Mechanical SmartPlant Designer 3 - Nuclear Power
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chicago, IL, 60603
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 8 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 general arrangement, piping isometric, pipe support, and mechanical equipment layout drawings in a 3-D model
- Utilize Hexagon’s SmartPlant S3D modeling software and SPF database to generate mechanical design deliverables, BOMs, and commodity lists
- Understand and interpret piping & instrumentation diagrams developed using SPID and create physical design consistent with the engineering requirements
- Act as the mechanical design team lead in the coordination of detailed design phases for all aspects of an integrated mechanical design model
- Resolve clashes and discrepancies in the 3D model and report status
- Coordinate and provide guidance to other designers and project team members to ensure a complete and timely design
- Independently plan and execute design of mechanical deliverables
- 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:
- Experience with SmartPlant S3D modeling software including the following:
- Understanding of the integration aspects of SPID, SPF and S3D
- Clash detection resolution
- Discrepancy checks between deliverables
- Interface with SmartPlant Administrators in the development of mechanical deliverable templates and catalogs
- Drawing Presentation Rules Set Up
- Plant model data management
- Minimum three years of detailed design experience in the development of mechanical plant design drawings; piping, pipe supports and equipment layout
- Proficiency with design software tools in executing 3D plant layout models
- Experience in the review of project deliverables and drawing requirements
- Experience in the review of vendor drawings and interface points
- Ability to interface with engineering and design teams of other disciplines in the plant design process.
Valued but not required experience:
- Proficiency with MicroStation and AutoCAD
- Microsoft Office tools
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
$63,480.00 - $99,080.00Transparency 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
Working as a Mechanical SmartPlant Designer 3 within nuclear power demands specialized expertise in SmartPlant S3D software tailored to nuclear safety and compliance standards, unlike general industrial design roles. This position involves intricate coordination with multi-disciplinary teams focused on stringent regulatory environments and highly detailed mechanical plant layouts.
Professionals in this role often advance into senior design leadership, project management, or specialized nuclear engineering paths. With experience, they can lead integrated mechanical design teams or transition into nuclear licensing and engineering roles, leveraging their deep knowledge of SmartPlant and nuclear plant design complexities.
Mastery of SmartPlant S3D modeling, including clash detection and integration with SPID and SPF databases, is essential. Additionally, familiarity with piping isometrics, mechanical equipment layout, and proficiency in reviewing vendor drawings and multidisciplinary coordination are critical to success in this niche.
Sargent & Lundy provides a comprehensive benefits package including flexible hybrid work schedules, robust healthcare plans, paid time off, and specialized perks like tuition assistance and merit scholarships. Their Chicago office culture emphasizes work-life balance, evidenced by repeated recognition for compensation and benefits excellence.
Expect a hybrid work setting combining remote and in-office tasks, promoting teamwork with multi-disciplined engineering groups. The company fosters mentorship and collaborative design coordination, supporting project success in a dynamic nuclear power sector environment within Chicago’s evolving engineering landscape.
Chicago’s nuclear engineering sector is moderately competitive due to its status as a regional energy hub. Demand for skilled SmartPlant designers remains steady, driven by ongoing nuclear plant modernization and new build projects, but candidates with niche software skills and nuclear experience have a clear advantage.
Annual compensation generally falls between $63,480 and $99,080 in Chicago, aligning with national trends for similar expertise in nuclear mechanical design. The range reflects experience, project complexity, and local cost of living, with potential bonuses and comprehensive benefits enhancing total remuneration.
Certifications in SmartPlant software proficiency, nuclear safety standards, and mechanical design principles are highly valued. Additionally, local professional licensure in engineering or drafting and experience with MicroStation or AutoCAD can differentiate candidates amid Chicago’s specialized job market.
Yes, the company emphasizes deep knowledge of SmartPlant S3D, including integration with SPID and SPF, clash detection, and mechanical deliverable development. Experience in managing 3D plant layouts and coordinating across engineering disciplines is also heavily favored for nuclear project success.
Sargent & Lundy’s focus on clean, carbon-free energy innovation and advanced reactor technologies provides unique project exposure. Their award-winning benefits, hybrid work flexibility, and commitment to mentorship create a supportive environment that distinguishes this role within the Chicago nuclear power sector.