Mechanical Engineer Consultant 2 (Power Uprates) - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Palm Beach Gardens, FL, 33418
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 14 January 2026
Description
Our electric power generation clients are seeking to increase the power output of their existing power plants to meet the electric demands. This is expanding work in the nuclear industry. You will work on major systems, equipment and plant process in the following areas:
- Perform consulting level work for power uprates in the nuclear industry.
- Interface with clients and project teams to present technical discussions and project status.
- Develop engineering proposals and cost estimates.
- Manage resources/resource loading and develop estimates for task completion and budget development.
- Review calculations related to heat balances, power train pumps, heat exchangers, condenser/heat sink, and plant hazards to support client recommendations and reviews.
- Review task reports and equipment evaluations that present technical information in a clear and concise manner to meet client requirements.
- Review equipment sizing, optimization evaluation, and selection in response to client needs to support the proposed power uprate.
- Evaluate vendor bids from a technical perspective.
- Interface with vendors to perform document reviews, ensure equipment compliance with specifications and needs of the plant.
- Lead and mentor junior engineering staff on power plant engineering technical tasks.
- Perform independent reviews of work performed by others including calculations and drawing preparation.
- Attend client meetings and site walkdowns to validate scope and ensure client satisfaction.
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:
- This position requires a BSME from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program with a strong academic background and interest in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics.
- 10 or more years of experience in the nuclear power industry.
- Experience with nuclear power uprates and/or turbine retrofit projects.
- Experience and practical knowledge in one or more of the following areas:
- Power Uprates (EPU/SPU/MUR)
- Power Uprate pinch point assessments and/or task reports
- Turbine / Generator / AVR / Exciter Refurbishments
- Heat Exchanger Replacement (FWH/MSR/TFP)
- Isophase Bus Duct
- Transformer/Switchyard
- NSSS Systems
- Licensing Application
- All assignments require the preparation of calculations and/or reports, and excellent technical report writing skills are essential.
- Knowledge of the practical application of mechanical engineering and technology including applying systems, principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to a project design.
- Strong interest in numerical computations and problem solving.
- Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations that apply to mechanical engineering design of nuclear power plants.
- Proficiency with MS Office applications.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- MSME from an ABET accredited program with a strong academic background
- PE 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
$142,710.00 - $215,440.00Transparency 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
This consultant role is pivotal for enhancing nuclear power plant output by optimizing key mechanical systems like heat exchangers and turbines. Their expertise in power uprates ensures plants meet rising energy demands safely and efficiently, blending advanced engineering practices with real-world nuclear industry challenges.
Candidates excel by mastering thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and nuclear codes, coupled with hands-on experience in turbine retrofits and licensing applications. Such depth enables precise evaluations of equipment sizing and heat balance calculations critical for successful uprate implementation.
Yes, professionals in this niche often progress to senior technical leadership or project management roles within nuclear engineering firms, especially when combined with credentials like a PE license and advanced degrees, reflecting a trajectory rich in technical and strategic growth.
Sargent & Lundy provides a collaborative environment emphasizing cutting-edge nuclear technology and clean energy initiatives. Employees benefit from award-winning benefits, hybrid work setups, and opportunities to engage with advanced reactor projects, fostering both professional development and work-life balance.
At Sargent & Lundy, consultants actively contribute to licensing applications and compliance reviews, leveraging their mechanical engineering expertise to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, ensuring that power uprate projects meet stringent nuclear safety and code standards.
The compensation typically spans from approximately $142,700 to $215,400 annually, reflecting the specialized expertise required in nuclear power uprates and consulting. This range aligns with regional market demands and the advanced skill set needed for such critical engineering roles.
Palm Beach Gardens hosts a modest yet growing demand for nuclear engineers, driven by regional clean energy initiatives and power plant upgrades. While competition exists, candidates with extensive nuclear power uprate experience and relevant certifications have a notable advantage locally.
While a PE license enhances credibility, Florida employers highly value ABET-accredited engineering degrees and familiarity with NRC regulations. Additional certifications in nuclear safety or project management further strengthen a candidate’s profile in this market.
Daily hurdles include balancing complex heat transfer calculations, reviewing vendor bids for compliance, and coordinating cross-functional teams to ensure project milestones align with safety standards. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential to navigate these multifaceted tasks.
The hybrid model offers flexibility, combining in-office collaboration three days per week with remote work, enhancing productivity while supporting personal well-being. This balance accommodates the technical demands of nuclear consulting alongside employees’ lifestyle preferences.