Lead Mechanical Engineer 2 - Nuclear

Sargent Lundy; Chattanooga (TN); Hybrid; USD 134,546 - 205,557; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

Paid time off

Hybrid work model

Tuition assistance

First Professional Licensure Bonus

Job summary

Sargent & Lundy seeks a senior Mechanical/ Chemical Engineer to contribute to nuclear power plant systems design, including modification packages, drawings, analyses, specifications, and vendor evaluations. The role emphasizes leadership of project teams and interaction with clients at client sites.

The position offers a hybrid schedule with in-office work three days per week and opportunities to advance expertise in AI-enabled engineering workflows and modern tooling while ensuring compliance

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• 2) 12+ years of experience in the power industry.
• 3) Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations for mechanical engineering design of nuclear power plants.
• 4) PE license is beneficial but not required.

Responsibilities

• Modify and review modification packages for operating nuclear power plants.
• Prepare functional mechanical drawings and drawings for nuclear plant systems.
• Conduct engineering analyses and evaluations to support modifications and plant operation.
• 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 tasks and status.
• Lead engineering project teams.

Skills

Nuclear power plant experience

PE license (beneficial)

Python

MATLAB

Advanced Excel

Education

ABET-accredited Mechanical or Chemical Engineering degree (BS/MS)

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Advanced Excel

Job description

Description

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

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.

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

$134,546 - $205,557

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.