Senior Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Cary, NC, 27518
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 12 January 2026
Description
You will be involved in nuclear power plant systems design, including preparation or review of:
- Modification packages for operating nuclear power plants
- Functional mechanical drawings and/or drawings for nuclear power plant systems
- Engineering analyses and evaluations to support modifications and operation of plant systems
- Technical specifications and procurement documents for plant equipment
- Vendor bid evaluations for plant equipment
- Studies and options evaluations for modifications to operating nuclear power plants
In addition, you will have the opportunity to:
- Develop engineering cost estimates for small to mid-sized client-requested work scopes
- Visit client office and/or plant site locations to interface with the client and make presentations related to engineering tasks and status
- Lead engineering project teams
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.
- BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited program
- 5 or more years of experience in the power industry
- Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations that apply to mechanical engineering design of nuclear power plants
- PE license is beneficial, but not required
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
In Cary, NC, possessing certifications like PE (Professional Engineer) and familiarity with ASME nuclear codes significantly enhance a mechanical engineer's profile, especially for nuclear plant projects, reflecting local industry standards and employer preferences.
Cary's growing emphasis on clean energy has intensified demand for senior mechanical engineers specializing in nuclear, creating a moderately competitive market. Candidates with nuclear power plant experience and regulatory knowledge typically stand out.
Yes, hybrid work models like the 3 days in-office schedule at Sargent & Lundy align with Cary's evolving workplace culture, balancing onsite collaboration with remote flexibility for senior engineers handling nuclear power projects.
Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear roles demand proficiency in nuclear codes, plant system modifications, and vendor bid evaluations, distinguishing them from general mechanical engineering by focusing on highly regulated nuclear power plant environments.
Daily duties often include creating and reviewing mechanical drawings, conducting engineering analyses for modifications, preparing technical specs, and coordinating with clients and vendors to ensure nuclear plant safety and compliance.
Sargent & Lundy fosters advancement through leadership opportunities on engineering teams, access to diverse nuclear projects including SMRs, and support for professional licensing, blending experiential growth with technical development.
The compensation for this position ranges from approximately $82,380 to $125,860 annually, reflecting the specialized nature of nuclear mechanical engineering roles and local salary trends in Cary, NC.
Sargent & Lundy emphasizes employee well-being with award-winning benefits, fostering a supportive environment that values work-life balance and innovation, which positively impacts senior mechanical engineers' job satisfaction and productivity.
Their approach integrates rigorous code compliance, detailed engineering evaluations, and cross-disciplinary coordination to ensure every mechanical modification aligns with stringent nuclear safety and regulatory requirements.
Yes, part of the role involves visiting client offices or plant sites for presentations and interfacing directly with clients, highlighting the collaborative and client-focused nature of this senior engineering position.