Structural Engineer 2 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Richmond, VA, 23060
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 12 January 2026
Description
This role offers a hybrid work arrangement. You will spend three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days.
This associate 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
- MS degree in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Structural Engineering from an ABET-accredited program or a minimum of 1 year 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 is preferred
- Experience with design codes and standards such as ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI is preferred
- Good written and verbal communication skills
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
$66,000.00 - $94,810.00Transparency 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
A Structural Engineer 2 focusing on nuclear projects must master advanced structural steel and reinforced concrete design per nuclear-specific codes, alongside proficiency in specialized software like STAAD and SAP2000. The role demands knowledge of safety-critical standards and collaboration on nuclear facility upgrades, setting it apart from general structural engineering jobs.
Progression often involves advancing from project-level responsibilities to leading multi-disciplinary teams on complex nuclear facility designs. Gaining expertise in nuclear regulatory compliance and digital modernization initiatives can pave the way towards senior engineering or licensing roles, reflecting growing technical depth and leadership in nuclear structural engineering.
Daily work balances rigorous structural analysis under stringent safety codes with cross-disciplinary coordination. Challenges include integrating new designs with existing plant conditions, ensuring compliance with ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI standards, and managing site visits to resolve construction or design verification issues, all within a highly regulated nuclear environment.
Richmond's niche nuclear engineering market is moderately competitive due to its specialized nature. Candidates with ABET-accredited degrees and nuclear project experience enjoy favorable prospects, as local employers prioritize expertise in structural steel and concrete design aligned with nuclear regulatory frameworks, influencing recruitment pace and salary offers.
Professional Engineer (PE) licensure with a focus on structural or civil engineering is highly regarded locally. Familiarity with ASCE 7 and nuclear industry standards elevates candidacy. While not always mandatory at this level, certifications related to nuclear safety or structural software proficiency can enhance opportunities in Richmond's specialized market.
Sargent & Lundy combines legacy expertise in nuclear power with innovative projects like SMRs and digital plant modernization. Their hybrid work model supports flexibility, while the company’s award-winning benefits and focus on professional growth provide a nurturing environment tailored for engineers passionate about advancing nuclear clean energy solutions.
The Richmond office fosters a collaborative atmosphere emphasizing safety, innovation, and continuous learning. Hybrid schedules encourage work-life balance, while team-based projects on cutting-edge nuclear technologies create dynamic opportunities. This culture supports engineers in honing skills and contributing meaningfully to sustainable energy initiatives.
In Richmond, the salary spans approximately $66,000 to $94,810 annually, reflecting local market conditions and the specialized nuclear focus. This range aligns competitively with national averages for mid-level structural engineers in nuclear sectors, factoring in the region's cost of living and demand for ABET-accredited expertise.
Mastery of structural analysis platforms such as STAAD, SAP2000, SAFE, and STRUDL is critical. These tools enable precise modeling of steel frames, concrete members, and foundations per nuclear design codes. Familiarity with ANSYS for advanced simulations further augments an engineer’s capability to ensure integrity in nuclear facility designs.
The hybrid model blends three days in-office collaboration with two remote days, fostering flexibility while maintaining strong team integration. This balance supports focused design work using advanced software from home and interactive project discussions or site coordination in-office, optimizing productivity in the demanding nuclear engineering field.