Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Atlanta, GA, 30303
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 12 January 2026
Description
WORK LOCATION: This position is based on a hybrid work schedule and will require in-office work 3 days per week at the Sargent & Lundy office in Peachtree Corners, GA.
You will be involved in nuclear power plant systems design, including preparation or review of:
- Modification packages for operating nuclear power plants
- Functional mechanical drawings and/or drawings for nuclear power plant systems
- Engineering analyses and evaluations to support modifications and operation of plant systems
- Technical specifications and procurement documents for plant equipment
- Vendor bid evaluations for plant equipment
- Studies and options evaluations for modifications to operating nuclear power plants
In addition, you will have the opportunity to:
- Develop engineering cost estimates for small to mid-sized client-requested work scopes
- Visit client office and/or plant site locations to interface with the client and make presentations related to engineering tasks and status
- Lead engineering project teams
Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
- BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited program
- 10 or more years of experience in the power industry
- Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations that apply to mechanical engineering design of nuclear power plants
- PE license is preferred
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
Sargent & Lundy offers a competitive salary range between $116,620 and $179,890 for this role, reflecting Atlanta's growing demand for nuclear engineers. This range often surpasses typical mechanical engineering roles locally due to the specialized nuclear expertise required, positioning it attractively in the regional job market.
This position demands not only expert mechanical engineering skills but also the ability to lead project teams and manage complex nuclear power plant modifications. Candidates must coordinate multi-disciplinary efforts, ensuring compliance with strict nuclear standards while guiding technical teams toward successful project delivery.
The hybrid model requires engineers to be onsite three days weekly, fostering collaboration within the Peachtree Corners office. This balance supports hands-on engagement with project teams and client interactions, while also allowing remote work flexibility for focused engineering tasks and analyses.
Beyond a mechanical engineering degree, a Professional Engineer (PE) license greatly enhances candidacy. Familiarity with nuclear-specific codes and standards recognized in Georgia further boosts employability, given the region's emphasis on regulatory compliance and safety in nuclear plant operations.
Atlanta's nuclear projects often integrate legacy plant modernization with emerging technologies like SMRs and ART. Engineers must navigate stringent regulatory environments and coordinate with local utilities, balancing innovation with operational reliability in a market transitioning toward carbon-free energy.
Expertise in nuclear plant systems design, including modification packages and vendor evaluations, sets this role apart. Additionally, proficiency in nuclear regulatory standards, cost estimating for specialized scopes, and leading multidisciplinary teams in a high-stakes energy sector are critical differentiators.
The company fosters advancement through exposure to cutting-edge nuclear technologies and involvement in diverse projects from SMRs to international new builds. Their merit scholarship and professional licensure bonuses incentivize continuous learning, positioning engineers for leadership roles in this dynamic field.
The firm’s recognition as a top workplace reflects its commitment to employee well-being, combining robust benefits with flexible work arrangements. The culture emphasizes collaboration on impactful nuclear projects, blending technical rigor with support systems like back-up daycare and employee assistance programs.
Applicants should highlight extensive nuclear power experience and familiarity with relevant codes. Due to the non-sponsorship policy, only candidates authorized to work in the U.S. are eligible. Demonstrating leadership in project management and technical communication will strengthen candidacy.
Demand for nuclear-focused mechanical engineers in Atlanta remains high, driven by ongoing plant upgrades and new reactor projects. This specialized niche commands attention over general mechanical roles, reflecting the region’s strategic push toward clean energy and nuclear technology advancements.