Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear

careers-sargentlundy; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 118,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Employee Assistance Program

Back-up daycare

FSAs/HSA

401(k)

Tuition assistance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Job summary

Sargent & Lundy in Reston, VA, seeks an experienced mechanical/chemical engineer for nuclear power plant systems design. You will review modification packages, drawings, specs, and vendor evaluations, and lead project teams on client engagements.

Applicants should have 10+ years in the power industry, an ABET-accredited degree, and a PE is a plus. This role emphasizes technical rigor, regulatory awareness, and collaboration with clients on site.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years in the power industry.
• PE license is beneficial but not required.

Responsibilities

• Review modification packages for operating nuclear power plants.
• Prepare/ review functional mechanical drawings for nuclear power plant systems.
• Conduct engineering analyses and evaluations for 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 power plants.
• Develop engineering cost estimates for small to mid-sized client work scopes.
• Visit client offices or plant sites to interface with clients and present engineering status.
• Lead engineering project teams.

Skills

Power industry experience

Nuclear industry knowledge

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Job description

Responsibilities

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 clientand 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.

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

Technology & Innovation

Sargent & Lundy values the appropriate use of technology to improve how work gets done and deliver high-quality outcomes for our clients. Depending on the role, employees may use data, automation, artificial intelligence, and other digital tools to support research, analysis, engineering and design activities, workflow improvement, or other aspects of their work. We value candidates who demonstrate an interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies where relevant to their role. Employees remain accountable for their work and are expected to apply appropriate professional judgment and review when using technology-assisted tools. Experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued where relevant but is not required unless specifically identified elsewhere in the job description.

About Sargent & Lundy

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

Financial Benefits

• 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

Work-Life Balance

• 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.