Lead Structural Engineer 1 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Palm Beach Gardens, FL, 33418
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 12 January 2026
Description
Joining Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group as a Structural Engineer – Project Lead presents a distinctive opportunity for professional growth in the exciting field of carbon-free nuclear energy and related technologies. As part of our team, you will be supporting advanced technology projects, collaborating with top industry professionals, tackling exciting challenges, and contributing to the advancement of safe and reliable nuclear power generation for a greener future. You will also have access to extensive training programs and mentorship opportunities, enabling you to enhance your knowledge and expertise.
This is a Structural Engineer Project Lead position that offers a variety of interesting and challenging opportunities in structural engineering and will provide an excellent opportunity to advance your career. In this position you will guide a team of structural engineers, interface with clients and engineers from other disciplines as well as manage a variety of exciting projects. You will be involved in the design of new nuclear facilities including Small Modular Reactors, Advanced Reactors and Medical Isotope Facilities, and in upgrades to US and International operating nuclear plants. This position will enable you to:
- Apply your knowledge of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design in the successful execution of assigned tasks
- Work on a wide range of projects for various clients and interface with them as required
- Direct the preparation and review of design calculations, specifications, reports and other deliverables and support designers with drawing development.
- Supervise and mentor others in the development of quality engineering deliverables
- Perform the structural analysis and design of steel frames, connections, concrete members, and foundations using our state-of-the-art computer tools
- Travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for construction coordination and field verification of designs
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:
- BS degree Structural/Civil Engineering or Architectural Engineering from an ABET-accredited program
- 10 or more years of experience working as a member of a project team in the design and analysis of industrial / heavy commercial or nuclear facility structures
- Proficiency with structural analysis software such as STAAD, SAP2000, SAFE, STRUDL, or ANSYS
- Proficiency with design codes and standards such as ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- PE or SE license
Valued, but Not Required:
- MS in Civil Engineering degree
- On-site construction support experience
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
This Lead Structural Engineer 1 position focuses on nuclear power projects, involving design leadership on advanced reactors and small modular reactors. It requires expertise in nuclear facility structures, mentoring teams, and interfacing with multidisciplinary clients, which distinguishes it from general structural roles primarily focused on commercial or residential buildings.
Advancing from a Structural Engineer 1 in the nuclear sector often leads to senior project management or technical specialist roles. Professionals typically deepen their expertise in nuclear codes and collaborate on cutting-edge reactor designs, positioning themselves as key contributors to clean energy innovations.
Daily tasks include supervising structural analysis and design using tools like STAAD and SAP2000, coordinating with clients and multidisciplinary teams, reviewing technical calculations, and ensuring compliance with nuclear design codes. The role also involves mentoring junior engineers and participating in site visits for construction verification.
Holding a Professional Engineer (PE) or Structural Engineer (SE) license is highly valued in Palm Beach Gardens. Additionally, familiarity with ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI standards is crucial, given the regulatory environment of nuclear projects in Florida's growing energy sector.
Palm Beach Gardens is experiencing increased demand for experienced structural engineers due to expanding nuclear initiatives and infrastructure upgrades. The presence of advanced reactor projects and regulatory modernization is driving hiring, making it a competitive market for lead engineers with nuclear expertise.
Sargent & Lundy fosters a collaborative and safety-conscious culture, emphasizing mentorship and professional growth. Their hybrid work model balances in-office teamwork with flexibility, supporting engineers who lead complex nuclear projects while promoting work-life balance in the Palm Beach Gardens area.
Sargent & Lundy stands out with its rich history in nuclear engineering, access to extensive training, and involvement in pioneering projects like small modular reactors. Their award-winning benefits and emphasis on sustainability provide a supportive environment that encourages innovation and career advancement.
The compensation ranges from approximately $116,620 to $179,890 annually. This reflects the advanced skill set required for nuclear structural design leadership, combined with regional market rates and comprehensive benefits designed to attract top engineering talent.
Expertise in structural analysis tools such as STAAD, SAP2000, SAFE, STRUDL, and ANSYS is essential. These applications enable precise modeling and design of nuclear facility structures, ensuring compliance with rigorous safety and regulatory standards.
The hybrid model requires the engineer to balance in-office collaboration three days a week with remote work, facilitating focused analysis and design tasks. This structure enhances team interaction while providing flexibility, crucial for managing complex nuclear projects efficiently.