Lead Electrical Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy; Cary (NC); Hybrid; USD 118,023 - 180,313; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive healthcare plans

Generous paid time off

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Sargent & Lundy is looking for a leader in electrical engineering based in Cary, North Carolina. In this hybrid role, you will oversee complex projects for nuclear power plants, ensuring successful completion of engineering deliverables, team development, and client satisfaction.

The ideal candidate will have a BSEE degree and a minimum of 10 years of experience in electrical systems design. Sargent & Lundy offers comprehensive health plans and competitive benefits, recognizing the importance of supporting employees' well-being.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in electrical engineering systems for nuclear power plants.
• 3+ years of experience leading an engineering design group.
• Experience with low and medium voltage distribution systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead completion of project deliverables for electrical engineering.
• Develop project scope, cost estimates, and schedules.
• Provide technical oversight for all electrical engineering activities.

Skills

Leadership in engineering design

Electrical system design

Client liaison

Communication skills

Education

BSEE degree from an ABET-accredited program

Tools

MS Office

Python

MATLAB

Job description

You will be leading the group on interesting and challenging projects that include investigating, troubleshooting, and solving a wide variety of electrical engineering issues to support single and multi-discipline projects.

The majority of the projects performed for our clients require multi-discipline interface and coordination.

Responsibilities

• Lead efforts performed by group members to ensure successful completion of electrical engineering project deliverables to meet all technical, quality, financial and project controls expectations
  • Initiating and conveying scope of work to group members
  • Defining deliverables (i.e. calcs, specs, drawings, design change etic…)
  • Reviewing status and tracking progress of group members to maintain project scope/budget and keep client informed
  • Routine status meetings
  • Submitting progress reports
  • Tracking and resolving open items and emergent project issues
  • Coordinating completion of project deliverables
• Lead the team for the detailed design phases for all aspects of electrical engineering work to include interface and coordination with other disciplines
• Develop project scope, cost estimates, and schedules for complex electrical modifications at nuclear power plants
• Develop proposals for complex electrical modifications at nuclear power plants
• Provide technical oversight and supervision for all electrical engineering activities to include:
  • Engineering design change packages to install, replace or upgrade existing plant equipment to ensure long‑term equipment reliability
  • Engineering calculations in support of design change packages, including AC and DC power studies, short circuit, cable ampacity, voltage drop, breaker coordination, motor starting and protective relay settings
  • Equipment procurement specifications
  • Bid review evaluation process for potential equipment vendors, to include supporting vendor requests for additional information, developing responses to vendor questions, and maintaining a tracking mechanism for questions/responses
• Interface with the client, including implementing personnel to validate scope and ensure client satisfaction
• Mentor and guide the development of the group
• Identify and follow up on client needs that may result in strategic opportunities
• Leverage good client relationships to develop follow‑on work from existing clients
• Prepare/Coordinate multi‑discipline proposals

This position is based on a hybrid work schedule and will require in‑office work 3 days per week.

Qualifications

• No work authorization sponsorship in the U.S. for this position.
• A BSEE degree from an ABET‑accredited engineering program.
• 10 or more years of experience in the design of electrical engineering systems for nuclear power plants.
• 3 or more years of experience in leading an engineering design group through all phases of a project design.
• Experience in the selection of equipment, materials, and the preparation and assembling of engineering design change packages, calculations, and specifications.
• Experience with serving as firm/client liaison in a support or lead engineering role.
• Experience with electrical system design including low and medium voltage distribution systems (transformers, generators, motor, relays, etc…).
• Effective written and verbal communication skills to convey information to project team members and client.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications.
• Detail oriented approach to work.
• Capable of being badged for unescorted access to a nuclear station.
• PE Licensure is preferred.

AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy

• 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 & Wellness

• 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 - $180,313

Transparency Statement

Sargent & 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.