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Senior Mechanical Designer 1 (SmartPlant) - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chattanooga, TN, 37402
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 10 January 2026
Description
- Under the direction of the Mechanical Project Lead, this position will offer you the opportunity to work with multi-disciplined engineering and design project teams in developing mechanical general arrangement, piping isometric, pipe support, and mechanical equipment layout drawings in a 3-D model
- Utilize Hexagon’s SmartPlant S3D modeling software and SPF database to generate mechanical design deliverables, BOMs, and commodity lists
- Understand and interpret piping & instrumentation diagrams developed using SPID and create physical design consistent with the engineering requirements
- Act as the mechanical design team lead in the coordination of detailed design phases for all aspects of an integrated mechanical design model
- Resolve clashes and discrepancies in the 3D model and report status
- Coordinate and provide guidance to other designers and project team members to ensure a complete and timely design
- Independently plan and execute design of mechanical deliverables
- Provide guidance as a mentor in the development of less experienced drafters and designers
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:
- Experience with SmartPlant S3D modeling software including the following:
- Understanding of the integration aspects of SPID, SPF and S3D
- Clash detection resolution
- Discrepancy checks between deliverables
- Interface with SmartPlant Administrators in the development of mechanical deliverable templates and catalogs
- Drawing Presentation Rules Set Up
- Plant model data management
- 10 or more years of detailed design experience in the development of mechanical plant design drawings; piping, pipe supports and equipment layout
- Proficiency with design software tools in executing 3D plant layout models
- Experience in the review of project deliverables and drawing requirements
- Experience in the review of vendor drawings and interface points
- Ability to interface with engineering and design teams of other disciplines in the plant design process.
Valued but not required experience:
- Proficiency with MicroStation and AutoCAD
- Microsoft Office tools
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
$74,750.00 - $115,120.00Transparency 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
Chattanooga's nuclear industry is growing, but the pool of highly experienced Senior Mechanical Designers remains specialized. Candidates with over a decade of expertise in SmartPlant and nuclear plant design face moderate competition, ensuring opportunities for those with advanced skills and nuclear-specific experience.
Sargent & Lundy emphasizes integrated 3D nuclear plant designs using SmartPlant software, combining traditional layout skills with cutting-edge digital tools. Their focus on safety, innovation, and nuclear modernization sets them apart from typical mechanical design roles in Tennessee’s broader engineering market.
Clash detection in nuclear plant models requires meticulous coordination between piping, supports, and equipment layouts. Designers often navigate complex spatial constraints and multidisciplinary interfaces, demanding proficiency in SmartPlant’s clash resolution tools and effective communication with engineering teams to maintain safety and design integrity.
Senior Mechanical Designers in Chattanooga focusing on nuclear projects can anticipate salaries between $74,750 and $115,120 annually. This range reflects the specialized skills in SmartPlant modeling and nuclear safety compliance, aligning with local industry compensation standards.
Expertise with Hexagon SmartPlant tools, coupled with knowledge of piping and instrumentation diagrams, significantly boosts candidacy. While not mandatory, familiarity with MicroStation, AutoCAD, and nuclear safety standards commonly preferred by employers in Chattanooga accelerates career growth.
Yes, Sargent & Lundy offers pathways to leadership roles within multi-disciplinary nuclear teams. Their projects span advanced reactor technologies and digital modernization, providing exposure to cutting-edge nuclear engineering challenges that accelerate professional development.
At Sargent & Lundy, there is a strong emphasis on mentorship and hybrid work models, blending in-office collaboration with flexible scheduling. Their award-winning benefits and focus on sustainable nuclear solutions also create a unique professional environment compared to competitors.
Chattanooga's moderate traffic and accessible transit options make the hybrid model practical, allowing designers to balance in-office collaboration three days weekly with remote work. This reduces commute stress and supports productivity in this specialized nuclear design role.
Chattanooga enjoys steady demand due to ongoing nuclear modernization and new builds, contrasting with regions where nuclear projects are less frequent. This localized demand supports robust hiring for designers proficient in SmartPlant and nuclear regulatory requirements.
Daily tasks include generating and reviewing 3D mechanical layouts, coordinating clash detections, interpreting P&IDs, and guiding junior designers. Mastery of SmartPlant S3D and collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams ensures the seamless integration of mechanical systems within nuclear plant designs.