Instrumentation and Control Engineer

Instrumentation & Control Engineer

Piper Maddox is partnering with an advanced nuclear technology company seeking an Instrumentation & Control Engineer to join its reactor engineering team in Oak Brook, IL.

This role is focused on taking approved system architecture and functional requirements and turning them into detailed, working I&C solutions. You’ll work closely with a senior I&C Architect and take ownership across hardware/software selection, control logic, programming, integration, testing, verification, validation, and commissioning.

Key Responsibilities

• Translate system-level requirements into detailed I&C subsystem and component designs
• Develop and maintain I&C documentation and requirements traceability
• Implement control logic and platform configurations
• Select and integrate hardware, instrumentation, controllers, and software
• Work across PLC, FPGA, DCS, SCADA, and embedded control systems
• Support FMEA, reliability, safety, verification, validation, and testing
• Coordinate hardware/software interfaces across electrical, mechanical, and safety systems
• Support commissioning, troubleshooting, licensing, and issue resolution

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of hands-on digital I&C experience preferred, with flexibility for particularly strong backgrounds
• Experience with PLC, FPGA, DCS, SCADA, or embedded control platforms
• Strong controls programming, hardware integration, and troubleshooting experience
• Exposure to FMEA, V&V, testing, and safety-critical systems
• Nuclear or aerospace experience preferred
• Relevant backgrounds in O&G, heavy industry, or advanced manufacturing also considered
• PE license preferred, but not required

Why Consider It

• Work on next-generation microreactor technology
• Build systems from the ground up rather than maintain legacy infrastructure
• Strong exposure to safety-critical controls, testing, commissioning, and system integration
• Work directly with a senior I&C Architect who provides technical direction and mentorship
• Join at a pivotal stage as the company advances toward commercialization
• Strong institutional backing and significant runway for growth
• Oak Brook, IL with hybrid flexibility, 4 days onsite
• 10–15% travel
• Relocation support available
• 5% 401(k) match, Medical, Dental, Vision, and Unlimited PTO after 60 days

The role reports into the Director of Reactor Engineering (Who we have personally placed!) and is designed for someone who enjoys both detailed engineering work and practical implementation.