Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Palm Beach Gardens, FL, 33418
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 12 January 2026
Description
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
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.
- BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited program
- 10 or more years of experience in the nuclear power industry
- Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations that apply to mechanical engineering design of nuclear power plants
- PE license is beneficial, but not required
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
In Palm Beach Gardens, certifications like a PE license, even if not mandatory, and specialized nuclear industry training improve a Mechanical Engineer 1’s job prospects. Familiarity with ASME codes and NRC regulations also enhances credibility in the local nuclear engineering market.
Palm Beach Gardens sees moderate demand for lead mechanical engineers in nuclear power, slightly less intense than cities like Orlando but growing due to plant modernization. The region values experience in nuclear systems design, with regional projects influencing hiring trends.
A Mechanical Engineer 1 in nuclear power typically handles reviewing modification packages, preparing mechanical drawings, and conducting engineering analyses to ensure safe plant operations. They also support procurement by evaluating vendor bids and assist with compliance to nuclear standards.
Leadership, project team management, and client interfacing distinguish lead mechanical engineers. They oversee technical deliverables, coordinate engineering efforts, and often present project status, requiring a blend of technical mastery and interpersonal skills beyond standard engineering tasks.
While not mandatory, knowledge of SMRs and advanced reactor technologies is highly beneficial at Sargent & Lundy. Such expertise aligns with the company’s focus on innovative nuclear solutions, enhancing a candidate’s ability to contribute to cutting-edge projects.
Sargent & Lundy offers a salary range from $116,620 to $179,890 for lead mechanical engineers in Palm Beach Gardens, aligning well with or slightly above national averages due to the specialized nuclear sector and the company’s award-winning benefits package.
Sargent & Lundy fosters work-life balance by adopting hybrid schedules requiring three in-office days weekly, combined with flexible work arrangements. This approach supports productivity while respecting personal time, enhancing employee satisfaction in complex nuclear engineering roles.
Florida’s nuclear projects demand strict compliance with state and federal regulations, creating challenges in adapting designs to evolving codes. Engineers must stay current with Florida-specific safety standards while ensuring modifications meet NRC requirements, emphasizing vigilance and adaptability.
Mechanical Engineer 1s at Sargent & Lundy can advance into leadership roles managing projects, leading engineering teams, or specializing in emerging nuclear technologies. The company values professional growth, offering mentorship, licensure bonuses, and opportunities aligned with nuclear industry innovations.
Hiring in Palm Beach Gardens for lead mechanical engineers is moderately competitive due to specialized skills and nuclear experience requirements. Candidates with extensive nuclear plant design expertise and regulatory knowledge tend to stand out amid a focused applicant pool.