Senior Structural Engineer 1 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Avila Beach, CA, 93424
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 12 January 2026
Description
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.
Related Jobs
Top trending job titles hiring now
Popular Searches for Senior Structural Engineer
Frequently asked questions
Senior Structural Engineers in nuclear projects focus on safety-critical design and analysis, especially for facilities like reactors. Unlike typical roles, they must navigate stringent nuclear codes, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and support plant modifications, making their expertise pivotal for clean energy infrastructure near Avila Beach.
Proficiency in STAAD, SAP2000, and ANSYS is vital for structural modeling and analysis in nuclear engineering contexts. These tools enable precise evaluation of steel and concrete structures, ensuring compliance with nuclear standards while streamlining complex design processes at Sargent & Lundy.
Professionals usually progress from junior roles to senior positions, gaining expertise in nuclear design codes and project leadership. Opportunities include project management, specialization in reactor components, or transitioning into regulatory and licensing roles, especially within California's evolving clean energy landscape.
Sargent & Lundy offers hands-on involvement in cutting-edge nuclear projects like SMRs and reactor restarts, coupled with award-winning benefits and a collaborative culture. The role emphasizes mentorship and integration with other engineering disciplines, setting it apart in fostering professional growth.
The company provides tuition assistance, licensure bonuses, and merit scholarships, encouraging continuous learning. Additionally, employees benefit from exposure to pioneering nuclear technologies and participate in cross-functional teams, enhancing both technical and leadership skills.
While a PE or SE license is highly valued, knowledge of ASCE 7 and AISC codes is crucial. California employers favor candidates familiar with state-specific seismic standards and nuclear safety regulations, reflecting regional demands for certified expertise.
Senior Structural Engineers in this region typically earn between $82,000 and $126,000 annually. The Sargent & Lundy position aligns with this range, offering competitive compensation combined with comprehensive benefits tailored for nuclear engineering professionals.
Avila Beach’s proximity to coastal nuclear facilities and ongoing modernization projects heightens demand for experienced engineers. However, the limited local talent pool and specialized skill requirements create a competitive market, emphasizing the value of niche nuclear engineering expertise.
Engineers must account for corrosion risks from salt air, seismic activity prevalent in California, and stringent environmental regulations. These factors necessitate robust material selection and resilient structural systems tailored to withstand coastal and geological challenges.