Lead Structural Engineer 2 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Pittsburgh, PA, 15219
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 9 January 2026
Description
This is a lead design 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 guide a team of structural engineers, interface with engineers from other disciplines, and interface directly with clients. You will have the opportunity to lead and mentor 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, review, and provide guidance for design calculations, develop specifications, and work with designers for drawing development
- You will prepare, review, or guide 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:
- BSCE with emphasis in Structural Engineering from an ABET-accredited program
- 12 or more years of experience working as a member of a project team in the design and analysis of industrial / heavy commercial or nuclear facility 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
- PE or SE license
Valued, but not required:
- MSCE degree
- On site construction support experience
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
$131,960.00 - $205,330.00Transparency 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
Mastery of tools like STAAD, SAP2000, and ANSYS is crucial for a Lead Structural Engineer, enabling precise modeling and safety assessments of nuclear facility structures. This expertise ensures robust designs that comply with stringent codes, directly affecting project success and regulatory approval.
Specializing in nuclear structural engineering opens pathways to leadership roles such as project lead or senior consultant. Expertise in nuclear codes and complex materials fosters opportunities in innovative reactor projects and regulatory consulting, enhancing both technical reputation and earning potential.
This leadership role blends technical design with team mentorship, client interfacing, and cross-disciplinary coordination. Unlike typical engineering positions, it demands oversight of nuclear-specific structural analyses and compliance, alongside site visits for construction verification within the Pittsburgh region.
Sargent & Lundy combines comprehensive health plans with flexible PTO, parental leave, and merit scholarships. These perks, alongside a culture recognized for excellence in compensation and work-life balance, create an environment where Lead Structural Engineers can thrive both professionally and personally.
The company’s commitment to innovation and safety fosters a collaborative atmosphere, encouraging engineers to pioneer clean energy solutions. Recognition through awards signals a supportive environment that values employee input, contributing to job satisfaction and professional growth in nuclear engineering.
In Pittsburgh, Lead Structural Engineers specializing in nuclear projects earn between $131,960 and $205,330 annually. This range reflects the seniority, technical expertise, and regulatory knowledge required, positioning compensation competitively within the local engineering job market.
Given Pittsburgh's industrial landscape, travel to nuclear plant sites can involve navigating complex traffic patterns. Engineers should anticipate occasional trips to remote facilities, requiring flexibility and time management to balance office work with essential on-site inspections.
Pittsburgh’s growing focus on clean energy and nuclear modernization has increased demand for skilled structural engineers. While competition remains robust due to the specialized skill set, experienced professionals with PE licenses and nuclear expertise have a strong advantage in securing roles.
Holding a Professional Engineer (PE) or Structural Engineer (SE) license is essential, complemented by familiarity with ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI codes. Additional credentials in nuclear safety or advanced degrees can further distinguish candidates within this specialized engineering niche.