Structural Designer 3 - Nuclear Power
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chicago, IL, 60603
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 8 January 2026
Description
- As a member of the structural design team, this position will offer you the opportunity to work with multi-disciplined engineering and design project teams in developing structural physical layout drawings in a 3-D model
- Challenging assignments that include the design of structural supports and foundations, and investigating, trouble-shooting, and solving a wide variety of structural design issues
- Utilize 3D modeling software tools to generate structural design schematics
- Participate in the coordination of detailed design phases for all aspects of an integrated structural design model
- Provide support to other designers and project team members in order to ensure a complete and timely design
- Independently and as a member of a design team, plan and execute structural design deliverables
- There may be the opportunity to accompany and assist senior designers and engineers in field walkdowns and data gathering at client facilities
- Provide guidance to others in the use of drafting tools, and also 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
- Four or more years of detailed design experience in the development of structural steel design and reinforced concrete design drawings
- Proficiency with design software tools in executing 3D plant layout models
- Experience in the review of structural layout drawings involving steel frames, connections, concrete members, equipment and piping supports, foundations, and rebar detailing
- 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
$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.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
Mastery of structural steel and reinforced concrete design is crucial for a Structural Designer 3 in Chicago’s nuclear sector. Familiarity with 3D plant layout modeling and integration with multidisciplinary engineering teams enhances project success within this complex energy environment.
Advancing as a Structural Designer 3 often leads to roles with increased project leadership and technical responsibility, including mentoring junior staff and managing integrated design models, especially within nuclear power plant projects where safety and precision are paramount.
3D modeling software tailored for structural plant layouts, including MicroStation and other CAD platforms, are vital. Proficiency in these tools streamlines design coordination across steel frameworks, concrete foundations, and equipment supports critical in nuclear power environments.
At Sargent & Lundy, Structural Designer 3s benefit from collaborative project teams, ongoing mentorship opportunities, and access to advanced design technologies, fostering professional growth within nuclear power plant structural projects.
Chicago’s demand for structural designers in nuclear power is robust but specialized. Candidates with 3D modeling expertise and nuclear design experience face moderate competition, reflecting the region’s concentration of energy infrastructure and engineering firms.
Compensation for this role typically spans $63,480 to $99,080 annually, combining base salary with benefits and potential bonuses, aligning with Chicago’s cost of living and the nuclear engineering sector’s standards.
While not mandatory, certifications related to structural engineering, safety compliance, and proficiency in tools like MicroStation can enhance a candidate’s appeal due to Chicago’s stringent regulatory environment for nuclear power infrastructure.
Design challenges include ensuring structural integrity under nuclear safety standards, coordinating detailed 3D layouts, and troubleshooting complex steel and concrete designs, demanding both technical expertise and collaborative problem-solving.
Sargent & Lundy emphasizes integrated teamwork across disciplines, mentoring junior designers, and engagement in both field data collection and advanced modeling, cultivating a dynamic, supportive environment distinctive in nuclear structural design.
Daily tasks include developing detailed structural layouts, coordinating with engineering teams, creating 3D models of plant components, addressing design issues, and supporting project timelines—especially vital in the precision-driven nuclear industry.