Balance of Plant Senior Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Pittsburgh, PA, 15219
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 11 January 2026
Description
You will be involved in nuclear power plant systems design, including preparation or review of:
- Engineering analyses and evaluations to support modifications and operation of plant systems, specifically, hydraulic, heat transfer, and heat balance analyses.
- Modification packages for operating nuclear power plants
- Functional mechanical drawings and/or drawings for nuclear power 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
- Previous experience with power uprates and/or turbine related systems is favorable
- 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
This position focuses on intricate nuclear power plant systems, including hydraulic and heat transfer analyses, which require specialized knowledge of nuclear codes and standards, unlike general mechanical engineering roles. It demands familiarity with power uprates and turbine systems, making it a niche engineering career within the energy sector.
Progression often leads to project leadership, technical specialist roles, or managerial positions within nuclear engineering firms. With experience in plant modifications and regulatory compliance, engineers can also transition into consultancy or nuclear safety advisory roles, leveraging their expertise in cutting-edge reactor technologies.
Proficiency in thermal-hydraulic system analysis, mechanical design for nuclear environments, and familiarity with nuclear codes like ASME and NRC regulations are essential. Additionally, experience with vendor bid evaluation and preparing procurement documents sharpens the engineer’s ability to manage plant system modifications effectively.
While a PE license is advantageous, local employers highly value engineers with ABET-accredited degrees and experience aligned with NRC standards. Certifications related to nuclear safety and power plant operations can give candidates a competitive edge in Pittsburgh’s specialized nuclear engineering market.
Pittsburgh's proximity to key energy hubs and its growing focus on clean energy technologies creates steady demand for experienced nuclear engineers. Compared to regions with fewer nuclear facilities, the city offers more frequent openings and opportunities for engineers skilled in plant modifications and digital modernization.
Sargent & Lundy provides comprehensive healthcare, flexible work arrangements, and generous paid leave, fostering a strong work-life balance. Their recognition for compensation excellence and employee development programs, like tuition assistance and professional licensure bonuses, make them particularly appealing to senior mechanical engineers.
Engineers engage with advanced reactor projects, small modular reactors, and digital modernization initiatives. This role offers hands-on involvement in innovative plant life extension and coal-to-nuclear conversion efforts, positioning employees at the forefront of clean energy engineering advancements.
Compensation ranges between $82,380 and $125,860 annually, reflecting experience and qualifications. This package is competitive within Pittsburgh’s nuclear engineering field and is complemented by discretionary bonuses and a robust benefits suite, supporting overall employee well-being.
Pittsburgh's collaborative and innovation-driven culture encourages teamwork and continuous learning. Engineers often find a strong community focus on safety and sustainability, which complements the nuclear sector’s rigorous standards and supports professional growth through knowledge sharing.
While Pittsburgh’s traffic is moderate, many nuclear sites are accessible via major highways. Flexible work arrangements offered by companies like Sargent & Lundy can mitigate commute stress, allowing engineers to balance site visits with remote project coordination effectively.