Advanced control systems engineering for long‑term plant performance

Aging control systems and legacy software, if left unchecked, become a liability: increasing safety and regulatory risk, reducing reliability and availability (unplanned outages), and resulting in rising operational and maintenance costs. Power plant operators can innovate safely and confidently with nuclear grade control systems engineering, independent verification and validation, and software and hardware qualification services provided by a leader in the nuclear sector. Our industry experts and AI-enhanced processes for review and preparation of engineering deliverables ensure full compliance and project velocity.

 

Discover modern, reliable, and maintainable solutions that improve long‑term operational performance. From turnkey systems and replacement parts to a full technology overhaul, we help organizations navigate the expanding digital ecosystem by identifying, integrating, and operationalizing the right technologies from the control room to the boardroom.  

Business outcomes delivered by control systems and software engineering services

Effective control systems and software engineering services are organized around outcomes: reducing operational and regulatory risk, improving reliability and uptime, and enabling safe, efficient performance across nuclear operations. 

Improve plant safety, reliability, and performance

Control systems engineering services support safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations over the long term. Our approach strengthens system reliability, simplifies future changes, and reduces operational and regulatory risk across safety‑critical and balance‑of‑plant environments.

Reduce project and licensing risk

Independent verification and validation (IV&V) services provide objective assurance that systems are built correctly and perform as intended. Early issue detection, full requirements traceability, and risk‑based testing help avoid costly rework, support licensing confidence, and streamline acceptance. 

Strengthen governance and compliance

During software program development engagements, we establish or improve software governance and procedures to create auditable, fit‑for‑purpose nuclear programs. Clear roles, consistent engineering practices, AI-assisted processes, and lifecycle controls enhance maintainability and help ensure alignment with nuclear regulatory expectations. 

Safely adopt modern technology

Categorization, testing, and qualification activities for custom software, as well as programmed electronics, enable safe deployment in nuclear environments. Our software and digital hardware qualification services include evidence packages built to recognized standards, which reduce uncertainty and accelerate regulatory approval. 

Protect critical control systems and assets

Cybersecure architectures, cybersecurity controls, and maintenance procedures are implemented to safeguard control systems and connected digital assets. Asset identification and classification, risk assessments, and defense‑in‑depth controls help reduce exposure while maintaining operational efficiency. 

Ensure scalable, future‑ready SMR operations

Digital strategies for small modular reactors align operational technology, engineering technology, and information technology from the outset. The result is a right‑sized, secure, and scalable foundation for fleet operations, remote monitoring and control, and streamlined compliance. 

Improve staff readiness and performance

High‑fidelity simulation and operator training solutions prepare teams before systems go live. Realistic process models and control system emulations improve training outcomes, reduce commissioning risk, and build operational confidence. 

Extend asset life and reduce downtime risk

When hardware becomes obsolete, engineered replacements preserve required form, fit, and function while improving long‑term supportability. Addressing aging components in a structured way helps maintain availability and avoid unplanned outages tied to scarce or obsolete parts.

Take advantage of the AI power boom

Capitalize on the rapid increase in power demand to support growing use of AI. With tight project timelines in AI infrastructure construction, power generators need to supercharge efficiency to compete. AI tools help improve schedule certainty in new builds and reduce cost overruns through better document and engineering control.

Powering reliable, secure, and scalable energy operations

Explore how energy and utilities organizations are modernizing aging systems, strengthening security, and scaling safely to meet rising demand. Discover integrated solutions that connect operations and enterprise systems for long‑term reliability and performance.

Engineering project methodology: what to expect

Our engineering lifecycle ensures that every nuclear and energy control system is conceived, designed, validated, and sustained with the rigor, traceability, and regulatory discipline required to deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective operational outcomes.  

We define the problem, operating context, and all regulatory and lifecycle constraints. This establishes technical scope, interfaces, assumptions, and success criteria, ensuring alignment with plant objectives, safety requirements, and engineering change processes.

We develop clear, verifiable requirements that reflect regulatory obligations, safety functions, operational needs, and maintainability expectations. Requirements are structured for full bidirectional traceability, forming the foundation for design, procurement, verification, and future modifications.

Using approved requirements, we produce disciplined, standard-based designs that incorporate best practices across software, I&C, and control system engineering. All designs undergo formal review, validation, and configuration control to ensure technical correctness and regulatory compliance.

We translate design intent into precise technical specifications and evaluation criteria to support procurement. During integration, our Engineering Technology Lab resolves complex interface issues early, reducing commissioning risk and preventing costly field changes.

We verify that the system is built correctly and validate that it fulfills the original requirements and operational intent. This includes independent verification and validation, inspections, testing, and acceptance activities appropriate to the system’s safety classification.

We support installation and commissioning to ensure systems are implemented safely and perform as designed. This phase confirms readiness for service while establishing configuration baselines, documentation, and operational controls.

We define maintenance strategies, support processes, and pathways for future change. Our approach ensures systems remain supportable, compliant, and adaptable throughout their lifecycle, with engineering change control embedded to manage modifications safely and efficiently.

Nuclear technologies

Drive efficiency with Schneider Electric automation systems. We bring proven technology and hands-on expertise to support on-time, on-budget delivery. Our certified engineers work with you to create effective solutions across operations, management, and leadership.

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Deliver real-time visualization of critical systems, improve situational awareness, and support secure, standardized operator workflows. InTouch HMI helps nuclear teams monitor performance, respond faster to abnormal conditions, and maintain safe, reliable operations.

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Leverage deep‑learning AI to quickly detect and accurately size defects in fuel channels and piping. By automating inspection analysis, AI‑FI Ultrasonics shortens inspection cycles, scales across asset fleets, and helps utilities focus on what matters most. 

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Modernize nuclear operations from the control room to the board room

Reduce risk and improve performance by replacing aging systems, upgrading and validating safety-critical software, and training staff with high-fidelity simulation tools. Get in touch with one of our engineers today to talk about your priorities and where we can help.