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Mechanical Engineer Consultant 2 (Power Uprates) - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chattanooga, TN, 37402
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 14 January 2026
Description
Our electric power generation clients are seeking to increase the power output of their existing power plants to meet the electric demands. This is expanding work in the nuclear industry. You will work on major systems, equipment and plant process in the following areas:
- Perform consulting level work for power uprates in the nuclear industry.
- Interface with clients and project teams to present technical discussions and project status.
- Develop engineering proposals and cost estimates.
- Manage resources/resource loading and develop estimates for task completion and budget development.
- Review calculations related to heat balances, power train pumps, heat exchangers, condenser/heat sink, and plant hazards to support client recommendations and reviews.
- Review task reports and equipment evaluations that present technical information in a clear and concise manner to meet client requirements.
- Review equipment sizing, optimization evaluation, and selection in response to client needs to support the proposed power uprate.
- Evaluate vendor bids from a technical perspective.
- Interface with vendors to perform document reviews, ensure equipment compliance with specifications and needs of the plant.
- Lead and mentor junior engineering staff on power plant engineering technical tasks.
- Perform independent reviews of work performed by others including calculations and drawing preparation.
- Attend client meetings and site walkdowns to validate scope and ensure client satisfaction.
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:
- This position requires a BSME from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program with a strong academic background and interest in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics.
- 10 or more years of experience in the nuclear power industry.
- Experience with nuclear power uprates and/or turbine retrofit projects.
- Experience and practical knowledge in one or more of the following areas:
- Power Uprates (EPU/SPU/MUR)
- Power Uprate pinch point assessments and/or task reports
- Turbine / Generator / AVR / Exciter Refurbishments
- Heat Exchanger Replacement (FWH/MSR/TFP)
- Isophase Bus Duct
- Transformer/Switchyard
- NSSS Systems
- Licensing Application
- All assignments require the preparation of calculations and/or reports, and excellent technical report writing skills are essential.
- Knowledge of the practical application of mechanical engineering and technology including applying systems, principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to a project design.
- Strong interest in numerical computations and problem solving.
- Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations that apply to mechanical engineering design of nuclear power plants.
- Proficiency with MS Office applications.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- MSME from an ABET accredited program with a strong academic background
- PE 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
$142,710.00 - $215,440.00Transparency 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
Chattanooga's growing emphasis on clean energy and nuclear modernization has intensified demand for seasoned mechanical engineers with nuclear power uprate expertise. Given the specialized skills needed, competition remains moderate, with candidates holding 10+ years industry experience and strong thermodynamics knowledge favored in local recruitment.
The hybrid model requiring three in-office days fosters direct engagement during critical project phases such as client meetings and site walkdowns. This balance enhances teamwork and mentoring opportunities while enabling focused remote work on calculations, report writing, and vendor evaluations, aligning with the consulting nature of nuclear power uprate projects.
Expertise in heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics is essential, alongside hands-on experience with power uprates (EPU, SPU, MUR), turbine retrofits, and equipment sizing. Proficiency in interpreting mechanical codes and standards specific to nuclear plants and adeptness in technical report writing also differentiate top performers.
While a PE license is valued, it’s not mandatory. However, holding a BSME or MSME from ABET-accredited programs greatly strengthens candidacy. Familiarity with nuclear regulatory standards and licensing applications further enhances alignment with the company’s rigorous engineering and compliance expectations.
This role uniquely intertwines advanced mechanical engineering principles with nuclear power sector challenges, especially focusing on increasing existing plant power outputs. It demands consulting-level judgment, client interfacing, and technical leadership on specialized systems like turbines, heat exchangers, and safety-related equipment.
With salaries ranging from approximately $142,710 to $215,440 annually, this position offers competitive pay well-aligned with senior nuclear engineering roles nationwide. The range reflects the specialized consulting expertise required and Chattanooga’s cost of living, positioning it attractively within the nuclear power career market.
Sargent & Lundy’s commitment to cutting-edge nuclear projects, including SMRs and advanced reactors, presents avenues for technical leadership, mentoring junior staff, and involvement in international initiatives. Career progression often includes expanding responsibilities in project management and contributing to pioneering clean energy solutions.
The company fosters continuous learning through engagement with industry codes, standards, and licensing protocols. Participation in client and vendor interactions, technical proposal development, and internal knowledge sharing ensures consultants remain at the forefront of nuclear engineering advancements.
Recognized repeatedly for exceptional compensation and benefits, Sargent & Lundy emphasizes work-life balance, health coverage, and professional development. Its culture blends technical rigor with employee well-being, creating an environment where nuclear engineers can thrive in complex, impactful projects.
Consultants often navigate intricate mechanical system optimizations, stringent regulatory compliance, and coordination across multidisciplinary teams. Balancing technical precision with client expectations and vendor evaluations requires adaptability, deep engineering insight, and effective communication skills.