Lead Structural Engineer 1 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Wilmington, DE, 19801
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 12 January 2026
Description
This is a Project Lead Structural Engineer position that offers a variety of interesting and challenging opportunities in structural engineering and will provide an excellent opportunity to advance your career. In this position you will guide a team of structural engineers, interface with clients and engineers from other disciplines as well as manage a variety of exciting projects. This position will enable you to:
- Apply your knowledge of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design in the successful execution of assigned tasks
- Work on a wide range of projects for various clients and interface with them as required
- Direct the preparation and review of design calculations, specifications, reports and other deliverables and support designers with drawing development.
- Supervise and mentor others in the development of quality engineering deliverables
- Perform the structural analysis and design of steel frames, connections, concrete members, and foundations using our state-of-the-art computer tools
- Travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for construction coordination and field verification of designs
Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential Skills and Experience:
- BSCE with emphasis in Structural Engineering from an ABET-accredited program
- Ten or more years of experience working as a member of a project team in the design and analysis of industrial / heavy commercial or nuclear facility structures
- Proficiency with structural analysis software such as STAAD, SAP2000, SAFE, STRUDL, or ANSYS
- Proficiency with design codes and standards such as ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Valued, but Not Required:
- MSCE degree
- On-site construction support experience
- PE or SE license
#INDEEDSLHP
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
Lead Structural Engineers in nuclear projects focus heavily on safety-critical structures like steel frames and reinforced concrete designed for nuclear facilities, requiring deep expertise in nuclear design codes and rigorous structural analysis, which sets them apart from general structural engineering roles.
Candidates should emphasize a BSCE from an ABET-accredited program, extensive experience with heavy commercial or nuclear structures, proficiency in software like STAAD or SAP2000, and familiarity with ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI codes to meet the specialized demands of nuclear structural engineering.
Wilmington's proximity to nuclear facilities and industrial hubs creates a moderately competitive environment for lead structural engineers, with demand driven by ongoing nuclear modernization. Candidates with nuclear-specific expertise and licenses tend to stand out locally.
Engineers often balance commuting from suburban areas or neighboring states; Wilmington's traffic patterns during peak hours can affect travel time, so proximity to client or plant sites and flexible scheduling options are valuable considerations.
Yes, this position involves site visits for construction coordination and design verification, plus client meetings at vendor offices, demanding flexibility to travel within the region or to nuclear plants, which supports hands-on project leadership and client engagement.
Sargent & Lundy fosters a collaborative culture where lead engineers actively mentor junior staff, ensuring quality deliverables through hands-on guidance, which enhances team development while maintaining high standards in nuclear structural engineering projects.
Sargent & Lundy offers a salary range from $116,620 to $179,890, aligning well with nuclear industry standards for senior structural engineers in Delaware, complemented by comprehensive benefits that enhance overall employee value beyond base pay.
While not strictly required, holding a PE or SE license is highly valued and can accelerate career progression at Sargent & Lundy by demonstrating recognized competency and enabling greater responsibility on complex nuclear projects.
Engineers must navigate stringent safety codes, complex structural designs, and coordinate multidisciplinary teams, often under tight deadlines, requiring strong leadership and technical expertise to deliver precise, compliant solutions.
The company provides flexible work arrangements, paid parental and bereavement leave, and generous paid time off, fostering a supportive environment that respects engineers' personal commitments alongside demanding nuclear engineering roles.