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Power Plant Engineer Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Control Operator

Smyrna, DE · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Previous power plant experience with a Stationary engineers license from City of Wilmington DE or State of Maryland a plus. Job Type: Full-time Benefits: * 401(k) * Dental insurance * Health ...

$125 - $150/hr

In-depth understanding of power plant equipment and system interrelationships. * Able to evaluate ... Family Engineering Services Company Vistra Nuclear Operations Company Locations Shippingport ...

$125 - $150/hr

Preferred 8 years experience in power plant operations / engineering or comparable industries. * Demonstrates application of fundamental scientific principles. * Communication - Must be able to ...

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Power Plant Engineer information

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$22

$35

$60

How much do power plant engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for power plant engineer in Delaware is $35.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.65 and $36.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a power plant engineer do?

A power plant engineer maintains day-to-day operations in a power plant. Their main duties involve conducting operational tests, providing preventative maintenance on machines, inspecting thermal systems, and working closely with other plant personnel. This job requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering. Many engineers earn a more specialized degree in chemical, electrical, or nuclear engineering depending upon their industry. Additional qualifications for a power plant engineer include experience working as part of a team, communication skills, and strong analytical abilities.

What does a power plant engineer do?

A Power Plant Engineer is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and optimization of power generation facilities. Their duties include overseeing equipment such as turbines, boilers, and generators to ensure efficient and safe production of electricity. They also perform regular inspections, troubleshoot issues, and implement safety protocols. In addition, Power Plant Engineers may work on upgrading systems to improve energy efficiency and comply with environmental regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a power plant engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Power Plant Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, strong problem-solving abilities, and a relevant engineering degree or certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, plant management software, and safety compliance standards is typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and attention to detail help you collaborate effectively and ensure plant operations run smoothly. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining safe, efficient, and reliable power generation.

What are some common challenges power plant engineers face in their daily work, and how can they prepare for them?

Power Plant Engineers frequently encounter challenges such as ensuring equipment reliability, troubleshooting unexpected failures, and maintaining compliance with safety and environmental regulations. They often need to respond quickly to operational issues, coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, and adapt to technological upgrades. To prepare, engineers benefit from staying updated on industry best practices, participating in ongoing training, and developing strong problem-solving and communication skills. Proactively engaging in preventive maintenance and collaborating closely with operations and maintenance teams can also help mitigate many common issues.

What is the difference between Power Plant Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectPower Plant EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Electrical, or Power Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; PE license optional but beneficial
Work EnvironmentPower plants, energy facilities, industrial sitesManufacturing, design firms, industrial plants, energy sectors
Industry UsageSpecific to energy generation and power productionBroad engineering applications across industries
Job FocusDesign, operation, and maintenance of power generation systemsDesign, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical systems

Power Plant Engineers specialize in energy generation systems within power plants, focusing on operation and maintenance. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working across various industries on mechanical systems. While both roles require similar credentials, their work environments and job focuses differ significantly.

Is there a demand for power plant engineers?

Power plant engineers are in demand due to the ongoing need for energy production and infrastructure maintenance. They are often required to have technical skills, knowledge of power systems, and relevant certifications, with employment opportunities available in utility companies, manufacturing, and renewable energy sectors.

What is the average salary for a power plant engineer in the US?

The average salary for a power plant engineer in the US is approximately $85,000 to $105,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Engineers in this field often work with control systems, turbines, and power generation equipment, and may require a bachelor's degree in engineering and relevant licensure.

What are popular job titles related to Power Plant Engineer jobs in Delaware?

For Power Plant Engineer jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Power Plant Engineer jobs in Delaware look for?

The top searched job categories for Power Plant Engineer jobs in Delaware are:

What are popular job titles related to Power Plant Engineer jobs in DE?

For Power Plant Engineer jobs in DE, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Power Plant Engineer job openings in Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,688 per year, or $35.9 per hour.

Lead Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy

Wilmington, DE • On-site

$118K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

121st of 453 rated engineering


Job description

Description
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

Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
• BS degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program.
• 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.
AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy
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.

Award-Winning Benefits
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

Compensation Range
$118,023 - $180,313
Transparency Statement
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.
About This Business Unit
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!
Equal Opportunity
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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