Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Sr Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

Senior Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Engineer - Nuclear
Position Overview
We are seeking a Jr to Lead level Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Engineer with beginner to advanced level for design, integration, and delivery of safe, reliable control and instrumentation solutions. The role requires strong expertise in electrical engineering, instrumentation and control system design, and nuclear plant engineering practices. The Senior I&C Engineer will develop system architectures, produce engineering deliverables, support licensing and regulatory activities, and lead technical teams through design, testing, and commissioning phases while ensuring compliance with nuclear safety standards.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and architecture of instrumentation and control systems for nuclear power plant applications, including PLC and DCS implementations.
• Develop detailed electrical, instrumentation and control (I&C) specifications, schematics, wiring diagrams, cause-and-effect matrices, and control narratives.
• Perform systems engineering activities: requirements development, functional allocation, interface definition, and verification/validation planning.
• Select and specify field instruments, sensors, actuators (pumps, valves, valves positioners), and control hardware for systems including turbines, heat exchangers, and reactor support systems.
• Design control algorithms and logic, tune control loops, and implement alarm and interlock strategies consistent with safety classification and plant protection requirements.
• Lead FAT/SAT, loop checks, commissioning, and startup activities; troubleshoot I&C issues in the field and provide technical direction to construction and operations teams.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and support licensing documentation; apply nuclear standards and industry guidance (e.g., IEC/IEEE standards, NRC guidance) to I&C designs.
• Perform failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), reliability assessments, and SIL (safety integrity level) considerations for safety-related instrumentation and controls.
• Integrate advanced tools and techniques (Python, MATLAB, Excel) for data analysis, control system simulation, and delivery of engineering calculations and reports.
• Evaluate and integrate control system technologies including DCS, PLC, SCADA, and modern automation platforms; define cybersecurity and configuration management requirements.
• Collaborate with mechanical, civil, and systems engineering teams to ensure cohesive design of plant systems; manage vendor relationships and review supplier deliverables.
• Mentor junior engineers, lead technical reviews, and contribute to project planning, schedule and cost estimates.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation & Control Engineering, Nuclear Engineering or related discipline; Masters degree preferred.
• Minimum 1-12+ years of progressive experience in instrumentation & controls engineering. Exposure to nuclear power plant projects is a preferred.
• Proven experience in I&C design and engineering for nuclear applications; familiarity with reactor systems, plant safety systems and nuclear regulatory environment is required.
• Strong electrical engineering skills and practical experience with instrumentation selection, wiring, cable schedules, junction boxes and terminations.
• Hands-on experience with PLCs, DCS, control systems integration, SCADA, and industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, Profibus, OPC, Ethernet/IP).
• Demonstrated ability to develop control logic, test procedures (FAT/SAT), commissioning activities and perform loop checks.
• Experience with control system modeling, control loop tuning and use of tools such as MATLAB, Python and Excel for analysis and automation.
• Knowledge of automation, control systems best practices, and familiarity with AI/artificial intelligence applications in control and diagnostics is a plus.
• Experience with rotating equipment and balance-of-plant components such as turbines, pumps, valves, and heat exchangers is desirable.
• Working knowledge of safety analysis methods, FMEA, SIL, seismic and environmental qualification requirements for nuclear I&C hardware.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills; ability to produce clear engineering documentation and support regulatory interactions.
• Professional Engineer (PE) or Chartered status, and security clearance (if applicable) are advantageous.

Benefits

• Highly competitive compensation
• Full health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• 401k w/match
• Hybrid work schedule (days onsite, 2 days remote)
• Generous PTO
• Paid holidays
• FSA/HSA
• EAP
• Disability coverage
• So much more!

- For this position, you must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship for a non-immigrant visa. This job was first posted by CyberCoders on 07/29/2026 and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled or closed.Everforth CyberCoders is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, status as a crime victim, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our hiring process includes AI screening for keywords and minimum qualifications, and a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. A human recruiter reviews all results. Click here for details on our virtual recruiter .  Everforth CyberCoders will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local law, including but not limited to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the California Fair Chance Act. Everforth CyberCoders is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. Individuals needing special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment can contact a member of our Human Resources team at Benefits@CyberCoders.com to make arrangements.

Salary

$70000 - $205000 USD per year