Per Diem Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

This role offers a hybrid work arrangement. You'll spend three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days.

Nuclear Power is a carbon-free energy source.  Our nuclear power generation clients are digitizing their existing   power plants and building new nuclear power plants, small modular reactors (SMR) due to the increasing demand for electric power.  This is expanding our work in the Instrumentation and Controls Engineering group.  Due to this influx of work, Sargent & Lundy has a need for additional I&C Engineers.

We offer you the opportunity to utilize and expand your academic background in engineering by digitizing nuclear power plants:

• Work on a multi-discipline engineering team involved in nuclear power plant instrumentations and controls betterment projects. These projects are a synergistic integration of both electrical and mechanical engineering along with control theory.
• Work with electronic process sensors, digital controllers, touchscreen displays, pumps, valves, heat exchangers, steam turbines and reactors to improve the functionality of nuclear power plants.
• Prepare functional requirement and procurement specifications for instrumentation and controls equipment.
• Prepare I&C engineering calculations

• Prepare documentation for design input for drawing production including cable block diagrams and schematics.

• Provide guidance as a mentor in the development of less experienced nuclear instrumentation and control design engineers.
• Through mentoring, classroom-style technical sessions, and on-the-job training, you will increase your knowledge and skills in your engineering discipline.
• Travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for project coordination and field verification of designs.

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

• A BS or MS degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering (from an ABET accredited program) with a strong academic background and coursework in analog and digital control systems is required
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in I&C Design Engineering
• Coursework in mechatronics is desired, but not required
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to solve problems using modern tools:

• You are expected to take engineering problems from issue to solution using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
• Many engineers in these roles build or use automation to create calculations, summarize technical documents, or draft design documentation, including appropriate use of agentic AI tools, with strong engineering judgment and verification of results.
• Programming or scripting (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate calculations, design checks, reporting, or data transformation is valued but not required.
• We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other training in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that helps you apply automation or agentic AI to real engineering problems.

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.