Risevoic
Lead Piping Stress Engineer 1 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chicago, IL, 60603
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 30 December 2025
Description
Piping Engineering & Analysis Synopsis
The Piping Engineering & Analysis discipline performs evaluations for piping systems in accordance with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, ASME B31.1, ASME B31.7, and other codes as applicable to the specific evaluation being performed. The Piping Engineering & Analysis discipline also performs the following specialty topics.
- Vibration monitoring and analysis to evaluate system operational vibrations associated with plant modifications and operating events, and to provide vibration prevention and mitigation solutions and designs.
- Evaluation of hydraulic transients, evaluation of piping systems for thermal stratification effects, operability evaluations, and qualification of piping for hydrodynamic loads.
- Pipe rupture evaluations, evaluation of pipe wall thinning due to flow accelerated corrosion (FAC) or microbiological induced corrosion (MIC), and pipe flaw evaluations.
Position Specific Details
Provides senior level technical direction and supervision to the project team members in his/her discipline. Establishes project task schedules and budgets for his/her discipline to meet overall project requirements. Coordinates activities between disciplines. Is responsible for successful completion of project deliverables to meet all technical, quality, and project controls expectations. Serves as a technical liaison with the client and a lead technical resource on projects.
Lead engineers support engineering design projects with the following responsibilities:
- Reviews complex calculations and approves simple calculations. Provides technical guidance to project team members. Ensures that calculations are technically sound and in accordance with project requirements.
- Reviews and approves simple system/structural designs and prepares and reviews complex system/structural designs to ensure completeness, accuracy, quality, constructability, and operability.
- Performs engineering review of drawings. Reviews design input for complex system/structures. Defines client expectations for drawings. Coordinates interface between design and engineering. Actively participates in design reviews to ensure quality, constructability, and operability.
- Prepares and reviews major system, installation, and material specifications. Defines technical and commercial requirements, including scheduling of vendor submittals needed for design input.
- Prepares bid evaluations for complex systems and installation scopes. Participates in bid negotiations with vendors. May evaluate change orders on behalf of the client.
- Prepares and reviews single-discipline, complex reports/studies. Participates in the preparation of multi-discipline reports. Reviews studies and reports to ensure that conclusions are technically sound, cost-effective, and clearly communicated.
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.
Required Skills and Experience:
- BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Aerospace, or Structural/Civil Engineering, from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program, with an emphasis in solid mechanics, structural analysis, theory of elasticity, metallurgy, and finite element analysis
- P.E. license
- 10 or more years of relevant experience
- Extensive knowledge of ASME B31.1 and ASME B&PV Section III piping codes
- Knowledge of the design, selection, and application of pipe supporting elements
- Working knowledge of commercially available piping products and their application
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Valued but Not Required Skills and Experience:
- The ability to navigate a 3D CAD model
- Experience with AutoPIPE or PIPESTRESS software
- Knowledge of gas dynamics and hydraulic transients
- Knowledge of pipe condition assessment
- Experience with ANSYS Workbench and Mechanical ADP
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
In Chicago's nuclear sector, a Lead Piping Stress Engineer 1 applies ASME boiler and pressure vessel codes meticulously to ensure piping systems meet safety and operational standards. This involves interpreting ASME B31.1 and B&PV Section III requirements within complex project environments, maintaining compliance throughout design, analysis, and construction phases.
Expertise in finite element analysis, structural mechanics, and hydraulic transient evaluation are critical. Proficiency with engineering software like AutoPIPE or PipeStress enhances a piping stress engineer’s ability to predict system behavior under dynamic loads, vital for nuclear applications requiring high safety margins.
With over a decade of experience, professionals often progress toward senior technical leadership or project management roles, focusing on reactor safety, system optimization, or regulatory compliance. Continuous specialization in nuclear codes and emerging technologies fuels advancement opportunities.
At Sargent & Lundy, engineers engage with pioneering nuclear projects, benefiting from a culture of innovation and comprehensive technical resources. The company’s emphasis on clean energy and safety fosters a challenging yet supportive environment, enhancing professional growth and expertise in advanced reactor technologies.
Sargent & Lundy offers robust benefits including paid leave, flexible hybrid schedules, and tuition assistance. These provisions, coupled with a merit scholarship and licensure bonuses, help engineers balance demanding projects with personal growth and well-being.
Chicago's nuclear engineering market is competitive due to a concentration of energy firms and regulatory bodies. Candidates with strong ASME code knowledge and licensure stand out. The city’s infrastructure and transit options facilitate commuting, attracting talent despite the demanding skill set required.
Compensation typically spans from approximately $116,620 to $179,890 annually, reflecting senior expertise in nuclear piping stress analysis. This range aligns with local market demands and includes potential bonuses, underscoring the role's technical complexity and leadership responsibilities.
The hybrid schedule requires three days in-office, fostering direct collaboration on complex projects, while allowing remote work for focused analysis tasks. This balance supports productivity and accommodates Chicago’s urban commuting dynamics.
Engineers must address vibration analysis, hydraulic transients, and corrosion issues unique to nuclear environments. Ensuring pipe integrity under regulatory scrutiny demands meticulous evaluations and innovative mitigation strategies tailored to high-stakes energy systems.
A Professional Engineer (P.E.) license is essential, often combined with certifications in ASME code compliance and finite element analysis. Local employers prioritize candidates who demonstrate expertise through these credentials, enhancing credibility and project leadership.