Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 118,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k)

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Paid Parental Leave

Job summary

Sargent & Lundy in Oak Ridge, Tennessee is seeking an on-site, full-time engineer to support nuclear power plant systems design at the TRISO-X facility. You will prepare or review modification packages, functional drawings, analyses, specifications, and procurement documents, and evaluate vendor bids for plant equipment.

You will also lead project teams and interface with clients on site. Requirements include a BS or MS in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program, 10+

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering from an ABET accredited program.
• 10+ years of experience in the power industry.
• Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations for nuclear plant mechanical design.
• PE license is beneficial, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare or review modification packages for operating nuclear power plants.
• Create functional mechanical drawings and drawings for nuclear plant systems.
• Perform engineering analyses and evaluations to support plant modifications and operation.
• Prepare technical specifications and procurement documents for plant equipment.
• Evaluate vendor bids for plant equipment.
• Study options for modifications to operating nuclear plants.
• Develop engineering cost estimates for client-requested work scopes.
• Interface with clients at offices or plant sites and present engineering status.
• Lead engineering project teams.

Education

ABET-accredited program (Mechanical or Chemical Engineering)

Job description

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

This will be a full-time (5 days/week) on-site position at TRISO-X Fuel Fabrication Facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
You will be involved in nuclear power plant systems design, including preparation or review of:

• Modification packages for operating nuclear power plants
• Functional mechanical drawings and/or drawings for nuclear power plant systems
• Engineering analyses and evaluations to support modifications and operation of plant systems
• Technical specifications and procurement documents for plant equipment
• Vendor bid evaluations for plant equipment
• Studies and options evaluations for modifications to operating nuclear power plants

In Addition, You Will Have The Opportunity To

• Develop engineering cost estimates for small to mid-sized client-requested work scopes
• Visit client office and/or plant site locations to interface with the client and make presentations related to engineering tasks and status
• Lead engineering project teams

Qualifications

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

Essential Skills And Experience

• BS or MS in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering from an ABET accredited program
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in the power industry
• Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations that apply to mechanical engineering design of nuclear power plants
• PE license is beneficial, but not required

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 & Wellness

Financial Benefits

Work-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 - $180,313

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.