Risevoic
Lead HVAC Engineer 1 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Wilmington, DE, 19801
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 1 January 2026
Description
- You will work on challenging assignments that include designing of HVAC systems, investigating, trouble-shooting, and solving a wide variety of HVAC engineering issues
- You will meet with others to develop integrated HVAC systems including the following:
- Commercial/Industrial Ventilation Systems
- Control room HVAC
- Laboratory HVAC
- Chilled water system design
- Heating system design
- Provide support in the planning, scheduling, conducting, or coordinating of the detailed design phases of all aspects of facility engineering work
- Perform design calculations and develop detailed system design
- Prepare technical specifications for HVAC equipment
- Prepare engineering studies
- You will provide support to other engineers, project managers, client personnel, and suppliers to assure a complete and timely design
- You will assist senior engineers with reviews of existing facilities to propose upgrades and replacements, and may present findings and recommendations to clients and peers
- Familiarity with ASHRAE and Current HVAC Industry Codes and Standards
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:
- BS in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program is required.
- Ten or more years of relevant HVAC system and chilled water system design experience for commercial, laboratories and industrial facilities.
- Proficiency in TRACE 700 or 3D+ program, AutoCAD and Microstation; Ability to create design flow diagrams, and Process & Instrumentation Diagrams(P&IDs)
- Prior knowledge of relevant codes and standards applicable to HVAC and ventilation system.
- Preparing HVAC studies
- Planning, scheduling, conducting, or coordinating of the detailed design phases of all aspects of facility engineering work
Valued but not required:
- ASHRAE Membership
- PE license preferred
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
$116,620.00 - $179,890.00Transparency 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
Wilmington’s energy sector growth, especially in nuclear engineering, drives strong demand for Lead HVAC Engineers. Compared to general mechanical roles, this niche offers more specialized opportunities due to nuclear plant projects and upgrades, making it a highly sought skill set locally.
While PE licensure is preferred, Delaware employers highly value ASHRAE membership for nuclear HVAC positions. Familiarity with nuclear-specific codes and ventilation standards often distinguishes candidates, reflecting local compliance and safety priorities in Wilmington's power facilities.
A Hvac Engineer 1 - Nuclear focuses on designing and troubleshooting HVAC systems tailored for nuclear facilities, including control rooms and laboratories. This role demands deep understanding of nuclear safety codes and chilled water systems, setting it apart from standard HVAC tasks.
Advancement often moves from technical design expertise toward project management and nuclear facility oversight. Gaining experience with nuclear regulatory standards and leading multidisciplinary teams opens pathways to senior leadership roles within specialized nuclear engineering.
Daily obstacles include integrating complex HVAC systems that meet stringent nuclear safety codes, troubleshooting unique industrial ventilation issues, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders to ensure timely, compliant designs under tight project schedules.
Sargent & Lundy emphasizes a balanced work-life culture with hybrid schedules, comprehensive health plans, and paid parental leave. Employees benefit from merit scholarships, licensure bonuses, and a supportive environment recognized by multiple Top Workplaces awards.
With salaries ranging from $116,620 to $179,890, Sargent & Lundy offers competitive wages aligned with Delaware’s nuclear engineering market. Their packages also include discretionary bonuses and comprehensive benefits, ensuring total rewards that attract top HVAC talent.
Absolutely. The role actively contributes to advanced reactor technologies and small modular reactors, pushing the envelope in clean energy solutions. Engineers collaborate on modernization and digital upgrades, fueling innovation within nuclear HVAC system design.
Proficiency in Trace 700, AutoCAD, MicroStation, and the ability to develop process & instrumentation diagrams are critical. These tools enable precise HVAC system modeling and design, which is vital for safety and efficiency in nuclear facility projects.
Nuclear HVAC roles in Wilmington face moderate competition due to niche expertise requirements. Candidates with extensive chilled water system experience and knowledge of nuclear codes generally enjoy favorable hiring prospects amid ongoing plant upgrades and new projects.