Senior Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear Plant Analysis

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

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Work Arrangements

Health Plans

401(k)

Paid Time Off

Tuition Assistance

Job summary

Sargent & Lundy in Knoxville, Tennessee is seeking a Mechanical Engineer with nuclear power experience for a hybrid role. Expect three days in the office and two remote days each week, collaborating with clients and project teams on demanding power plant projects.

The engineer will perform calculations and analyses, size equipment, and contribute to design reviews, while mentoring junior staff and supporting proposals, cost estimates, and field verifications.

Qualifications

• BSME from ABET-accredited program with strong background in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics.
• 5+ years of experience in the nuclear power industry.
• Experience preparing calculations and/or reports; excellent technical report writing.
• Knowledge of practical mechanical engineering applications for project design.
• Strong numerical computation and problem solving.
• Working knowledge of codes, standards, regulations for nuclear power plant design.
• Proficiency with MS Office.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Apply thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics to power plant engineering tasks.
• Prepare or review calculations, evaluations, and technical reports; size equipment and optimize.
• Engage in system engineering for nuclear mechanical systems and design reviews.
• Interface with clients and project teams to present technical discussions and status updates.
• Develop engineering proposals and cost estimates.
• Mentor junior engineering staff on power plant tasks.
• Travel to client/vendor offices and plant sites as needed.

Skills

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Fluid mechanics

Power plant engineering

Engineering calculations

Technical report writing

Nuclear codes/regulations

MS Office

Verbal communication

Education

BSME ABET accredited

MSME not required

Job description

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

This role will offer a hybrid work arrangement from our future Knoxville office. The expectation will be to 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 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 BSME from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program with a strong academic background and interest in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics
• 5 or more 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

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 judgement 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 AssistanceFirst 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.