Lead Structural Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent Lundy; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 116,620 - 179,890; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k)

Tuition Assistance

Flexible Work Arrangements

Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time

Paid Vacation

Employee Referral Bonus

Job summary

Sargent Lundy is looking for a Project Lead Structural Engineer in Richmond, VA, to guide structural engineering teams on various projects in the nuclear energy sector. Candidates should hold a BSCE with extensive experience in structural design and analysis, with proficiency in software like STAAD and SAP2000. Responsibilities include supervising engineering teams, providing client interface, reviewing design deliverables, and ensuring high-quality outputs. A rewarding benefits package and opportunities for professional growth await the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Ten or more years of experience in industrial/heavy commercial or nuclear facility structures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in design codes such as ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI.

Responsibilities

• Guide a team of structural engineers and manage various projects.
• Prepare and review design calculations, specifications, and reports.
• Supervise and mentor team members in engineering deliverables.
• Perform structural analysis and design using advanced software tools.

Skills

Structural Analysis

Project Management

Structural Design

Client Interaction

Mentorship

Communication Skills

Proficiency with Structural Analysis Software

Education

BSCE with emphasis in Structural Engineering

Tools

STAAD

SAP2000

SAFE

STRUDL

ANSYS

Job description

Description

This position allows for a hybrid work schedule with a mix of work spent in office and working remote from home.

This is a Project Lead Structural Engineer position that offers a variety of interesting and challenging opportunities in structural engineering and will provide an excellent opportunity to advance your career. In this position you will guide a team of structural engineers, interface with clients and engineers from other disciplines as well as manage a variety of exciting projects. This position will enable you to:

• Apply your knowledge of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design in the successful execution of assigned tasks
• Work on a wide range of projects for various clients and interface with them as required
• Direct the preparation and review of design calculations, specifications, reports and other deliverables and support designers with drawing development.
• Supervise and mentor others in the development of quality engineering deliverables
• Perform the structural analysis and design of steel frames, connections, concrete members, and foundations using our state-of-the-art computer tools
• Travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for construction coordination and field verification of designs

Qualifications

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

Essential Skills and Experience:

• BSCE with emphasis in Structural Engineering from an ABET-accredited program
• Ten or more years of experience working as a member of a project team in the design and analysis of industrial / heavy commercial or nuclear facility structures
• Proficiency with structural analysis software such as STAAD, SAP2000, SAFE, STRUDL, or ANSYS
• Proficiency with design codes and standards such as ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Valued, but Not Required:

• MSCE degree
• On-site construction support experience
• PE or SE license

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

$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!

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.