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Mechanical Engineer Consultant 2 (Power Uprates) - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Cary, NC, 27518
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 14 January 2026
Description
Our electric power generation clients are seeking to increase the power output of their existing power plants to meet the electric demands. This is expanding work in the nuclear industry. You will work on major systems, equipment and plant process in the following areas:
- Perform consulting level work for power uprates in the nuclear industry.
- Interface with clients and project teams to present technical discussions and project status.
- Develop engineering proposals and cost estimates.
- Manage resources/resource loading and develop estimates for task completion and budget development.
- Review calculations related to heat balances, power train pumps, heat exchangers, condenser/heat sink, and plant hazards to support client recommendations and reviews.
- Review task reports and equipment evaluations that present technical information in a clear and concise manner to meet client requirements.
- Review equipment sizing, optimization evaluation, and selection in response to client needs to support the proposed power uprate.
- Evaluate vendor bids from a technical perspective.
- Interface with vendors to perform document reviews, ensure equipment compliance with specifications and needs of the plant.
- Lead and mentor junior engineering staff on power plant engineering technical tasks.
- Perform independent reviews of work performed by others including calculations and drawing preparation.
- Attend client meetings and site walkdowns to validate scope and ensure client satisfaction.
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:
- This position requires a BSME from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program with a strong academic background and interest in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics.
- 10 or more years of experience in the nuclear power industry.
- Experience with nuclear power uprates and/or turbine retrofit projects.
- Experience and practical knowledge in one or more of the following areas:
- Power Uprates (EPU/SPU/MUR)
- Power Uprate pinch point assessments and/or task reports
- Turbine / Generator / AVR / Exciter Refurbishments
- Heat Exchanger Replacement (FWH/MSR/TFP)
- Isophase Bus Duct
- Transformer/Switchyard
- NSSS Systems
- Licensing Application
- All assignments require the preparation of calculations and/or reports, and excellent technical report writing skills are essential.
- Knowledge of the practical application of mechanical engineering and technology including applying systems, principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to a project design.
- Strong interest in numerical computations and problem solving.
- Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations that apply to mechanical engineering design of nuclear power plants.
- Proficiency with MS Office applications.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- MSME from an ABET accredited program with a strong academic background
- PE 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
$142,710.00 - $215,440.00Transparency 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
Cary's proximity to key energy hubs makes it a moderately competitive market for nuclear power engineers, especially consultants with 10+ years in power uprates. Local demand favors candidates with specialized nuclear thermodynamics and fluid mechanics expertise, leading to selective hiring processes emphasizing deep industry knowledge.
While a PE license is not mandatory, it significantly boosts credibility for mechanical engineers in NC's nuclear sector. Employers also prefer candidates holding ABET-accredited degrees and demonstrate familiarity with nuclear regulatory codes, enhancing trustworthiness in power uprate and turbine retrofit projects.
This role demands advanced expertise in nuclear power plant upgrades, focusing on equipment optimization and compliance in power uprates. Unlike general mechanical engineers, it involves technical leadership, vendor evaluation, and detailed thermodynamic assessments critical for nuclear safety and performance enhancements.
Mastery of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics is crucial, alongside proficiency in power uprate assessments, equipment sizing, and nuclear plant system optimization. Strong report writing and familiarity with nuclear codes underpin the ability to deliver precise consultancy in this niche.
Professionals often progress toward senior consultancy or project management roles, with opportunities to lead complex nuclear modernization initiatives. Continued education, such as earning an MSME or PE license, can open doors to higher responsibility and influence within the nuclear engineering community.
Sargent & Lundy provides award-winning benefits, including comprehensive health plans, generous PTO, and flexible hybrid work schedules. Their culture emphasizes work-life balance and professional growth, with perks like tuition assistance and bonuses encouraging career advancement in nuclear engineering.
The company fosters collaborative environments with access to advanced resources, mentorship programs, and involvement in high-profile nuclear initiatives. Consultants receive strong technical support and opportunities to engage directly with clients and vendors, enhancing project outcomes and career development.
Salaries typically range from $142,710 to $215,440 annually, reflecting the seniority and specialized expertise required. This range factors in nuclear industry experience, technical skills in power uprates, and the hybrid work model prevalent at Sargent & Lundy.
The hybrid model blends on-site collaboration three days a week with remote work, promoting flexibility while ensuring essential in-person client meetings and site validations. This approach balances technical fieldwork with analytical tasks, optimizing project efficiency in nuclear power uprate roles.
Cary's strategic location near energy research centers supports steady growth in nuclear engineering jobs, especially for experts in plant uprates and modernization. The region's commitment to clean energy and infrastructure upgrades fuels demand for seasoned consultants in nuclear power projects.