Senior Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision

Life & Accident Insurance

Disability Coverage

401(k)

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Paid Parental Leave

Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)

Job summary

Sargent & Lundy in Oak Ridge, Tennessee is seeking a senior mechanical engineer for an on-site, full-time role focused on analysis, design and licensing of mechanical and nuclear systems for nuclear power plants.

You will work on modification packages, performance specs, drawings, engineering analyses, procurement documents, vendor evaluations, and modification studies. ABET-accredited BS/MS and 5+ years in power are required.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering from an ABET accredited program.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the power industry.
• Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations that apply to mechanical engineering design of nuclear power plants.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, design, and license mechanical and nuclear systems and components for nuclear power plants.
• Prepare or review modification packages for operating nuclear power plants.
• Develop system and component performance specifications and functional drawings.
• Perform engineering analyses and evaluations to support modifications and operation of plant systems.
• Prepare technical specifications and procurement documents for plant equipment.
• Evaluate vendor bids and participate in modification studies for operating plants.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Nuclear systems knowledge

Automation awareness

Education

ABET-accredited BS/MS in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering

Job description

This will be a full-time (5 days/week) on-site position at TRISO-X Fuel Fabrication Facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

This is a senior level mechanical engineering position that will provide you with a variety of interesting and challenging responsibilities.

We are looking for candidates with experience in the analysis, design, and licensing requirements of mechanical and nuclear systems and components for nuclear power plants.

You will be involved in nuclear power plant systems design, including preparation or review of:

• Modification packages for operating nuclear power plants
• System and Component Performance specifications
• Functional mechanical drawings and/or drawings for nuclear power plant systems
• Engineering analyses and evaluations to support modifications and operation of plant systems
• Technical specifications and procurement documents for plant equipment
• Vendor bid evaluations for plant equipment
• Studies and options evaluations for modifications to operating nuclear power plants

Qualifications

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

• BS or MS in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering from an ABET accredited program
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the power industry.
• Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations that apply to mechanical engineering design of nuclear power plants

AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy

• 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

$84,762 - $129,498

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.