Lead Mechanical Engineer Analyst 1 (Power Uprates) - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy; Chattanooga (TN); Hybrid; USD 118,023 - 180,313; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k)

Paid Vacation

Tuition Assistance

Flexible Work Arrangements

Job summary

Sargent & Lundy in Chattanooga is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to lead evaluations and consultations for nuclear power uprate projects. The ideal candidate has a BSME, over 10 years of industry experience, and strong skills in thermodynamics and heat transfer.

Offering a hybrid work arrangement, the job involves technical calculations, report preparation, and interaction with clients to ensure successful project outcomes. Benefits include health plans, tuition assistance, and flexible work options.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in the nuclear power industry.
• Practical knowledge of mechanical engineering and technology.

Responsibilities

• Lead licensing basis evaluations for nuclear power uprate projects.
• Develop engineering proposals and cost estimates.
• Prepare calculations related to heat balances and plant hazards.

Skills

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Fluid mechanics

Technical report writing

Numerical computations

Education

BSME from ABET-accredited program

Tools

MS Office

Job description

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

Responsibilities

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

Hybrid work arrangement: Three days a week in the office, flexible remote work for two days.

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

AI & Automation

• 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.

Benefits

• 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.

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.