Lead Structural Engineer 1 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Charlotte, NC, 28209
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 12 January 2026
Description
This is a lead design 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 guide a team of structural engineers, interface with engineers from other disciplines, and interface directly with clients.
You will lead a structural engineering team on engineering projects for new nuclear facilities and upgrades and modifications to nuclear power plants in the following areas:
- 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, review, and provide guidance for design calculations, develop specifications, and work with designers for drawing development
- You will prepare, review, or guide the structural analysis and design of steel frames, connections, concrete members, equipment, 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
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 degree Structural/Civil Engineering or Architectural Engineering from an ABET-accredited program
- 10 or more years of experience working as a member of a project team in the design and analysis of nuclear facility structures
- Proficiency with structural analysis software such as STAAD, SAP2000, SAFE, STRUDL, or ANSYS
- Familiarity with design codes and standards such as IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, N690, ACI 318, and ACI 349
- Proficiency with MS Office applications.
- Good written and verbal communication skills
Valued, but not required:
- MSCE degree
- 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
$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
Charlotte’s growing energy sector increases demand for nuclear engineering leaders skilled in structural design. Unique regional building codes and proximity to nuclear facilities mean engineers here often engage in specialized local compliance and construction coordination, distinguishing this role from similar positions in other markets.
While a PE or SE license is highly valued nationally, Charlotte employers often seek engineers familiar with local and federal nuclear safety standards. Certifications related to nuclear facility structural design and compliance with ASCE 7 and ACI codes are especially advantageous in this region’s competitive job market.
Mastery in structural steel and reinforced concrete design, combined with expertise in nuclear-specific codes like N690 and ACI 349, forms the backbone of success. Additionally, strong leadership in guiding multidisciplinary teams and proficiency with analysis software such as STAAD or SAP2000 are essential.
Managing complex structural modifications while ensuring compliance with stringent nuclear safety regulations is paramount. Coordinating across disciplines and maintaining clear communication with clients and construction teams also pose ongoing challenges that require both technical acumen and leadership finesse.
The offered salary range of $116,620 to $179,890 aligns well with regional standards for senior nuclear structural engineers. This reflects the specialized skills required and includes potential performance bonuses, making it an attractive compensation package within Charlotte’s engineering sector.
Sargent & Lundy’s reputation in advanced nuclear technology and international projects offers engineers exposure to cutting-edge reactor designs and digital modernization efforts. Their award-winning benefits and focus on work-life balance further support long-term professional development in this niche industry.
With three days per week in-office, engineers can closely collaborate on complex designs and site coordination, while remote days allow focused analysis and report preparation. This balance supports productivity and team interaction crucial for managing nuclear structural projects efficiently.
This role demands in-depth knowledge of nuclear safety codes and experience with highly regulated environments. Unlike conventional structural engineering jobs, it involves critical collaboration with nuclear specialists and adherence to stricter design verification processes to ensure facility integrity.
Proficiency with these tools enables precise structural analysis and simulation of complex nuclear facility components, enhancing design accuracy and safety compliance. Mastery of such software reduces errors and streamlines the review process critical in nuclear engineering environments.
Sargent & Lundy prioritizes engineers who can integrate multidisciplinary inputs, lead design innovation in nuclear safety, and actively engage with clients and construction teams. Emphasis is placed on mentoring junior engineers while driving projects that support clean energy and sustainability goals.