Mechanical Engineer 1 (Entry-Level) - Nuclear

Sargent Lundy; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 63,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

Life & accident insurance

Disability coverage

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Back-Up Daycare

FSA & HSA

401(k)

Tuition assistance

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Paid parental leave

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Sargent & Lundy is seeking a Mechanical or Chemical Engineer to apply thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics to power-plant systems.

The role involves preparing calculations, specifications, and reports for client reviews, with opportunities for system engineering, equipment sizing, and design optimization. Some travel to client sites and plant locations is expected. A strong foundation in energy conversion and turbomachinery is valued.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering or Chemical Engineering with a strong background in thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, power engineering, turbomachinery, thermal systems, and energy conversion.
• Knowledge of applying mechanical engineering principles to project design and calculations.
• Experience with producing technical plans, fabrication drawings, and models.
• Strong numerical computation and problem-solving abilities; proficient in MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Apply thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics to power-plant systems.
• Prepare calculations, specifications, and technical reports for client reviews.
• Support project teams with system engineering, equipment sizing, and design optimization.
• Travel to client and vendor sites for design reviews and field verification.

Skills

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Fluid mechanics

Power engineering

Turbomachinery

Thermal systems

Energy conversion

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering or Chemical Engineering

MS in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering

ABET-accredited program

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Description

• This position will offer you the ability to directly apply your knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and power plant engineering
• You will be preparing calculations, specifications, and technical reports to support client recommendations and reviews, and will additionally conduct equipment sizing, optimization evaluation, and selection in response to project needs
• While supporting project teams with other Mechanical Engineers, you will be involved in system engineering, including the design, modification, and analysis of power plant mechanical systems
• There is the potential for you to 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:

• This position requires a BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering or Chemical Engineering with a strong academic background and interest in thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, power engineering, turbomachinery, thermal systems, and energy conversion
• Knowledge of the practical application of mechanical engineering and technology including applying systems, principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to a project design
• Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of technical plans, fabrication drawings, and models
• Strong interest in numerical computations and problem solving
• Proficiency with MS Office applications
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Valued but not required skills and experience:

• A BS or MS degree from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program
• Related engineering internship or co-op work experience
• Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and designation as an Engineer in Training
• Experience in writing and providing support documentation for Mechanical Engineering calculations
• Coursework in the following:
• Power engineering
• Turbomachinery
• Thermal systems
• Energy conversion

AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to solve problems using modern tools:

• You are expected to take engineering problems from issue to solution using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
• Many engineers in these roles build or use automation to create calculations, summarize technical documents, or draft design documentation, including appropriate use of agentic AI tools, with strong engineering judgment and verification of results.
• Programming or scripting (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate calculations, design checks, reporting, or data transformation is valued but not required.
• We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other training in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that helps you apply automation or agentic AI to real engineering problems.

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 & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-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

$62,998 - $90,586

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.