Mechanical Designer 3 - Nuclear Power
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Richland, WA, 99352
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 10 January 2026
Description
- As a member of the mechanical design team, this position will offer you the opportunity to work in a multi-disciplined engineering and design project team developing mechanical equipment location, piping layout and pipe support deliverables
- Participate in 3D model reviews and the coordination of detailed design phases for all aspects of an integrated mechanical design
- Provide support to other designers and project team members in order to ensure a complete and timely design
- Layout mechanical equipment maintaining required spatial clearances utilizing 3D modeling software
- Develop physical piping layout and pipe support designs utilizing 3D modeling software in an integrated 3D design environment
- Layout piping, associated components and pipe supports utilizing system design criteria and engineering piping & instrumentation diagram (P&ID) information
- Work with mechanical equipment 3D model layout and vendor drawings to verify equipment and component connection points
- Work in 3D model with other design disciplines to ensure that physical clearances are met and constructability, accessibility, and operations and maintenance requirements are maintained
- Work with piping stress and structural engineers to locate and detail required pipe supports
- Develop 2D mechanical equipment location, piping isometric and mechanical piping composite drawings from the 3D model
- Develop 2D pipe support drawings
- Generate complete bills of materials for piping and pipe supports
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:
- An Associate's Degree in drafting, or a high school diploma and 4+ years of drafting course work or equivalent technical experience
- Proficiency in 3D integrated plant modeling design software tools
- Proficiency in 3D MicroStation or 3D AutoCAD
- Proficiency in reading spreadsheets created from the 3D model
- 8+ years of detailed physical design experience in the development of mechanical general arrangements, piping systems, and supports
- 3+ years of experience in the nuclear power industry
- Experience in the review of mechanical equipment, including outlines and interface points, and coordinating and developing the associated deliverables
- Ability to interface with engineering and design teams of other disciplines in the project design process
Valued but not required experience:
- Proficiency with MicroStation
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
$63,480.00 - $99,080.00Transparency 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
Mechanical Designer 3 professionals play a crucial role in developing detailed 3D models for equipment placement, piping layouts, and support systems. Their expertise ensures spatial clearances and integration with other engineering disciplines, supporting constructability and operational efficiency in nuclear power projects.
Proficiency in 3D integrated plant modeling tools like MicroStation or AutoCAD is essential. Additionally, in-depth knowledge of piping system design, equipment interfaces, and collaboration with stress and structural engineers enhances precision and reliability in nuclear facility designs.
Yes, nuclear-focused Mechanical Designer 3 roles often offer unique paths toward specialization in reactor technologies, compliance, and safety engineering. This sector demands rigorous standards and provides exposure to cutting-edge projects, fostering advancement within clean energy and regulatory environments.
Sargent & Lundy provides competitive healthcare plans, inclusive paid leave, and flexible hybrid work schedules. Their award-winning culture emphasizes employee well-being, career development support, and bonuses, creating an enriching environment for nuclear mechanical designers.
With three days on-site weekly, designers balance collaborative in-person reviews and remote detailed design tasks. This hybrid approach enhances teamwork during critical phases while offering flexibility to manage complex modeling and coordination effectively from home.
Richland's proximity to key nuclear research and energy facilities sustains steady demand for skilled mechanical designers. The region's focus on clean energy initiatives and reactor modernization increases opportunities but also attracts specialized talent, making experience in nuclear design highly valuable.
Mechanical Designer 3 roles in Richland typically offer between $63,480 and $99,080 annually, reflecting experience and technical skill sets. This range aligns with industry standards for nuclear power design engineers in the Pacific Northwest, including comprehensive benefits.
Designers collaborate closely with engineering teams to ensure piping and equipment layouts meet nuclear regulatory criteria. Their detailed 3D models support safety reviews and operational accessibility, directly contributing to the reliability and compliance of nuclear power installations.
At Sargent & Lundy, the focus centers on nuclear-specific challenges like reactor restart projects and SMRs, requiring precise adherence to stringent safety codes and integration with advanced reactor technology. This contrasts with broader energy sectors where design may be less regulated or specialized.
Certifications related to nuclear quality standards, drafting, and 3D modeling software expertise, especially in MicroStation and AutoCAD, are highly regarded. Additionally, familiarity with nuclear regulatory environments and piping standards enhances employability in Richland’s competitive market.