Senior Structural Engineer 1 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chicago, IL, 60603
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 12 January 2026
Description
This role offers a hybrid work arrangement. You'll spend three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days.
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. You will have the opportunity to guide others in the development of engineering deliverables
- 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
- Five 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
- Proficiency with design codes and standards such as ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI
- 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
This position at Sargent & Lundy embraces a hybrid model, blending three in-office days with two remote days weekly. It supports collaboration on complex nuclear structural projects while offering flexibility, which is crucial for managing the intensive design and site coordination tasks typical in Chicago's dynamic engineering environment.
Expertise in structural steel and reinforced concrete design, along with proficiency in software like STAAD, SAP2000, or ANSYS, sets this role apart. Knowledge of nuclear-specific codes such as ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI is essential, reflecting the precision required in Chicago's nuclear power engineering landscape.
Senior engineers benefit from diverse projects involving new nuclear facilities and plant upgrades, fostering skills in advanced structural analysis and leadership. Chicago's strong nuclear industry presence offers opportunities to deepen expertise, pursue PE/SE licensure, and participate in cutting-edge reactor restart initiatives.
The firm’s award-winning benefits and commitment to employee well-being create a supportive work atmosphere. This culture encourages knowledge sharing and mentorship, essential for senior engineers who guide less experienced team members while engaging in innovative nuclear projects in Chicago.
Engineers encounter rigorous safety standards, complex structural demands, and stringent regulatory compliance. Navigating these challenges requires sharp analytical skills and collaboration across disciplines to ensure designs meet nuclear industry benchmarks and client expectations.
Chicago's niche market for nuclear structural engineers is moderately competitive, driven by ongoing plant modernization and new builds. Candidates with specialized nuclear design experience and advanced software skills typically have an advantage amid steady demand fueled by regional clean energy initiatives.
The total compensation package typically ranges from $82,380 to $125,860 annually. This reflects the role’s seniority and technical demands within Chicago’s nuclear engineering sector, complemented by comprehensive benefits and potential discretionary bonuses.
Living in Chicago offers access to the company's flexible hybrid schedule, easing commute stress common in metropolitan areas. Combined with generous paid time off and wellness programs, it fosters a balanced lifestyle despite the demanding nature of nuclear structural engineering projects.
Candidates must hold a BS in civil engineering with a structural focus from an ABET-accredited program, plus five years of relevant experience. Proficiency with nuclear design codes, structural analysis software, and strong communication skills are critical for success in this senior role.
The company provides tuition assistance and a first professional licensure bonus, encouraging engineers to pursue advanced degrees or PE/SE licensing. This investment aligns with their commitment to technical excellence and career advancement within the nuclear engineering field.