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Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Wilmington, DE, 19801
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 12 January 2026
Description
You will be involved in nuclear power plant systems design, including preparation or review of:
- Modification packages for operating nuclear power plants
- 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
In addition, you will have the opportunity to:
- Develop engineering cost estimates for small to mid-sized client-requested work scopes
- Visit client office and/or plant site locations to interface with the client and make presentations related to engineering tasks and status
- Lead engineering project teams
Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
- BS or MS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering from an ABET accredited program
- A minimum of 10 years of applicable experience
- Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations that apply to mechanical engineering design
- PE license is beneficial, but not required
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
$116,620.00 - $179,890.00Transparency 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!
Awards & Recognition
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.
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Frequently asked questions
A Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 in nuclear focuses on specialized tasks like mechanical design modifications for operating nuclear plants, regulatory compliance, and safety-critical systems. This position requires deep knowledge of nuclear codes and standards, differentiating it from general mechanical engineering leadership roles that may not involve such stringent industry regulations.
Professionals often navigate complex regulatory environments and coordinate with multiple stakeholders including vendors and clients. Wilmington's proximity to key energy sectors means adapting to evolving nuclear technologies and balancing site-specific safety requirements are common hurdles in this market.
While a PE license is advantageous, certifications in nuclear safety standards and familiarity with ASME codes significantly boost employability. Delaware’s energy sector highly values engineers with credentials that demonstrate compliance expertise and technical proficiency in nuclear plant systems.
Sargent & Lundy fosters growth by offering project leadership opportunities, exposure to cutting-edge nuclear technologies, and involvement in diverse initiatives from reactor restarts to SMR development. Their merit scholarship and tuition assistance programs further empower engineers to advance their technical skills.
Wilmington's nuclear engineering market is moderately competitive due to its niche specialization. Candidates with extensive experience, especially in nuclear plant modifications and project leadership, tend to have an edge. The region’s demand aligns with growth in clean energy initiatives, increasing opportunities.
Sargent & Lundy offers a rich legacy in nuclear engineering dating back to 1954, combined with a culture recognized for exceptional benefits and work-life balance. Engineers gain access to international projects and digital modernization efforts, setting the firm apart in innovation and employee support.
Salaries typically range from $116,620 to $179,890 annually, reflecting experience and project scope. Wilmington's competitive pay scale aligns with the role’s complexity in nuclear engineering, supplemented by comprehensive benefits and potential discretionary bonuses that enhance overall compensation.
This role uniquely involves reviewing nuclear plant modification packages, preparing mechanical drawings specific to nuclear systems, and conducting vendor bid evaluations. Leadership on safety-critical projects and interfacing with clients on technical presentations further sets this position apart.
Wilmington’s energy sector fosters a collaborative environment emphasizing safety and innovation. Engineers benefit from a community focused on sustainable energy transitions, with supportive policies and infrastructure that encourage continuous learning and flexible work arrangements.
Applicants need to balance hands-on mechanical engineering expertise with team leadership capabilities, guiding multi-disciplinary projects in nuclear contexts. Sargent & Lundy values engineers who can navigate regulatory frameworks while inspiring teams to deliver complex modifications on schedule.