Lead Network Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Responsibilities

This role offers a hybrid work arrangement. You'll spend three days a week in the Chicago 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 position requires an engineer who has expertise in digital system network design. Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Design and document segmented, fault-tolerant OT networks for digital I&C, DCS, PLC, and SCADA systems, including network topologies, IP plans, VLANs, routing, IDMZs, and secure access.
• Periodic travel to client sites, testing facilities, and other Sargent & Lundy offices will be required.
• Specify industrial networking hardware (appliances, cabling, media converters, etc.), and integrate industrial protocols, network redundancy, and time synchronization.
• Prepare, review, and maintain formal engineering deliverables, including network architecture drawings, rack elevation drawings, cable schedules, specifications, bills of materials (BOMs), and configuration workbooks.
• Confirming the configuration of devices installed at the site based on network diagrams and system documentation.
• Adhere to formal nuclear quality assurance (QA) programs, 10 CFR 50 Appendix B, NQA-1, and rigorous design change/modification control processes.
• Develop detailed Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and commissioning test plans, test cases, and execution procedures for network hardware and integrated control systems.
• Stage, configure, and validate network equipment, switches, routers, and firewalls in laboratory test environments prior to field installation.
• Support on-site installation, system walkdowns, loop checks, and cutover activities during plant outages and modifications.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve complex physical, data link, and network layer issues across legacy and modern OT equipment.
• Performing technical support requested by the Digital Engineering and Operation Technology (OT) System Integration supervisors.

Qualifications

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

Essential skills and experience:

• BS degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering from an ABET accredited program or equivalent professional experience
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in design of network architecture, design, and implementation experience, including OT/ICS, SCADA, DCS, or digital I&C.
• Experience in design engineering for nuclear power plant control systems is preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in network design, such as CCNA or CCENT Certifications.
• Understand the function and design of routers, network switches, firewalls, data diodes, and network security configurations.
• Understand IP routing, subnetting, spanning-tree protocols, etc.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• PE license preferred, but not required.
• Ability to respond and update, in a timely manner, to requests.
• Have the experience of collaborating with control system design engineers, clients and vendors.

Technology & Innovation

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.

About Sargent & Lundy

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

Compensation Range

Transparency Statement

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.