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Senior Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear Plant Analysis
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chicago, IL, 60603
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 12 January 2026
Description
- This position will offer you the ability to directly apply your knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and experience in power plant engineering
- You will be preparing or reviewing calculations, evaluations, and technical reports to support client recommendations and reviews, and will additionally conduct equipment sizing, optimization evaluation, and selection in response to client needs
- While supporting clients and project teams with other Mechanical Engineers, you will be involved in system engineering, including the design, modification, and analysis of nuclear power plant mechanical systems
- Interface with clients and project teams to present technical discussions and project status
- Develop engineering proposals and cost estimates
- Mentor junior engineering staff on power plant engineering technical tasks
- There is the potential for you to travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for meetings 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
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
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in the nuclear power industry
- 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
$82,380.00 - $125,860.00Transparency 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
A Senior Mechanical Engineer 1 in Nuclear Plant Analysis focuses on specialized tasks such as thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics within nuclear power plants. Unlike general mechanical roles, this position involves stringent safety standards, nuclear regulations, and complex system engineering tailored to nuclear energy production.
Proficiency in numerical computations, strong command over thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics, alongside knowledge of nuclear-specific codes and standards, is crucial. Additionally, excellent technical report writing and communication skills enhance collaboration with clients and project teams.
Yes, Chicago’s growing emphasis on clean energy and nuclear modernization projects offers promising advancement for nuclear-focused engineers. Gaining experience in system design, licensing support, and international reactor projects can open pathways to leadership or specialized technical roles.
At Sargent & Lundy, the role integrates mentorship, hybrid work dynamics, and involvement in pioneering nuclear technologies like SMRs and advanced reactors. This provides a distinct environment emphasizing innovation, field verification, and collaborative client engagement uncommon in many nuclear engineering firms.
Employees benefit from mentorship programs, tuition assistance, professional licensure bonuses, and merit scholarships. These initiatives foster continuous learning and certification attainment, vital for maintaining expertise in nuclear engineering disciplines and advancing in this specialized field.
Chicago hosts a niche but steadily growing demand for nuclear engineers, driven by modernization and clean energy initiatives. While competition exists, candidates with 5+ years in nuclear power and strong technical acumen enjoy favorable prospects, particularly with firms like Sargent & Lundy.
Chicago’s energy sector culture values collaboration, safety, and innovation, reflecting its multi-industry environment. Hybrid work schedules and onsite client meetings are common, balancing office presence with project site visits, demanding adaptability from nuclear mechanical engineers.
The offered salary range is $82,380 to $125,860, aligning with Chicago’s competitive compensation landscape for nuclear engineers. This range reflects the specialized expertise required and the city’s cost of living, positioning it well against other nuclear engineering hubs in the Midwest.
While a PE license isn’t mandatory, it is highly valued, enhancing credibility in nuclear design and safety compliance. Candidates with ABET-accredited degrees and knowledge of nuclear codes often gain preference, supporting regulatory adherence and technical rigor.
Engineers encounter complex system optimization, strict adherence to nuclear safety standards, and integration of emerging reactor technologies. Balancing theoretical computations with practical field verification requires both analytical precision and hands-on problem-solving skills.