Senior Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear Plant Analysis

Sargent Lundy; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 85,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Plans

Life Insurance

Disability Coverage

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Time Off

Tuition Assistance

Parental Leave

Flexible Work Arrangements

Job summary

Sargent & Lundy is seeking a Mechanical Engineer with a strong background in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics to support nuclear power plant projects. You will prepare calculations, assist in sizing, and develop technical reports for client reviews.

The role involves collaboration with clients and project teams, mentoring junior engineers, and potential travel for design reviews and field verifications. Hybrid work requires in-office presence three days per week.

Qualifications

• Requires a BSME from an ABET-accredited program with strong background in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics.
• 5+ years of experience in the nuclear power industry.
• Preparation of calculations and reports; strong technical writing abilities are essential.
• Knowledge of mechanical engineering applications to project design and systems.
• Strong numerical computation and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with codes, standards, and regulations for nuclear power plant design.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications; excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Apply knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics to power plant engineering.
• Prepare or review calculations, evaluations, and technical reports; assist in equipment sizing and optimization.
• Support clients and project teams; contribute to system engineering of mechanical systems in nuclear plants.
• Interface with clients and project teams to present technical discussions and status.
• Develop engineering proposals and cost estimates.
• Mentor junior staff on power plant engineering tasks.
• Travel to client/vendor offices or plant sites for reviews and verifications (as needed).

Skills

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Fluid mechanics

Calculations

Technical report writing

Numerical computations

Codes & standards

MS Office

Written & verbal communication

Education

BSME ABET-accredited

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Responsibilities

• 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

This position is based on a hybrid work schedule and will require in-office work 3 days per week.

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 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 & 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.