Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear Plant Analysis

Sargent Lundy; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 118,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

Paid time off

401(k)

First Professional Licensure Bonus

Job summary

Sargent & Lundy seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer in Washington, DC, to advance nuclear power uprate projects. The role focuses on thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics to support licensing and design improvements.

You will perform calculations, size equipment, and prepare reports while interfacing with clients and mentoring junior staff. Hybrid work with in-office 3 days per week, offering a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• BSME from ABET-accredited program with focus on thermodynamics, heat transfer and fluid mechanics
• 10+ years in the nuclear power industry
• Experience with nuclear power uprates and/or turbine retrofit projects
• Strong technical report writing skills and ability to present calculations clearly
• Knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations for mechanical design of nuclear plants
• MS Office proficiency and ability to interface with clients

Responsibilities

• Lead licensing basis system and component evaluations for nuclear uprate projects
• Apply thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics knowledge to power plant engineering
• Perform consulting level work for power uprates in the nuclear industry
• Prepare calculations related to heat balances, pumps, heat exchangers, and hazards
• Prepare task reports and equipment evaluations for client requirements
• Size equipment, optimize design, and respond to client needs
• Interface with clients and project teams on technical discussions
• Develop engineering proposals and cost estimates
• Mentor junior engineering staff on plant engineering tasks
• Perform independent reviews of others' calculations and drawings
• Attend client meetings and site walkdowns to validate scope

Skills

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Fluid mechanics

Mechanical engineering

Numerical computations

Report writing

MS Office

Client interaction

Education

BSME from ABET-accredited program

MSME (valued)

PE License (valued)

Tools

N/A

Job description

Responsibilities

Our electric power generation clients are seeking to increase the power output of their existing power plants to meet the electric demands. This is expanding work in the Mechanical Analysis Engineering group.You will work on major systems, equipment and plant process in the following areas:

• Develop and lead licensing basis system and component evaluations for nuclear power uprate projects.


• This position will offer you the ability to directly apply your knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and experience in power plant engineering.


• Perform consulting level work for power uprates in the nuclear industry.


• Prepare and review calculations related to heat balances, power train pumps, heat exchangers, condenser/heat sink, and plant hazards to support client recommendations and reviews.


• Prepare task reports and equipment evaluations that present technical information in a clear and concise manner to meet client requirements.


• Perform equipment sizing, optimization evaluation, and selection in response to client needs to support the proposed power uprate.


• Interface with clients and project teams to present technical discussions and project status.


• Develop engineering proposals and cost estimates.


• Lead and mentor junior engineering staff on power plant engineering technical tasks.


• Perform independent reviews of work performed by others including calculations and drawing preparation.


• Attend client meetings and site walkdowns to validate scope and ensure client satisfaction.

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

Qualifications

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

Essential skills and experience:

• This position requires a BSME from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program with a strong academic background and interest in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics.


• 10 or more years of experience in the nuclear power industry.


• Experience with nuclear power uprates and/or turbine retrofit projects.


• Experience and practical knowledge in one or more of the following areas:




• Balance of plant system and component evaluations


• Pinch point assessments and/or task reports


• Heat balance


• Power train pumps, heat exchangers, condenser/heat sink


• Circulating Water and Ultimate Heat Sinks




• All assignments require the preparation of calculations and/or reports, and excellent technical report writing skills are essential.


• Knowledge of the practical application of mechanical engineering and technology including applying systems, principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to a project design.


• Strong interest in numerical computations and problem solving.


• Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations that apply to mechanical engineering design of nuclear power plants.


• Proficiency with MS Office applications.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Valued but not required skills and experience:

• MSME from an ABET accredited program with a strong academic background


• PE License

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 & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-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.