Senior Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear Plant Analysis

Sargent Lundy; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

Paid time off

401(k) with company match

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Sargent & Lundy is seeking a Mechanical Engineer with a strong background in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics to work on nuclear power projects in a hybrid setting—three days in the office and two remote.

Responsibilities include calculating and reviewing engineering analyses, sizing equipment, and supporting design and optimization for client projects. Mentoring junior engineers and engaging with clients are key elements of the role.

Qualifications

• Essential: BSME from ABET-accredited program with strong thermodynamics, heat transfer and fluid mechanics.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in the nuclear power industry.
• Preparation of calculations and reports; strong technical report writing.
• Knowledge of mechanical engineering design codes, standards, and regulations for nuclear plants.
• Proficiency in MS Office; excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Apply knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer and fluid mechanics to power plant engineering.
• Prepare or review calculations, evaluations, and technical reports; perform equipment sizing and optimization.
• Contribute to system engineering, design, modification and analysis of nuclear mechanical systems.
• Interface with clients and project teams to present technical discussions and status.
• Develop engineering proposals and cost estimates; mentor junior staff.

Skills

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Fluid mechanics

Calculations & reports

Mechanical engineering

Codes & standards

MS Office

Excellent communication

Education

BSME (ABET-accredited)

MSME (ABET-accredited)

PE License

Job description

Description

This role offers a hybrid work arrangement. You'll spend three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days.

• This position will offer you the ability to directly apply your knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and experience in power plant engineering
• You will be preparing or reviewing calculations, evaluations, and technical reports to support client recommendations and reviews, and will additionally conduct equipment sizing, optimization evaluation, and selection in response to client needs
• While supporting clients and project teams with other Mechanical Engineers, you will be involved in system engineering, including the design, modification, and analysis of nuclear power plant mechanical systems
• Interface with clients and project teams to present technical discussions and project status
• Develop engineering proposals and cost estimates
• Mentor junior engineering staff on power plant engineering technical tasks
• There is the potential for you to travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for meetings and field verification of design

Qualifications

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

Essential skills and experience:

• This position requires a BSME from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program with a strong academic background and interest in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in the nuclear power industry
• All assignments require the preparation of calculations and/or reports, and excellent technical report writing skills are essential
• Knowledge of the practical application of mechanical engineering and technology including applying systems, principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to a project design
• Strong interest in numerical computations and problem solving
• Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations that apply to mechanical engineering design of nuclear power plants
• Proficiency with MS Office applications
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Valued but not required skills and experience:

• MSME from an ABET accredited program with a strong academic background
• PE 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 & 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

$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.