Lead Mechanical Engineer 2 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy; Knoxville (TN); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 206,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Plans

401(k)

Paid Vacation

Flexible Work Arrangements

Job summary

Sargent & Lundy seeks an experienced mechanical/chemical engineer for nuclear power plant systems design. The role is hybrid, based in Knoxville, with three days in the office and two remote days per week.

Responsibilities include modification packages, drawings, analyses, specs, and vendor evaluations, plus client interface and team leadership. Qualifications include a BS or MS from an ABET-accredited program with thermo, fluid mechanics and heat transfer coursework, 12+ years in nuclear power,

Qualifications

• Requires BS or MS in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program with thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer coursework.
• Minimum 12 years of experience in the nuclear power industry.
• Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations for mechanical engineering design of nuclear plants.
• PE license is beneficial, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare or review modification packages for operating nuclear power plants.
• Create or review functional mechanical drawings and drawings for nuclear plant systems.
• Perform engineering analyses and evaluations to support modifications and operation of plant systems.
• Prepare technical specifications and procurement documents for plant equipment.
• Conduct vendor bid evaluations for plant equipment.
• Evaluate studies and options for modifications to operating nuclear plants.
• Develop engineering cost estimates for small to mid-sized client work scopes.
• Interface with clients at their offices/sites and present engineering task/status updates.
• Lead engineering project teams.

Education

ABET-accredited BS/MS in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering with thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer coursework

Job description

This role will offer a hybrid work arrangement from our future Knoxville office. The expectation will be to spend three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days.

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 client and 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 12 years of experience in the nuclear 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 / 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‑wellness 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.