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Lead Architect 1 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Warrenville, IL, 60555
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 9 January 2026
Description
- Work on challenging assignments with an internationally recognized architectural/engineering firm that includes industrial, commercial and laboratory projects while focusing on power and power related projects, which include from time to time, first-of-a-kind projects with unique requirements
- Projects include investigating, troubleshooting, and solving a wide variety of architectural and engineering issues for power plant projects, related administration and security facilities, industrial projects, laboratories, and commercial facilities
- Projects include working with diverse clients including National Laboratories to implement designs that include emerging technologies and new carbon-free energy sources
- Coordinate the architectural design with other disciplines as well as outside consultants, such as laboratory consultants, civil, structural, HVAC, fire protection, electrical, mechanical and plumbing
- Develop and interpret the design basis criteria and work on architectural designs to meet the functional requirements of each project
- Modify and adapt existing architectural design features to meet a variety of situations and emerging design trends
- Present architectural design recommendations and proposals to staff and clients
- Assist in the preparation of 3D electronic design models, preliminary and final construction documents and specification sections for buildings and equipment enclosures
- Conduct code and life safety analysis for complex architectural designs and develop safety reference drawings in support of the analysis
- Conduct energy code analysis so that the architectural drawings and details associated with the building envelope are consistent with or exceed the code requirements and utilize appropriate details to ensure an energy efficient building envelope
- Review and coordinate vendor submittals for conformity with construction documents
- Develop your career via peer-learning through sharing of knowledge by way of S&L’s system of processes and associated “Communities of Practice”
- Provide guidance as a mentor to less experienced architects and architectural designers
- Occasional travel is required
Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential Skills and Experience:
- Professional BA (5 year) or MA in Architecture from an accredited program
- A minimum of 10 years of demonstrated experience in the development of commercial and industrial projects in 2D software such as AutoCAD or 3D software such as REVIT
- Current registration as a licensed or registered architect and willingness to obtain licensure in additional jurisdictions
- NCARB Membership or the ability to obtain NCARB Membership, is required
- Proficiency in AutoCAD and REVIT or another mainstream 3D software is required
- Proficiency in MicroStation is a plus but not required
- Advanced 3D software modeling experience is required
- A willingness to learn other 2D and 3D software platforms is a requirement and is dependent on client needs
- Experience writing and/or reviewing Architectural Specifications is required
- Experience utilizing building and life safety codes, such as IBC, IECC, NFPA, ADAAG, OSHA
- Experience developing project specific code analysis and life safety drawings is required
- Experience utilizing materials and details used in commercial and industrial building designs is required
- Experience working collaboratively with other disciplines and clients
- Experience in reviewing design drawings created by others
Valued but not required skills and experience
- LEED Certification or Envision experience
- Tekla, Open Buildings Designer
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
In this position at Sargent & Lundy, architects incorporate innovative carbon-free energy solutions by collaborating closely with national laboratories and engineering teams, ensuring designs meet cutting-edge sustainability standards while addressing complex power plant and industrial facility requirements.
Proficiency in 2D tools like AutoCAD and advanced 3D modeling software such as Revit is essential, alongside a willingness to adapt to other platforms. Experience with MicroStation adds value, enabling efficient handling of intricate architectural details for nuclear and industrial projects.
Professionals often navigate strict code compliance, life safety analyses, and coordination with multidisciplinary teams, balancing innovative design with regulatory demands. These challenges demand strong problem-solving skills and the ability to modify architectural features for unique nuclear facility requirements.
Holding a professional architecture license, NCARB membership, and expertise in building codes like IBC and NFPA significantly strengthen candidacy, reflecting readiness to manage complex nuclear projects and maintain compliance with stringent industry standards.
Warrenville's proximity to key energy and engineering hubs fosters steady demand for nuclear architects, but candidates must stand out with specialized nuclear and industrial design experience to navigate a competitive talent market influenced by regional infrastructure projects.
Salary ranges from approximately $116,620 to $179,890 annually, reflecting the advanced expertise required. Compensation often includes discretionary bonuses and comprehensive benefits, aligning with local industry standards for senior architectural roles in nuclear engineering.
The company fosters peer learning and mentorship within specialized communities of practice, encouraging architects to expand skills in emerging technologies and nuclear design trends, which enhances leadership capabilities and project management expertise.
Sargent & Lundy’s focus on first-of-a-kind nuclear projects and integration of digital modernization sets this role apart, requiring architects to engage deeply with cutting-edge reactor technologies and collaborate internationally to shape sustainable energy solutions.
Beyond competitive pay, employees enjoy award-winning healthcare plans, generous paid time off, flexible work arrangements, and support programs like tuition assistance and commuter benefits, all designed to promote well-being and career satisfaction.
Yes, the firm offers first professional licensure bonuses and ongoing professional development support, recognizing the value of fresh licensure accomplishments within its nuclear architecture group.