Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy

Metairie (LA)

Hybrid

USD 118,023 - 180,313

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive healthcare plans
Generous paid time off
401(k)
Tuition Assistance
Employee Referral Bonus

Job summary

Sargent & Lundy in Metairie, Louisiana is seeking an experienced engineer to work in a hybrid arrangement, balancing office and remote work. The role focuses on the preparation and review of engineering documents for nuclear power plants, requiring a BS or MS in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering and at least 10 years in the power industry. Ideal candidates will have knowledge of nuclear design codes and standards and should be capable of developing cost estimates and leading project teams. The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $118,023 to $180,313 and award-winning benefits including comprehensive health plans, paid time off, and a 401(k).

Qualifications

  • 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.

Responsibilities

  • Preparation or review of modification packages for nuclear power plants.
  • Develop engineering cost estimates for client-requested work scopes.
  • Lead engineering project teams.

Skills

Mechanical or Chemical Engineering
Nuclear Power Industry Knowledge
Leadership
Automation Tools
Computer Science Fundamentals

Education

BS or MS in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering from an ABET accredited program

Tools

Python
MATLAB
Excel

Job description

This role offers a hybrid work arrangement. You'll spend three days a week in the office and have the flexibility to work remotely for two days.

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 offices and/or plant site locations to interface with the client and make presentations related to engineering tasks and status
  • Lead engineering project teams
Qualifications
  • BS or MS in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering from an ABET accredited program with coursework in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfers
  • 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:

  • 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.
  • Direct automation and process‑improvement work, such as how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guide when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked.
  • Oversee 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.
  • 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. We offer comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, providing 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

$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!

Awards & Recognition

We have received numerous awards for our work and culture.

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.

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