Senior Mechanical Designer 1 - Nuclear Power

Sargent Lundy; Knoxville (TN); Hybrid; USD 78,000 - 119,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

Life & accident insurance

Disability coverage

Paid time off

401(k)

Job summary

Sargent & Lundy is seeking a seasoned Mechanical Designer to develop 3D plant layouts and detailed mechanical drawings in a hybrid office/remote setting. You will lead the drafting team on multi‑disciplinary projects, coordinate with engineers, and ensure timely delivery of general arrangements, piping isometrics, and supports.

The role requires a strong background in mechanical design, 3D modeling, and collaboration across disciplines within nuclear/industrial power environments.

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree in drafting or equivalent technical experience.
• 10+ years in detailed mechanical design for general arrangements, piping, and supports.
• Proficient with 3D plant layout modeling software.
• Experience reviewing mechanical equipment outlines and interfaces and coordinating deliverables.
• Ability to coordinate with multi-disciplinary engineering teams in power plant design.

Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical general arrangements, piping isometrics, piping composites, pipe supports, and equipment location drawings.
• Lead mechanical design coordination across project phases and mentor junior designers.
• Generate and check 3D plant layout models and related deliverables.
• Provide guidance to less experienced drafters and designers.
• Possibly conduct field walkdowns and data gathering at client facilities.

Skills

Mechanical design

3D plant layouts

Cross-disciplinary coordination

Drafting reviews

Education

Associate's Degree in drafting

High school diploma + drafting courses

Tools

MicroStation

Job description

Responsibilities

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

• Under the direction of the Mechanical Project Lead, this position will offer you the opportunity to work with multi-disciplined engineering and design project teams in developing mechanical physical layout drawings in a 3-D model
• Challenging assignments that include the design of mechanical systems, and investigating, trouble‑shooting, and solving a wide variety of mechanical design issues
• Utilize 3D modeling software tools to generate mechanical design schematics
• Act as the Mechanical design team lead in the coordination of detailed design phases for all aspects of an integrated mechanical design model
• Coordinate and provide guidance to other designers and project team members to ensure a complete and timely design
• Independently plan and execute design deliverables, such as general arrangements, piping isometrics, piping composites, pipe support drawings, and equipment location drawings
• There may be the opportunity to conduct field walkdowns and data gathering at client facilities
• Provide guidance as a mentor in the development of less experienced drafters and designers

Qualifications

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

Essential skills and experience:

• An Associate's Degree in drafting, or a high school diploma and 1 or more years drafting course work or equivalent technical experience
• Ten or more years of detailed physical design experience in the development of mechanical general arrangements, piping systems, and supports
• Proficiency with design software tools in executing 3D plant layout models
• Experience in the review of mechanical equipment, including outlines and interface points, and coordinating and developing the associated deliverables
• Ability to interface with engineering and design teams of other disciplines in the power plant design process

Valued but not required experience:

• Proficiency with MicroStation

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

• Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life & Accident Insurance
• Disability Coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Back‑Up Daycare
• FSA & HSA

Financial Benefits

• 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

Work‑Life Balance

• Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Bereavement Leave
• Flexible Work Arrangements

Compensation Range

$77,890 - $118,999

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.