Structural Engineer 3 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Richmond, VA, 23060
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 30 December 2025
Description
This is a senior engineering position that offers a variety of interesting and challenging opportunities in structural engineering and will provide an excellent opportunity to advance your career. You will collaborate with a team of structural engineers, interface with engineers from other disciplines, and guide the work of less experienced project team members. You will work with a structural engineering team on engineering projects for new nuclear facilities and upgrades and modifications to nuclear power plants.
- This position will offer you the ability to directly apply your knowledge of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design
- As a member of an engineering and design team, you will work on a wide range of projects for various clients. You will prepare and review design calculations, develop specifications, and support designers with drawing development
- Using our state-of-the-art computer tools, you will perform the structural analysis and design of steel frames, connections, concrete members, and foundations
- There is the potential for you to 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:
- BS degree in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Structural Engineering from an ABET-accredited program
- Three or more years of experience working as a member of a project team in the design and analysis of structures, including both AISC steel and ACI concrete designs
- Experience with structural analysis software such as STAAD, SAP2000, SAFE, STRUDL, or ANSYS
- Experience with design codes and standards such as ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI
- Good written and verbal communication skills
Valued, but not required:
- MSCE degree
- Experience with design and analysis of power plant and/or industrial structures
- On site construction support experience
- PE or SE 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
$72,690.00 - $106,250.00Transparency 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!
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
In Richmond, VA, a Structural Engineer 3 in nuclear focuses on ensuring structural integrity of nuclear plants by applying advanced analysis and design techniques. They rigorously assess materials and connections to meet strict safety codes like ASCE 7 and ACI, helping prevent structural failures in critical, high-risk environments.
Senior Structural Engineers in Virginia usually hold a BS in civil engineering with structural emphasis plus 3+ years of diverse project experience, including AISC steel and ACI concrete design. Unlike entry-level roles, they lead projects and mentor juniors, combining technical expertise with leadership in nuclear structural design.
Proficiency in tools like STAAD, SAP2000, SAFE, STRUDL, or ANSYS is crucial. These applications enable detailed modeling and stress analysis of complex structural components typical in nuclear power plants, enhancing precision and compliance with nuclear industry standards.
At Sargent & Lundy, senior structural engineers gain exposure to cutting-edge nuclear projects including SMRs and advanced reactors. This environment fosters growth through collaboration on innovative designs, leadership in multi-disciplinary teams, and involvement in international nuclear engineering initiatives.
The compensation spans approximately $72,690 to $106,250 annually, aligning with Richmond's competitive engineering market. This range reflects experience, expertise in nuclear structural design, and the technical demands of supporting critical infrastructure within a regulated environment.
Sargent & Lundy offers award-winning benefits including comprehensive health plans, paid leave, flexible work arrangements, and wellness programs. This support helps structural engineers manage high-pressure nuclear assignments while maintaining work-life harmony crucial for sustained performance.
Sargent & Lundy’s nuclear group stands out by integrating advanced technologies like digital modernization and supporting diverse projects from SMRs to coal-to-nuclear conversions. Their culture emphasizes innovation, safety, and sustainability, providing engineers with unique challenges and growth paths.
Richmond’s growing emphasis on clean energy and nuclear modernization increases demand for skilled structural engineers. While opportunities abound, candidates with specialized nuclear experience and certifications face less competition, benefiting from the city's strategic positioning in the energy sector.
While a PE or SE license enhances prospects, Virginia’s regulatory emphasis on licensure for structural engineers ensures credibility. Candidates with these certifications typically have an edge in Richmond’s nuclear projects due to stringent safety and compliance requirements.
Typical hurdles include coordinating multidisciplinary inputs, adhering to evolving nuclear codes, and conducting precise structural analyses of steel and concrete elements. On-site construction support and travel to plant locations add logistical complexity, demanding strong communication and problem-solving skills.