages
  • Mechatronics, Control Systems for pumps, valves, heat exchangers, steam turbines and reactors to improve the functionality of the client’s plant
  • Attend client meetings and perform site walkdowns to ensure the client is satisfied with our work product
  • Provide guidance as a mentor in the development of less experienced nuclear instrumentation and controls design engineers

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 with coursework in instrumentation, mechatronics and process controls design engineering is required
  • A minimum of 5 years of experience in design engineering for process control systems; Experience in design engineering for nuclear power plant control system is preferred
  • 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 in reviewing design drawings created by others.

Sargent & Lundy values the appropriate use of technology to improve how work gets done and deliver high-quality outcomes for our clients. Depending on the role, employees may use data, automation, artificial intelligence, and other digital tools to support research, analysis, engineering and design activities, workflow improvement, or other aspects of their work.
We value candidates who demonstrate an interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies where relevant to their role. Employees remain accountable for their work and are expected to apply appropriate professional judgment and review when using technology-assisted tools.
Experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued where relevant but is not required unless specifically identified elsewhere in the job description.


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 & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • 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

$84,762 - $129,498
Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.

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.


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About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

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