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Senior Nuclear Quality Assurance Engineer 1
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chicago, IL, 60603
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 10 January 2026
Description
We are currently seeking a Senior Quality Assurance Engineer to be based out of our Chicago, IL office. This position not only offers you the opportunity to utilize and expand your background in engineering but also provides a clear path for professional growth. In this role, you will be expected to be able to participate in and eventually lead and host quality assurance audits while also working with project teams on such diverse activities as problem identification and resolution, support during the procurement of engineered products and materials, and self-assessment activities. You will also assist project teams with the development and execution of project quality plans.
Other duties of the position may include managing quality assurance personnel, training employees, controlling purchased items and services, verifying effective corrective action, data analysis and trending, and root cause analysis. The focus of these activities is engineering, design, and consulting. The position may involve approximately 10-15% domestic travel to other company locations and related supplier facilities for audit, surveillance, and/or inspection.
This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, with the expectation of spending three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days.
Depending on your location, this opportunity offers a generous relocation package.
Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
- BS or MS from an ABET-accredited engineering program or related academic experience
- Five or more years of experience in quality in the nuclear industry or in another regulated industry
- Proficiency with MS Office applications
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong analytical reasoning
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- NQA-1 Audit Team Leader Certification
- Previous Quality Assurance Manager experience.
- Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and designation as an Engineer in Training or a Professional Engineering 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.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
Chicago's nuclear sector blends traditional energy engineering with stringent Midwest regulatory standards. Engineers here often navigate a unique mix of industrial client demands and local nuclear safety protocols, making the quality assurance role particularly focused on compliance and regional audit practices compared to other locations.
Audits in Chicago tend to emphasize rigorous documentation and root cause analysis aligned with state-specific safety codes. Given Illinois' dense industrial landscape, auditors face complex supply chains and diverse engineered products, requiring engineers to adapt swiftly and apply advanced problem-solving within a high-stakes environment.
Expertise in NQA-1 standards combined with strong communication and analytical skills are highly prized. Familiarity with local nuclear regulations and proficiency in MS Office tools enhance project coordination, while experience in leading audits and corrective action validation distinguishes candidates in Chicago’s competitive market.
Holding an NQA-1 audit team leader certification or a professional engineering license elevates credibility. Additionally, passing the FE exam and experience in quality management reflect a robust background, aligning well with Sargent & Lundy’s high standards for nuclear quality assurance leadership.
The company fosters a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration, encouraging engineers to lead audits and engage closely with project teams. This environment supports professional growth with a focus on quality, safety, and innovation, mirroring Sargent & Lundy’s award-winning benefits and employee-centric values.
Engineers must navigate a complex supplier ecosystem, ensuring purchased materials meet nuclear-grade standards while overcoming logistical hurdles typical of Chicago’s industrial sectors. Balancing stringent audits with project timelines requires acute attention to detail and proactive corrective action management.
The salary range from $82,380 to $125,860 reflects Chicago’s strong demand for experienced nuclear quality assurance engineers, slightly above the national midpoint due to the city’s industrial density and regional cost of living, making it an attractive market for seasoned professionals.
Chicago's proximity to major nuclear facilities and a concentration of engineering consultancies boosts demand. The area's emphasis on nuclear safety and regulatory compliance, combined with ongoing infrastructure projects, creates a steady need for highly skilled quality assurance engineers.
Candidates should anticipate a hybrid model with three days on-site at the Chicago office, balancing in-person collaboration with remote work. Domestic travel, roughly 10-15%, often involves visits to regional supplier sites or company locations, requiring flexible scheduling amidst Chicago’s urban commute.
Advancement often leads to managerial roles overseeing quality assurance teams or specialized expertise in nuclear compliance and auditing. Gaining certifications like NQA-1 and PE licenses can accelerate progression, with opportunities to lead critical safety projects or transition into nuclear engineering consultancy.