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Lead Structural Engineer 1 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Avila Beach, CA, 93424
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 12 January 2026
Description
This is a lead design engineering position that offers a variety of interesting and challenging opportunities in structural engineering and will provide an excellent opportunity to advance your career. You will guide a team of structural engineers, interface with engineers from other disciplines, and interface directly with clients. You will lead a structural engineering team on engineering projects for new nuclear facilities and upgrades and modifications to nuclear power plants in the following areas:
- This position will offer you the ability to directly apply your knowledge of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design
- As a member of an engineering and design team, you will work on a wide range of projects for various clients. You will prepare, review, and provide guidance for design calculations, develop specifications, and work with designers for drawing development
- You will prepare, review, or guide the structural analysis and design of steel frames, connections, concrete members, equipment, and foundations
- There is the potential for you to travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for construction coordination and field verification of designs
Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
- BS in Civil Engineering with emphasis in Structural Engineering from an ABET-accredited program
- Ten or more years of experience working as a member of a project team in the design and analysis of nuclear facility structures
- Proficiency with structural analysis software such as STAAD, SAP2000, SAFE, STRUDL, or ANSYS
- Familiarity with design codes and standards such as IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, N690, ACI 318, and ACI 349
- Proficiency with MS Office applications.
- Good written and verbal communication skills
Valued, but not required:
- MSCE degree
- On site construction support experience
- PE or SE license
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 Structural Engineer 1 in nuclear focuses heavily on safety-critical structures, requiring deep knowledge of nuclear codes like ACI 349 and N690. Unlike general structural roles, this position demands expertise in reinforced concrete and steel design specifically for nuclear facilities, plus leadership in multidisciplinary teams.
Highlight a BS in civil engineering with structural emphasis, proficiency in software like STAAD or SAP2000, and familiarity with nuclear design standards such as ASCE 7 and IBC. Experience leading teams on nuclear facility projects and strong communication skills are also key to standing out.
Days often blend design review, mentoring junior engineers, and coordinating with clients or vendors. Tasks include structural analysis of steel and concrete components, preparing design specs, and occasionally visiting construction sites near Avila Beach to validate designs and support project execution.
Sargent & Lundy offers comprehensive health plans, generous PTO, and flexible work arrangements tailored for work-life balance. Their award-winning benefits extend to tuition assistance, professional licensure bonuses, and supportive programs like employee assistance and back-up daycare, enhancing overall job satisfaction.
This salary band is competitive locally, reflecting the specialized skills and leadership required in nuclear structural engineering. It aligns well with regional cost of living and industry demand, ensuring qualified candidates receive compensation that matches their expertise and responsibilities.
California employers often prefer candidates with a PE or SE license due to regulatory requirements. Additionally, familiarity with California building codes, seismic design standards, and nuclear-specific certifications can significantly enhance employability in the Avila Beach area.
Avila Beach and nearby coastal areas have a steady demand for nuclear structural engineers due to ongoing plant upgrades and new projects. The specialized nature of nuclear engineering limits the talent pool, creating favorable hiring conditions for experienced leads in this locale.
Sargent & Lundy emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaboration and career advancement within nuclear power’s cutting-edge sectors like SMRs and advanced reactors. Their commitment to innovation and sustainability, combined with award-winning benefits, creates a unique environment for leadership growth.
Travel to client sites and vendors is occasional but essential for design reviews and construction coordination. Sargent & Lundy supports flexible work arrangements to balance these demands, ensuring that travel doesn’t overly disrupt personal time or team leadership responsibilities.