Senior Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Warrenville, IL, 60555
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.
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
- A minimum of 5 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 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
$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
A Senior Mechanical Engineer 1 in nuclear power actively refines mechanical systems, ensuring compliance with stringent safety codes and enhances plant reliability. Their expertise in functional mechanical drawings and modification packages directly contributes to safer and more efficient nuclear power plant operations.
Candidates with a BS or MS in mechanical engineering from ABET-accredited programs, coupled with at least five years in power industry experience, excel locally. Familiarity with nuclear codes, standards, and the PE license, while optional, significantly boosts employability in Warrenville's nuclear engineering market.
Unlike conventional roles, this position demands deep engagement with nuclear plant-specific systems, such as vendor bid evaluations for specialized equipment, regulatory compliance, and leading modifications on active nuclear facilities, blending technical precision with leadership in a highly regulated environment.
Sargent & Lundy supports work-life balance with hybrid schedules allowing remote work two days a week, comprehensive health plans, paid parental leave, and flexible PTO. These perks, combined with award-winning compensation and wellness programs, create a supportive environment for senior engineers.
The $82,380 to $125,860 salary range reflects a strong midwestern market rate, competitive against national averages for nuclear mechanical engineers. This range aligns with regional cost of living while rewarding experience and technical expertise in nuclear power plant design.
While a PE license is advantageous, certifications related to nuclear codes (ASME, ANSI) and safety standards are highly regarded locally. Professionals in Warrenville often pursue credentials that validate their expertise in nuclear plant mechanical systems and regulatory compliance.
Leadership at Sargent & Lundy requires project management acumen, effective client communication, and the ability to guide engineering teams through complex nuclear system modifications. Senior engineers must balance technical precision with strategic decision-making in driving innovation and safety.
Illinois, with its significant nuclear infrastructure, shows steady demand for senior mechanical engineers skilled in nuclear systems. Warrenville benefits from proximity to multiple nuclear facilities, making it a competitive yet opportunity-rich environment for experienced nuclear engineers.
Sargent & Lundy emphasizes hybrid work flexibility, award-winning benefits, and involvement in cutting-edge projects like SMRs and advanced reactors. Their longstanding reputation in nuclear design and licensing offers engineers exposure to innovative, high-impact assignments not always found at competitors.
Senior engineers confront challenges like integrating digital modernization into legacy plants, conducting rigorous vendor bid analyses, and ensuring compliance amidst evolving regulations. They lead multidisciplinary teams to solve complex issues underpinning nuclear plant safety and performance enhancements.