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Lead Structural Engineer 1 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Cary, NC, 27518
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 12 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 lead 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, equipment, 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
This position is based on a hybrid work schedule and will require in-office work 3 days per week.
Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
- BS degree Structural/Civil Engineering or Architectural Engineering from an ABET-accredited program
- 10 or more years of experience working as a member of a project team in the design and analysis of nuclear facility structures
- Proficiency with structural analysis software such as STAAD, SAP2000, SAFE, STRUDL, or ANSYS
- Familiarity with design codes and standards such as IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, N690, ACI 318, and ACI 349
- Proficiency with MS Office applications.
- Good written and verbal communication skills
Valued, but not required:
- MSCE degree
- 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
$116,620.00 - $179,890.00Transparency 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
Proficiency in STAAD, SAP2000, SAFE, STRUDL, or ANSYS is crucial for efficiently analyzing and designing nuclear facility structures. These tools help ensure compliance with nuclear standards and improve accuracy in structural steel and reinforced concrete design, which aligns with Cary's advanced engineering demands.
Advancing as a Lead Structural Engineer in nuclear projects often involves gaining expertise in nuclear codes, leading multidisciplinary teams, and managing complex design challenges. Opportunities include transitioning to senior leadership, specializing in advanced reactor designs, or contributing to cutting-edge nuclear modernization efforts.
Leading structural engineers in a nuclear context requires strong communication to coordinate with multi-disciplinary teams, decisive problem-solving skills under safety-critical conditions, and the ability to mentor staff while maintaining rigorous compliance with nuclear design codes and client expectations.
Sargent & Lundy offers structured mentorship, access to advanced nuclear engineering projects, and educational assistance programs. The company’s culture, recognized by top workplace awards, fosters growth through exposure to innovative nuclear technologies and encourages licensure and continuing education.
Cary’s proximity to nuclear facilities and research hubs creates steady demand for structural engineers with nuclear expertise. While competition exists, candidates with 10+ years of nuclear structural design experience and proficiency in specialized software enjoy favorable prospects in this growing local market.
Cary offers a balance of a suburban lifestyle with access to urban amenities, which supports flexible hybrid work schedules. The region’s transportation infrastructure and community resources help minimize commute stress, enhancing overall job satisfaction for engineering professionals.
The compensation between $116,620 and $179,890 aligns well with Cary’s moderate cost of living, providing a competitive package that includes comprehensive benefits. This salary band supports attracting experienced engineers capable of handling high-responsibility nuclear projects in the region.
While a BS in structural or civil engineering is essential, having a PE or SE license, an MSCE degree, and on-site construction experience are highly regarded. Familiarity with nuclear-specific design standards and structural analysis software enhances candidacy for these technical leadership roles.
This role involves coordinating field verification of designs, supporting construction activities onsite, and liaising with vendors and clients to ensure structural integrity and compliance with nuclear safety standards throughout the build process.
The hybrid schedule balances in-office collaboration with remote work to support design accuracy and team leadership. Being onsite facilitates effective interaction with clients and cross-disciplinary engineers, which is vital for complex nuclear projects based in Cary.