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Senior Mechanical 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.
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
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
- A minimum of 5 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
Balancing three days onsite in Chicago with two remote days, Senior Mechanical Engineers at Sargent & Lundy maintain close collaboration on complex nuclear plant systems while enjoying flexible work-life balance. This setup supports hands-on project management and client meetings without sacrificing remote productivity.
While a PE license isn’t mandatory, obtaining one or specialized nuclear safety certifications can significantly enhance credibility and career mobility within Chicago’s competitive nuclear engineering sector, aligning with local regulatory expectations and employer preferences.
Senior Mechanical Engineers play a key role by preparing detailed mechanical drawings, evaluating vendor bids, and conducting engineering analyses that ensure safe and efficient updates to operating nuclear plants, directly influencing system reliability and regulatory compliance.
Chicago’s strategic focus on clean energy, including nuclear initiatives, has driven a steady uptick in demand for experienced mechanical engineers, especially those skilled in nuclear systems design and plant modernization, reflecting local investment in carbon-free energy infrastructure.
The offered compensation of approximately $82,000 to $126,000 aligns well with Chicago’s market for senior nuclear mechanical engineers, combining base pay with comprehensive benefits that address the high cost of living and specialized skill requirements in this sector.
Yes, the company encourages Senior Mechanical Engineers to lead engineering project teams, providing avenues for professional growth while contributing to pioneering nuclear technologies, fostering leadership skills alongside technical expertise.
Engineers must navigate stringent safety codes and local regulations specific to Illinois, requiring meticulous design reviews and compliance assessments to ensure plant modifications meet both federal and state nuclear standards.
Recognized repeatedly for compensation and benefits excellence, the company fosters a supportive environment emphasizing employee well-being, work-life balance, and innovation, which enhances job satisfaction for engineers tackling cutting-edge nuclear energy challenges.
Specializing in nuclear plant systems design, this role demands expertise in safety-critical modifications and vendor evaluations, requiring a deeper understanding of nuclear codes and power plant operations compared to general mechanical engineering jobs.
Joining a leader in nuclear engineering since 1954 offers exposure to advanced reactor technologies and international projects, equipping engineers with rare expertise and industry recognition that can propel long-term career advancement.