Electrical Engineer 1 (Entry-Level) - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Phoenix, AZ, 85003
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 11 January 2026
Description
- As an Electrical Engineer 1 in our Nuclear Power Group, you will play a vital role on projects that make a real impact. You will help design and modernize critical electrical systems and large power components for existing nuclear plants, first-of-a-kind restart projects, small modular reactors (SMRs), and advanced reactor facilities. You will also support plant life-extension and digital upgrade initiatives. Your contributions will help make nuclear energy safer, more efficient, and more reliable for the communities we serve.
- You will work alongside a project team, receiving daily technical supervision and support from experienced engineers and subject matter experts (SME’s) in nuclear power generation and electrical power systems design. You will benefit from hands-on learning, technical training, and collaboration across engineering disciplines, while leveraging our established system of technical processes — including industry standards, internally developed guidance and standards informed by decades of experience, and our extensive performance improvement database — to help deliver safe and reliable solutions.
- Working under the direction of senior engineers, this position will offer you the opportunity to utilize and expand your academic background in electrical engineering in one or more of the following areas:
- Assist in the preparation of engineering calculations and design tasks for large nuclear power generating stations, including protection and coordination studies, cable sizing, medium and low voltage system design, DC battery sizing, and analyses that supports electrical designs for safety-related systems.
- Utilize industry-standard software tools like ETAP to perform power systems analysis and modeling for complex electrical networks.
- Assist with the design, selection, and integration of major electrical power equipment, such as switchgear, motor control centers (MCCs), large power transformers, breakers, relays, and related systems essential to nuclear power generation station operation.
- Partner with multidisciplinary engineering teams and engage in technical training sessions and reviews.
- Gain exposure to station-specific procedures and real-world project requirements, with opportunities to interface with client stakeholders such as Operations and Systems Engineering representatives.
- Collaborate with designers and drafters to translate engineering concepts into detailed drawings, providing practical experience in bringing designs to life and supporting project deliverables.
- Develop professional skills by working within fixed project schedules and budgets, learning effective time management and collaboration tools to achieve shared objectives. Gain firsthand experience in communicating and coordinating with team members to deliver high-quality engineering solutions on time and within scope.
- Work alongside experienced professional engineers and gain valuable insight into the pathway to professional licensure, including mentorship and exposure to the career development steps required to become a licensed Professional Engineer (PE).
- Gain unescorted access to nuclear power generating stations to conduct onsite walkdowns, witness installation and testing activities, and support nuclear refueling outages, as well as participate in the implementation of major projects you helped design.
- Access client computer systems to review station-specific drawings, calculations, procedures, and other technical information, building expertise in design and licensing basis and electrical power systems for a specific nuclear facility.
- Obtain qualifications to work under supervision as a preparer for unique engineering deliverables, and have the opportunity to sign off as a qualified preparer on critical project documentation.
Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s of Science degree in Electrical Engineering with a strong academic background in electrical power concepts/power systems analysis
- An understanding of the practical application of electrical engineering and technology including applying systems, principles, techniques, and procedures to a project design
- Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of technical plans, drawings, and models
- Proficiency with MS Office applications
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong problem-solving skills
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s of Science degree from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program
- Completion of power coursework, such as Power Systems Analysis, Electric Machinery, Power Electronics, or similar
- Internship or work experience in performing power analysis, preferably within the power industry
- Experience performing transient analysis of power systems using software such as ETAP or SKM
- Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and designation as an Engineer in Training
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
$60,660.00 - $87,090.00Transparency 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
For an entry-level electrical engineer in nuclear power, strong fundamentals in power systems analysis, familiarity with software like ETAP, and understanding medium to low voltage system designs are essential. Practical knowledge of electrical protection, coordination studies, and equipment like switchgear and breakers also enhances readiness for nuclear facility projects.
Phoenix’s growing focus on clean energy and technology infrastructure has increased the demand for nuclear-specialized electrical engineers. While competition exists, candidates with power systems expertise and practical internship experience stand out. Local employers value engineers who can navigate complex nuclear systems and regulatory standards, aligning with the city’s expanding energy sector.
This role supports modernization by assisting in design updates, power system analyses, and integrating advanced equipment to enhance plant safety and efficiency. Working on small modular reactors and digital upgrades, entry-level engineers help extend plant lifespans while ensuring compliance with evolving nuclear standards and technology innovations.
While a degree in electrical engineering is fundamental, certifications like the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam or Engineer-in-Training status are highly valued. In Arizona, familiarity with regional nuclear regulations and safety procedures can further differentiate applicants amid competitive hiring for nuclear energy roles.
Sargent & Lundy provides comprehensive healthcare, paid parental leave, tuition assistance, and professional licensure bonuses. The company’s award-winning benefits emphasize work-life balance, mentorship for licensure pathways, and hands-on nuclear project exposure, creating an enriching growth environment for entry-level engineers.
The position offers exposure to senior engineers and licensing processes, providing mentorship crucial for professional engineer (PE) licensure. Candidates gain direct experience on nuclear projects, technical training, and opportunities to sign off on engineering deliverables, fostering skill development and career progression in nuclear power sectors.
Entry-level electrical engineers at Sargent & Lundy in Phoenix can expect salaries between $60,660 and $87,090. This range aligns well with regional nuclear engineering roles, reflecting competitive compensation that factors in specialized skills, local living costs, and the technical demands of nuclear power projects.
Phoenix’s urban sprawl means commute times vary widely; proximity to the plant or Sargent & Lundy offices can significantly reduce daily travel stress. Engineers who live closer benefit from flexible work arrangements offered by the company, which help maintain a healthy balance between demanding project schedules and personal time.
Engineers often navigate complex system modeling, collaborate across disciplines, and adapt to strict safety protocols. Managing project timelines and learning to interpret detailed technical standards requires strong problem-solving skills, while onsite nuclear access demands compliance with rigorous operational and security procedures.
A frequent misunderstanding is that entry-level roles involve only basic tasks; in reality, these positions blend hands-on technical work with significant learning opportunities in high-stakes environments. Another myth is that nuclear engineering lacks innovation, whereas engineers actively engage in cutting-edge reactor technologies and digital upgrades.