Risevoic
Lead Structural Engineer 1 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chicago, IL, 60603
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 12 January 2026
Description
This role offers a hybrid work arrangement. You'll spend three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days.
This is a lead design engineering position that offers a variety of interesting and challenging opportunities in structural engineering and will provide an excellent opportunity to advance your career. You will guide a team of structural engineers, interface with engineers from other disciplines, and interface directly with clients. You will have the opportunity to lead and mentor a structural engineering team on engineering projects for new nuclear facilities and upgrades and modifications to nuclear power plants in the following areas:
- This position will offer you 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, review, and provide guidance for design calculations, develop specifications, and work with designers for drawing development
- You will prepare, review, or guide the structural analysis and design of steel frames, connections, concrete members, and foundations
- 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
Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
- BSCE with emphasis in Structural Engineering from an ABET-accredited program
- Ten 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
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- PE or SE license
Valued, but not required:
- MSCE degree
- On site construction support experience
#INDEEDSLHP
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
Proficiency in STAAD, SAP2000, SAFE, STRUDL, or ANSYS is essential for structural engineers working on nuclear projects in Chicago. These tools enable precise structural analysis and design, ensuring compliance with nuclear safety standards and supporting complex facility construction and upgrades.
The hybrid model, with three office days and two remote, balances flexibility and direct interaction. It fosters efficient leadership over structural engineering teams by enabling in-person coordination during critical design phases while maintaining remote productivity for focused analytical tasks.
Mentoring involves guiding less experienced engineers through complex nuclear design codes (like ASCE 7, AISC, ACI), reviewing their structural calculations, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. Balancing technical oversight with developmental support is key to team success.
Holding a PE or SE license is highly valued and often required for lead structural roles in Chicago’s nuclear sector. It validates expertise in structural design and compliance, bolstering credibility when interfacing with clients and regulatory bodies.
Sargent & Lundy emphasizes leadership over multidisciplinary teams, direct client interfacing, and involvement in pioneering nuclear projects including SMRs and advanced reactors. Their award-winning benefits and hybrid work model also enhance work-life balance.
The company offers mentorship opportunities, involvement in innovative projects, and incentives like licensure bonuses. Continuous exposure to cutting-edge nuclear technologies ensures skill growth aligned with industry advancements.
Chicago’s nuclear engineering market remains niche but robust due to ongoing plant upgrades and clean energy initiatives. Structural engineers with nuclear expertise face less competition than general civil engineers but benefit from specialized demand.
Lead Structural Engineers in Chicago typically earn between $116,620 and $179,890 annually, reflecting experience, licensure, and project complexity. This range aligns with nuclear sector standards and includes comprehensive benefits and potential bonuses.
Besides PE or SE licensure, familiarity with ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI codes is critical. Certifications related to nuclear safety or construction support can enhance candidacy, given Illinois’ regulatory environment and industry standards.
Emphasize expertise in structural steel and reinforced concrete design, mastery of relevant codes, software proficiency, and experience leading design teams. Communication skills and a track record of client collaboration are also pivotal.