Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 (Project Manager / Program Manager) - Nuclear

Sargent Lundy; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 116,620 - 179,890; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive healthcare plans

401(k)

Paid parental leave

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Chattanooga seeks a Project Manager to oversee nuclear power plant modifications. Responsibilities include project execution, team management, and liaising with clients. Candidates must have a degree in Mechanical Engineering and over 10 years of experience in the engineering field. This hybrid role offers competitive pay and extensive benefits, including health plans and paid time off.

Qualifications

• 10 or more years of experience in a technical field (engineering, construction, planning, etc.)
• 5 or more years of experience in the power industry.
• Proven experience completing technical deliverables for modification packages for operating power plants.

Responsibilities

• Manage project execution and resource coordination.
• Ensure project performance accountability.
• Prepare and review engineering modifications and specifications.

Skills

Managing multi-disciplinary teams

Strong written and verbal communication

Schedule and budget development and management

Ability to multitask

Client liaison

Education

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

Job description

Description

This position will offer you the opportunity to manage project(s) consisting of engineers, designers, and controls and scheduling professionals involved in the design, modification, and analysis of new and existing nuclear power plant modifications. The position will involve coordinating with multiple internal and external departments to manage the life cycle of project execution.

• Responsible for project execution, coordination of resources from each discipline as required.

• Take ownership for all aspects of project performance including safety, schedule, budget, reporting and client experience through entire project lifecycle.

• Manage and direct the project team to ensure accountability. Mentor and coach team members.

• Develop and maintain a positive working relationship with client task engineers and stakeholders.

• Lead efforts to ensure projects are completed safely, satisfactorily, on time, and within budget.

• Support the reporting of key performance indicators for schedule, budget and other dashboard items.

• Identify and control construction risk.

• Recognize, identify, track and control change.

• Prepare and review modification packages, mechanical drawings, and engineering analyses or evaluations for operating nuclear plants and systems as required.

• Prepare technical specifications and procurement documents, and conduct vendor bid evaluations for plant equipment as required.

• Communicate and consult with appropriate stakeholders and supervisors.

• Prepare reports and studies that present technical information in a clear and concise manner and meet client requirements and Sargent & Lundy formats.

• Analyze issues and provide solutions to improve results.

  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:

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited engineering program

• Proven experience managing multi-disciplinary teams

• 10 or more years of experience in a technical field (engineering, construction, planning, etc.)

• 5 or more years of experience in the power industry

• 5 or more years of experience with serving as a firm/client liaison in a support or lead role

• Ability to multitask and manage multiple competing priorities

• Proven experience completing technical deliverables for modification packages for operating power plants

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

• Engineering design experience

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to work in a collaborative team setting

• Schedule and budget development and management

  Valued but not required skills and experience:

• Construction Management, MBA, or other management/business degree

• PMP Certification

• Experience writing proposals

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

$116,620.00 - $179,890.00

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

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.

CityChattanooga

StateTN

CountryUnited States

Area of InterestMechanical Engineering

TypeFull Time - Regular

Job ID2025-17969

Business GroupNuclear Power Group

DepartmentMechanical Engineering