Structural Engineer 1 (Entry-Level) - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Phoenix, AZ, 85003
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 1 January 2026
Description
This position will offer you the opportunity to utilize and expand your academic background in structural engineering in a professional position offering a wide range of interesting and challenging responsibilities. You will team up with other engineers and designers from various disciplines involved in the design of new nuclear facilities, nuclear plant betterment, and associated modifications.
- As an Entry-Level Structural Engineer, you will have 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 design calculations, develop specifications, and support designers with drawing development.
- Using our state-of-the-art computer tools, you will perform the structural analysis and design of steel frames, connections, concrete members, equipment and piping supports, and foundations.
- Additionally, you will conduct structural analyses, which include loading conditions such as wind and seismic.
Additional opportunities will include:
- Receive training and mentorship from experienced structural design engineers in the execution of meaningful project engineering assignments.
- 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:
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s of Science in Structural/Civil Engineering or Architectural Engineering with a strong academic background and interest in behavior of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design
- Completion of coursework in steel and concrete design
- Knowledge of the practical application of structural engineering including loads analysis for structural supports and design integrity
- An understanding of the practical application of structural engineering including applying principles, techniques, and procedures to a project design
- Knowledge of structural design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of technical plans, drawings, and models
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency with MS Office applications
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s of Science from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program
- Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and designation as an Engineer in Training
- Experience in writing and providing support documentation for Structural Engineering calculations
- Familiarity with structural analysis software such as MathCad, STAAD PRO, SAP2000, SAFE, GT STRUDL, or ANSYS
- Familiarity with design codes and standards such as IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, N690, ACI 318, and ACI 349
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
$60,660.00 - $87,090.00Transparency 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
Phoenix has a growing demand for nuclear and structural engineering talent, but entry-level roles like Structural Engineer 1 are moderately competitive due to increasing clean energy projects. Candidates with coursework in steel and concrete design and some software familiarity gain a notable advantage in local hiring.
While not mandatory, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and obtaining Engineer in Training (EIT) status significantly boost employability in Arizona's nuclear field. Familiarity with nuclear design codes such as ACI 349 and N690 also aligns well with regional industry standards.
An entry-level structural engineer in nuclear focuses on applying theoretical knowledge to practical design tasks, like analyzing steel frames and concrete supports under seismic and wind loads. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and using specialized software tools are central to this role’s day-to-day activities.
Fundamental strengths include structural steel and reinforced concrete design, structural analysis techniques, and understanding load behaviors. Additionally, proficiency with software such as STAAD Pro or SAP2000 and clear technical communication skills enhance early career success.
Starting as a Structural Engineer 1 opens routes toward senior engineering roles, project leadership, and specialization in nuclear plant modernization or SMR technologies. Mentorship programs and hands-on client site experiences facilitate accelerated professional growth within the company.
Sargent & Lundy provides exposure to pioneering nuclear projects, including advanced reactor technologies and first-of-a-kind commercial reactor restarts. Their multidisciplinary teams and cutting-edge tools foster a dynamic environment for structural engineers eager to innovate in nuclear design.
The salary range spans approximately $60,660 to $87,090 annually, complemented by award-winning benefits like comprehensive medical coverage, paid parental leave, and flexible work arrangements. This package reflects the company’s commitment to employee well-being alongside competitive pay.
Sargent & Lundy emphasizes nuclear energy innovation with a legacy dating back to 1954, offering early-career engineers mentorship and involvement in high-impact projects like coal-to-nuclear conversions. Their strong culture of safety and sustainability distinguishes the Phoenix experience.
Highlight your academic foundation in structural and civil engineering, especially coursework on steel and concrete design. Demonstrating familiarity with structural analysis software and clear communication abilities will align well with the role’s technical and collaborative demands.
Phoenix’s nuclear engineering scene fosters entry-level growth through structured training, site visits, and cross-disciplinary team collaboration. With local investment in clean energy, new engineers gain hands-on exposure to innovative nuclear plant designs and regulatory compliance.