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Senior Structural Engineer 1 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Newport News, VA, 23606
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 12 January 2026
Description
This position allows for a hybrid work schedule with a mix of work spent working remotely and working on site in a field support position.
This is a senior 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 collaborate with a team of structural engineers, interface with engineers from other disciplines, and guide the work of less experienced project team members.
You will work with 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 and review design calculations, develop specifications, and support designers with drawing development
- Using our state-of-the-art computer tools, you will perform the structural analysis and design of steel frames, connections, concrete members, equipment and piping supports, and foundations
- Additionally, you will conduct structural analyses, which include loading conditions such as wind and seismic
- 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:
- BS degree in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Structural Engineering from an ABET-accredited program
- Five or more 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, and ACI
- Proficiency with MS Office applications.
- Good written and verbal communication skills
Valued, but not required:
- MSCE degree
- Experience with design and analysis of power plant and/or industrial structures
- 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
$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 Newport News, the Senior Structural Engineer 1 - Nuclear position directly addresses the growing need for advanced nuclear facility design and upgrades. This role leverages expertise in structural steel and reinforced concrete, focusing on seismic and wind load challenges unique to coastal Virginia’s infrastructure environment.
This position requires deep knowledge of structural analysis software like STAAD and SAP2000, plus familiarity with nuclear-specific codes such as ASCE 7 and ACI. Unlike general engineers, the role demands experience in power plant structural design and the ability to support construction verification on-site.
Senior roles in nuclear structural engineering often lead to project leadership or specialized consultancy positions. Engineers gain exposure to cutting-edge reactor technologies and multi-disciplinary collaboration, positioning them for roles in nuclear licensing, design innovation, or managerial tracks within firms like Sargent & Lundy.
Effective communication is crucial, as the role involves coordinating with multi-disciplinary teams, guiding junior engineers, and liaising with clients and vendors. Clear verbal and written skills ensure design concepts and site verifications are accurately conveyed, supporting project success and regulatory compliance.
Newport News hosts a strong nuclear industry hub, elevating demand for engineers skilled in nuclear structural design. While competition exists, professionals with experience in power plant structures and proficiency in relevant software enjoy favorable hiring prospects due to ongoing plant upgrades and new build initiatives.
Local technical institutes and professional bodies in Newport News provide certifications in structural engineering and nuclear safety standards. Pursuing credentials such as PE licensure with a focus on seismic design can enhance employability and compliance capabilities in this region’s nuclear sector.
Sargent & Lundy’s commitment to hybrid work and award-winning benefits distinguishes this role. The company’s focus on nuclear innovation, including small modular reactors and international projects, offers engineers exposure to pioneering technologies and diverse regulatory environments uncommon in typical engineering firms.
Sargent & Lundy emphasizes employee well-being through comprehensive health plans, generous paid leaves, and flexible scheduling options. Their recent recognition for benefits excellence reflects a culture prioritizing mental health support, professional growth incentives, and family-friendly policies unique to the nuclear engineering field.
The position offers a salary between $82,380 and $125,860, influenced by experience level, licensure, and project complexity. Engineers proficient in advanced structural software and nuclear-specific design codes typically command compensation at the higher end, reflecting their critical role in safety and innovation.