Senior Mechanical Engineer Analyst 2 (Power Uprates) - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Cary, NC, 27518
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 29 December 2025
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 Mechanical Analysis Engineering group. You will work on major systems, equipment, and plant process in the following areas:
- Develop and lead licensing basis system and component evaluations for nuclear power uprate projects.
- This position will offer you the ability to directly apply your knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and experience in power plant engineering.
- Perform consulting level work for power uprates in the nuclear industry.
- Prepare and review calculations related to heat balances, power train pumps, heat exchangers, condenser/heat sink, and plant hazards to support client recommendations and reviews.
- Prepare task reports and equipment evaluations that present technical information in a clear and concise manner to meet client requirements.
- Perform equipment sizing, optimization evaluation, and selection in response to client needs to support the proposed power uprate.
- Interface with clients and project teams to present technical discussions and project status.
- 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.
- 7 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:
- Balance of plant system and component evaluations
- Pinch point assessments and/or task reports
- Heat balance
- Power train pumps, heat exchangers, condenser/heat sink
- Circulating Water and Ultimate Heat Sinks
- 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
$95,840.00 - $147,870.00Transparency 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
To thrive in this role, strong expertise in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics is vital. Candidates should also be proficient with mechanical system evaluations, heat balance calculations, and have a solid grasp of nuclear plant equipment like pumps and heat exchangers, ensuring effective power uprate projects.
This position directly influences plant output by conducting precise system and component analyses. Through licensing basis evaluations and optimization of equipment like condensers and pumps, the engineer ensures safe and efficient power uprates that meet regulatory standards while maximizing energy production.
Professionals gain specialized expertise in nuclear mechanical systems, opening pathways to senior engineering leadership, licensing roles, or project management within nuclear energy firms. Experience with advanced reactor technologies and plant modernization further enhances prospects for strategic positions in clean energy sectors.
Sargent & Lundy fosters career advancement through exposure to cutting-edge nuclear projects and continuous learning. Their hybrid work model balances collaboration and flexibility, while benefits like tuition assistance and licensure bonuses incentivize skill enhancement tailored to nuclear power engineering demands.
Engineers must navigate complex thermodynamic assessments and ensure compliance with stringent nuclear codes. Balancing system upgrades without compromising safety demands innovative problem-solving, detailed calculations, and effective client communication to align technical solutions with regulatory and operational goals.
Cary's proximity to several energy hubs fosters a steady demand for nuclear engineers skilled in power uprates. While competition exists, professionals with advanced nuclear experience and mechanical expertise are highly sought after, benefiting from the region's growing focus on clean and sustainable energy solutions.
Possessing a Professional Engineer (PE) license recognized in North Carolina can significantly boost employability. While not always mandatory, credentials aligned with nuclear safety and mechanical engineering standards, along with ABET-accredited degrees, align well with local regulatory expectations and industry preferences.
The position offers a competitive salary between $95,840 and $147,870 annually. This range reflects the specialized nuclear engineering skill set required, regional cost of living, and the comprehensive benefits package designed to attract top talent in the evolving energy sector.
Sargent & Lundy’s hybrid schedule demands three in-office days weekly, facilitating hands-on teamwork and client engagement vital for complex nuclear projects. This balance promotes flexibility while ensuring engineers maintain close connections with multidisciplinary teams and site-based activities essential for project success.
This role uniquely combines deep mechanical analysis within nuclear power uprates with direct client interfacing and licensing responsibilities. Sargent & Lundy’s legacy in nuclear innovation and emphasis on clean energy solutions provide engineers with a dynamic environment that blends technical rigor and strategic impact.