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Senior Structural Engineer 1 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Cary, NC, 27518
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 12 January 2026
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 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 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, equipment and piping supports, and foundations
- Additionally, you will conduct structural analyses, which include loading conditions such as wind and seismic
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:
- BSCE with emphasis in Structural Engineering from an ABET-accredited program
- 5 or more years of experience working as a member of a project team in the design and analysis of 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, and ACI
- Proficiency with MS Office applications.
- 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
$82,380.00 - $125,860.00Transparency 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
Cary, NC hosts a niche yet growing market for Senior Structural Engineers specializing in nuclear facilities, driven by ongoing nuclear plant upgrades and new-build projects. Compared to generic engineering roles, this specialization offers fewer openings but higher technical challenges and competitive compensation reflecting expertise in nuclear structural design.
In Cary, NC, possessing a Professional Engineer (PE) or Structural Engineer (SE) license significantly enhances credibility for nuclear structural roles. Familiarity with nuclear-specific standards alongside general design codes like IBC, ASCE 7, and AISC is vital, with additional credentials in seismic or advanced structural analysis providing a competitive edge locally.
Prospective Senior Structural Engineers must highlight expertise in reinforced concrete, steel frame analysis, and seismic load considerations. Proficiency with software such as STAAD or SAP2000 and solid knowledge of nuclear safety standards are essential for success in this highly specialized engineering domain focused on nuclear power plant structures.
Starting as a Structural Engineer 1 in nuclear offers a solid foundation in complex safety-driven design projects, enabling progression toward senior or project lead roles. Exposure to interdisciplinary teams and cutting-edge nuclear technologies accelerates skill development and opens pathways to licensing and advanced specialization.
On-site duties often include construction coordination, verifying structural design compliance, and liaising with vendors and contractors. Engineers ensure that modifications meet nuclear safety requirements while adapting to field conditions, blending office analysis tasks with practical, hands-on problem-solving during plant refurbishments.
Sargent & Lundy's nuclear group fosters professional development through diverse project assignments across small modular reactors and advanced technologies. Senior Structural Engineers benefit from mentorship roles, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and involvement in pioneering reactor restart initiatives, positioning them for leadership and technical expert roles.
At Sargent & Lundy, the emphasis lies on integrating advanced structural analysis with sustainability goals in a hybrid work environment. Unlike some firms, there’s a strong focus on digital modernization and international nuclear projects, providing engineers with a broader scope of influence and innovative challenges.
The position offers a salary spanning $82,380 to $125,860, aligning well with Cary’s competitive engineering market. This range reflects the specialized nuclear sector’s demand for advanced skills, balancing local cost of living with the technical complexity and responsibility inherent in senior nuclear structural engineering roles.
Sargent & Lundy promotes a collaborative, innovation-driven culture emphasizing work-life balance through hybrid schedules. Senior Structural Engineers benefit from a supportive environment that values cross-disciplinary teamwork, continuous learning, and recognition, fostering sustained engagement within the nuclear engineering community.
Balancing remote tasks with mandatory in-office days requires effective time management and communication skills. Engineers must coordinate with multi-disciplinary teams both virtually and onsite, ensuring seamless project execution while adapting to site visits and construction oversight inherent in nuclear facility projects.