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Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Sr. Instrumentation Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$140K - $185K/yr

The Sr. Instrumentation engineer is responsible for reviewing client requirements and standards for new or updated process instrumentation and developing instrumentation solutions to include detailed ...

Showing results 41-60

Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$76.6K

$113.2K

$159.9K

How much do senior instrumentation and controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior instrumentation and controls engineer in Illinois is $113,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,100.00 and $132,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior instrumentation and controls engineer do?

A Senior Instrumentation and Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and managing systems that monitor and control engineering processes. They work with instruments and control systems to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of manufacturing or industrial facilities. Their work often involves selecting appropriate instrumentation, programming control systems, troubleshooting issues, and leading project teams. In addition, they may be involved in ensuring compliance with safety and industry regulations.

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

To thrive as a Senior Instrumentation and Controls Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or control systems engineering, experience with instrumentation design, and typically a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Proficiency in PLC/DCS programming, SCADA systems, and industry-specific standards (such as ISA or IEC), as well as relevant certifications like PE or ISA CAP, is highly valued. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help you lead teams and coordinate with multidisciplinary stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable automation solutions in complex industrial environments.

What are some common challenges faced by senior instrumentation and controls engineers in large-scale industrial projects?

Senior Instrumentation and Controls Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new technologies with legacy systems, managing tight project deadlines, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Collaboration across multidisciplinary teams—like process, electrical, and mechanical engineering—is crucial for successful system design and implementation. Balancing technical leadership with hands-on troubleshooting and mentoring junior engineers is also a key aspect of the role, especially when overseeing commissioning and startup phases.

What is the difference between Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer vs Instrumentation And Controls Technician?

AspectSenior Instrumentation And Controls EngineerInstrumentation And Controls Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, professional engineering license often preferredTechnical diploma or associate degree in instrumentation or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, project management, system integration in industrial or manufacturing settingsInstallation, maintenance, troubleshooting of instrumentation systems on-site
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, manufacturing plants, oil & gas, power generationIndustrial facilities, maintenance companies, plant operations

The Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer typically focuses on system design, project oversight, and engineering analysis, requiring higher education and certifications. In contrast, the Instrumentation And Controls Technician handles hands-on installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting tasks. Both roles are essential in industrial settings but differ in responsibilities, qualifications, and work scope.

What are popular job titles related to Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer jobs in Illinois?

For Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Instrumentation And Controls Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

Lead Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy

Warrenville, IL • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

123rd of 450 rated engineering


Job description

Description

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.

This I&C position offers the opportunity to work on upgrading and modernizing nuclear power plants with the latest control technologies the industry offers.  You will be expected to both lead and support small and large controls projects with a focus on technical execution and effective Project Management.  These projects will require coordination with mechanical, electrical, and structural disciplines to bring the project to completion. You work will include investigating, troubleshooting, and resolving a wide variety of controls engineering issues, including the following:

  • Develop Digital Systems Design -- PLC, DCS, Touchscreens, network switches and control systems.
  • Prepare control system functional and implementation requirements and procurement specifications for nuclear plant control systems.
  • Interface with the client to ensure proper project execution and client satisfaction.
  • Prepare and review technical reports, calculations, and studies to present information in a clear and concise manner to meet client requirements.
  • Manage resources/resource loading and develop estimates for task completion and budget development.
  • Support the development of proposals.
  • Prepare and review diagrams and drawings for new and upgraded controls solutions.
  • Evaluate vendor bids from a technical perspective.
  • Interface with vendors to perform document reviews, ensure equipment compliance with specifications and needs of the plant, and witness FAT performance on behalf of the client.
  • Support implementation of the project at the client's facilities.
Qualifications

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

Essential skills and experience:

  • BS or MS in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or Nuclear Engineering from an ABET accredited program.
  • 10 or more years of experience in I&C Design Engineering.
  • Professional Engineering license is preferred.
  • Ability to clearly communicate both in speech and written formats.
  • Technically knowledgeable of available equipment and proven pre-engineered systems to execute systems design.
  • Experience with serving as the firm's client liaison in a support or lead engineering role.
  • Experience in reviewing design documentation.
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 - $180,313Transparency StatementSargent & 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.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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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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