Senior Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Cedar Rapids, IA, 52405
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 12 January 2026
Description
This position will require onsite support in/around the Cedar Rapids Area supporting project needs with a hybrid work arrangement. You'll spend three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days.
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 Engineering from an ABET accredited program
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in the power industry
- Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations that apply to mechanical engineering design of nuclear power plants
- 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
$82,380.00 - $125,860.00Transparency 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
Cedar Rapids shows a steady demand for senior mechanical engineers in nuclear sectors due to ongoing plant support and modernization projects. While competition exists, specialized skills in nuclear codes and power plant design enhance hiring prospects in this region.
Employers in Cedar Rapids highly value ABET-accredited engineering degrees and professional licenses like the PE, especially for nuclear-related mechanical engineering positions. Familiarity with nuclear regulatory standards also strengthens candidacy.
Key tasks include reviewing mechanical system designs for nuclear plants, preparing modification packages, conducting engineering analyses for plant operation, and interfacing with vendors to evaluate equipment suited for nuclear applications.
Expertise in nuclear plant codes, safety regulations, and mechanical system modifications is crucial. Additionally, experience with vendor bid assessments and leading project teams focused on nuclear plant life extension is often expected.
Advancement may lead to principal engineering positions, project leadership roles, or specialized consultancy in nuclear plant modernization and regulatory compliance, leveraging deep technical and project management proficiency.
Sargent & Lundy offers a hybrid work model with a focus on nuclear innovation, competitive benefits, and opportunities to engage with cutting-edge reactor technologies, distinguishing it from many traditional nuclear engineering roles.
The company provides merit scholarships, licensure bonuses, flexible schedules, and comprehensive healthcare plans, fostering both career advancement and personal well-being within its award-winning workplace culture.
Salaries typically range from $82,380 to $125,860 annually, reflecting experience and technical expertise in nuclear power plant systems, with additional potential incentives like bonuses and comprehensive benefits.
This flexible schedule balances onsite collaboration three days a week with remote work, enabling efficient project coordination and client interaction while supporting work-life harmony in a demanding engineering environment.
Engineers must ensure compliance with stringent nuclear codes, assess technical reliability under plant operating conditions, and balance cost-effectiveness with long-term safety and performance standards.