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Mechanical Engineering Intern - Nuclear (Summer 2026)
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chicago, IL, 60603
Job Type : Intern
Date Posted : 13 January 2026
Description
This position has a target start date of summer 2026.
- As a Mechanical Engineering Intern, you will be assigned to work on a project team and assist the engineering team members in the execution of their project work. These projects may involve the design of new and/or modifications/upgrades to existing power plant or industrial facility systems and components.
- Working under the direction of senior engineers, this position will offer you the opportunity to utilize and expand your academic background in mechanical engineering in one or more of the following areas:
- Assist in the preparation of engineering calculations, drawings and specifications
- Work on a variety of tasks associated with project reporting, such as tracking and evaluating project activities, project progress, and associated data
Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
- This position requires active enrollment in a Bachelor’s or Master’s of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering with a strong academic background and coursework in mechanical systems analysis, including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and/or heat transfer
- Enrollment in an ABET-accredited engineering program is preferred
- Proficiency with MS Office applications
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- Prior, related internship or co-op experience
- An understanding of the practical application of mechanical engineering principles
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
$17.50 - $27.00Transparency 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
Strong foundations in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer are essential for a Mechanical Engineering Intern in nuclear projects. Proficiency in MS Office and the ability to assist with engineering calculations and project tracking greatly enhance your contribution within Chicago’s competitive engineering landscape.
Interns support design and modification efforts on nuclear power systems by collaborating with senior engineers. Tasks include preparing technical drawings and specifications, enabling hands-on experience with nuclear facility engineering challenges at Sargent & Lundy in Chicago.
Applicants should be actively enrolled in an ABET-accredited mechanical engineering program with coursework in mechanical systems analysis. A strong academic record in thermodynamics and fluid dynamics is preferred to meet the technical demands of nuclear engineering internships.
Beyond competitive compensation, Sargent & Lundy emphasizes employee well-being through award-winning health plans, paid time off, and flexible arrangements. Interns benefit from exposure to advanced nuclear tech projects and a culture recognized for excellence in compensation and benefits.
The internship offers mentorship from seasoned nuclear engineers and involvement in cutting-edge reactor technology projects, positioning candidates for future roles in nuclear design and energy sectors, especially within Chicago’s growing clean energy market.
Chicago’s vibrant nuclear energy sector attracts many aspiring engineers, making this internship highly competitive. Candidates with solid academic backgrounds and practical skills in mechanical systems analysis stand out in this local talent pool.
Mechanical Engineering Interns at Sargent & Lundy in Chicago can expect hourly wages between $17.50 and $27.00, reflecting the specialized nature of nuclear engineering internships and the cost of living in the area.
Chicago’s collaborative and innovation-driven engineering environment encourages interns to engage deeply with cross-disciplinary teams. The city’s focus on clean energy projects offers an enriching backdrop for developing nuclear engineering expertise.
Interns who demonstrate strong communication skills, prior related internships, and practical knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, especially in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, are highly valued in this specialized nuclear engineering setting.
Interns may encounter complex design modifications on legacy nuclear plants requiring precise calculations and adherence to strict safety standards. Balancing academic knowledge with real-world problem-solving in high-stakes environments is a key challenge.