Senior Mechanical Designer 2 - Nuclear Power
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chicago, IL, 60603
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 13 January 2026
Description
This position allows for a hybrid work schedule with a mix of work spent in office and working remote from home.
- Under the direction of the Mechanical Project Lead, this position will offer you the opportunity to work with multi-disciplined engineering and design project teams in developing mechanical physical layout drawings in a 3-D model
- Challenging assignments that include the design of mechanical systems, and investigating, trouble-shooting, and solving a wide variety of mechanical design issues
- Utilize 3D modeling software tools to generate mechanical design schematics
- Act as the Mechanical design team lead in the coordination of detailed design phases for all aspects of an integrated mechanical design model
- Coordinate and provide guidance to other designers and project team members to ensure a complete and timely design
- Independently plan and execute design deliverables, such as general arrangements, piping isometrics, piping composites, pipe support drawings, and equipment location drawings
- There may be the opportunity to conduct field walkdowns and data gathering at client facilities
- Provide guidance as a mentor in the development of less experienced drafters and designers
Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
- An Associate's Degree in drafting, or a high school diploma and 1 or more years drafting course work or equivalent technical experience
- Ten or more years of detailed physical design experience in the development of mechanical general arrangements, piping systems, and supports
- Proficiency with design software tools in executing 3D plant layout models
- Experience in the review of mechanical equipment, including outlines and interface points, and coordinating and developing the associated deliverables
- Ability to interface with engineering and design teams of other disciplines in the power plant design process
Valued but not required experience:
- Proficiency with MicroStation
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
$82,120.00 - $128,570.00Transparency 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 office presence with remote work, this role at Sargent & Lundy allows Senior Mechanical Designers 2 to collaborate effectively on 3D mechanical layouts while enjoying flexibility. Chicago's vibrant engineering environment supports this hybrid model, promoting both focused design work and team coordination across locations.
Designing mechanical systems for nuclear plants in Chicago requires navigating stringent safety standards and integrating multi-disciplinary engineering inputs. Challenges include precise 3D modeling of piping and equipment layouts to meet regulatory compliance, alongside addressing site-specific constraints like Chicago’s infrastructure and environmental factors.
While a drafting degree is essential, familiarity with 3D modeling software and microstation is highly valued in Chicago's nuclear sector. Local employers often seek candidates with practical experience in mechanical system layouts and the ability to interface with power plant engineering teams under strict regulatory conditions.
At Sargent & Lundy, this senior role offers leadership opportunities, mentoring junior designers, and managing complex mechanical design projects. Exposure to cutting-edge nuclear technologies and integrated plant designs in Chicago enhances professional growth, positioning candidates for future roles in nuclear engineering leadership.
The company fosters a culture emphasizing innovation, safety, and employee well-being. Senior Mechanical Designers 2 benefit from collaborative team environments, comprehensive benefits, and recognition programs, reflecting Sargent & Lundy's commitment to excellence within Chicago's competitive nuclear engineering landscape.
This role stands out by combining hybrid work flexibility with involvement in pioneering nuclear projects like small modular reactors. The company’s award-winning benefits and focus on mentorship create a uniquely supportive workplace for mechanical designers in Chicago’s nuclear sector.
The compensation spans from approximately $82,120 to $128,570 annually, reflecting Chicago’s market rates for experienced mechanical designers in nuclear power. This range aligns with the role’s seniority and technical demands, complemented by a robust benefits package enhancing total remuneration.
Chicago presents moderate to high competition due to its concentration of energy firms and nuclear projects. Candidates with extensive 3D mechanical design experience and knowledge of nuclear plant systems, like those targeted by Sargent & Lundy, have a distinct advantage in securing senior roles.
Daily activities include creating detailed 3D mechanical layouts, developing piping isometrics, coordinating multidisciplinary design efforts, and possibly conducting field assessments. The role demands precision to ensure compliance with nuclear standards and seamless integration within project teams.