Structural Engineer 2 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chattanooga, TN, 37402
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 12 January 2026
Description
This position will offer you the opportunity to utilize and expand your academic background in Structural Engineering in a professional position offering a wide range of interesting and challenging responsibilities. You will team up with other engineers and designers from various disciplines involved in the design of new nuclear facilities, nuclear plant betterment and associated modifications.
- As a Structural Engineer, you will have 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 design calculations, develop specifications, and support designers with drawing development
- Using our state-of-the-art computer tools, you will perform the structural analysis and design of steel frames, connections, concrete members, equipment and piping supports, and foundations
- Additionally, you will conduct structural analyses, which include loading conditions such as wind and seismic
Additional opportunities will include:
- Receive training and mentorship from experienced structural design engineers in the execution of meaningful project engineering assignments
- 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
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 in Civil Engineering with emphasis in Structural Engineering from an ABET-accredited program
- 1 or more years of applicable experience, or an MSCE from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program with a strong academic background and interest in behavior of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design
- Knowledge of the practical application of structural engineering
- Knowledge of structural design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of technical plans, drawings, and models
- Proficiency with MS Office applications.
- Good verbal and written communication skills
Valued, but not required:
- Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and designation as an Engineer in Training
- MSCE degree
- Familiarity with structural analysis software such as STAAD, SAP2000, SAFE, STRUDL, or ANSYS
- Familiarity with design codes and standards such as IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI
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
$66,000.00 - $94,810.00Transparency 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.
Related Jobs
Top trending job titles hiring now
Popular Searches for Structural Engineer
Frequently asked questions
The hybrid schedule requires Structural Engineer 2 - Nuclear professionals to be onsite three days weekly in Chattanooga, balancing collaborative design sessions with remote analytical work. This setup supports integration with multidisciplinary teams while accommodating focused structural analysis and design tasks from home.
Expertise in programs like STAAD, SAP2000, SAFE, STRUDL, or ANSYS is advantageous for Structural Engineer 2 positions in nuclear projects. These tools enable precise modeling of steel frames, concrete designs, and seismic load assessments critical for nuclear facility safety and compliance.
Upgrading nuclear plants demands rigorous structural assessments under stringent safety codes, including seismic and wind load evaluations. Engineers must integrate advanced materials knowledge with regulatory compliance to ensure modifications enhance plant resilience and operational longevity.
Chattanooga’s strategic position in energy sectors drives steady openings for nuclear structural engineers. Local demand benefits from ongoing nuclear modernization projects and coal-to-nuclear conversions, offering professionals competitive placement chances amid a specialized talent pool.
While national codes like IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI dominate, Tennessee employers often value engineers familiar with local seismic considerations and state regulatory nuances, enhancing alignment with regional safety mandates in nuclear facility design and evaluation.
Starting at Sargent & Lundy, engineers gain exposure to cutting-edge nuclear projects and mentorship, facilitating progression toward senior engineering roles or specialized disciplines such as reactor structural dynamics or licensing engineering, supported by continuous professional development.
The firm’s award-winning benefits, including paid leave, flexible scheduling, healthcare, and wellness programs, foster a healthy work-life balance. These resources help structural engineers manage the high responsibility of nuclear design work while maintaining overall well-being.
Compensation spans from $66,000 to $94,810 annually, mirroring the specialized skillset and technical demands of nuclear structural engineering. This range incorporates base salary plus benefits and discretionary bonuses, supporting competitive remuneration within Chattanooga’s engineering market.
Sargent & Lundy emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaboration on nuclear new-builds and plant modernization, blending practical structural design with innovative digital tools. The company’s long-standing nuclear focus and award-winning culture create a uniquely enriching engineering environment.
Engineers can anticipate frequent in-office collaboration three days a week, supplemented by occasional travel to client sites, vendors, or plant locations for design reviews and construction coordination, ensuring project alignment and hands-on verification within nuclear facility environments.