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Lead Structural Engineer 1 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Phoenix, AZ, 85003
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 12 January 2026
Description
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 lead 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, equipment, 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.
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.
- 10+ years of experience working as a member of a project team in the design and analysis of structures.
- Proficiency with structural analysis software such as STAAD, SAP2000, SAFE, STRUDL, or ANSYS.
- Familiarity with design codes and standards such as IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, N690, ACI 318, and ACI 349.
- Proficiency with MS Office applications.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
Valued, but not required:
- MSCE degree.
- On site construction support experience.
- PE or SE 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
$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
Phoenix sees a growing need for Lead Structural Engineers in the nuclear sector, driven by regional infrastructure investments. While competition remains moderate, candidates with nuclear-specific expertise and PE licenses tend to stand out, reflecting industry demand and the area's evolving energy landscape.
Working on nuclear upgrades in Phoenix involves navigating strict safety codes and integrating modern design with legacy systems. Engineers must balance regulatory compliance with innovative solutions, often coordinating with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure structural integrity in a region prone to seismic activity.
Expertise in nuclear design codes like ACI 349 and N690, proficiency with specialized software such as STAAD and SAP2000, and experience leading multidisciplinary teams in high-stakes nuclear projects set this role apart from general senior structural engineering positions.
Professionals often advance from technical lead roles to managerial positions overseeing multiple nuclear projects or departments. Gaining PE or SE licensure enhances prospects, along with developing expertise in emerging reactor technologies and regulatory compliance within the nuclear energy sector.
Sargent & Lundy relies on Lead Structural Engineers to spearhead design innovations for next-gen nuclear reactors, guiding teams through complex structural challenges. Their input shapes safety protocols and modernization efforts, aligning with the firm’s commitment to clean, carbon-free energy solutions.
This role uniquely blends leadership in nuclear structural design with client interfacing and cross-disciplinary collaboration, underpinned by Sargent & Lundy’s legacy in advanced reactor technology and international projects. The hybrid work model and award-winning benefits further enhance its appeal.
The typical compensation for this role ranges between $116,620 and $179,890 annually, reflecting the specialized skills and leadership responsibilities inherent to nuclear structural engineering in the Phoenix market.
Beyond a PE or SE license, familiarity with ASCE 7 and IBC codes is highly valued locally. Certifications related to nuclear safety standards or project management can also boost a candidate’s profile amid Phoenix’s competitive engineering job market.
With three in-office days weekly, engineers benefit from face-to-face discussions vital for complex nuclear projects, while remote days provide flexibility for focused analysis and report preparation, balancing team synergy with individual productivity.