Mechanical Engineer 1 (Entry-Level) - Nuclear (January 2027)

Sargent & Lundy; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 63,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Plans

Life & Accident Insurance

Disability Coverage

401(k)

Paid Time Off

Flexible Work Arrangements

Job summary

Sargent & Lundy in Chicago seeks a Mechanical Engineer to apply thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and power plant engineering knowledge to client projects.

You will prepare calculations, specifications, and technical reports, size equipment, evaluate performance, and assist with system engineering of power plant mechanical systems, with occasional travel to client and vendor sites.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering or related field with strong thermodynamics/energy conversion focus
• Knowledge of mechanical design and technology for project design
• Strong numerical computation and problem solving
• Proficiency with MS Office applications
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

• Prepare calculations, specifications, and technical reports to support client recommendations and reviews
• Conduct equipment sizing, optimization evaluation, and selection for project needs
• Support project teams with mechanical engineering activities across system engineering and design reviews
• Travel to client/vendor offices for design reviews and site verification as needed

Skills

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Fluid mechanics

Power plant engineering

Numerical computations

MS Office

Written and verbal communication

Education

BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering

ABET-accredited program

Job description

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

This position has a target start date of early 2027.

• 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, Chemical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, General Engineering, or Systems Engingeering 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

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

$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.