Structural Engineer 2 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Newport News, VA, 23606
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 12 January 2026
Description
This position allows for a hybrid work schedule with a mix of work spent working remotely and working on site in a field support position.
This associate 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 collaborate with a team of structural engineers, interface with engineers from other disciplines, and guide the work of less experienced project team members. You will work with a structural engineering team on engineering projects for new nuclear facilities and upgrades and modifications to nuclear power plants.
- 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 and review 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, 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
Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
- BS degree in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Structural Engineering from an ABET-accredited program
- MS degree in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Structural Engineering from an ABET-accredited program or a minimum of 1 year of experience working as a member of a project team in the design and analysis of structures, including both AISC steel and ACI concrete designs
- Experience with structural analysis software such as STAAD, SAP2000, SAFE, STRUDL, or ANSYS is preferred
- Experience with design codes and standards such as ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI is preferred
- Good written and verbal communication skills
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
$66,000.00 - $94,810.00Transparency 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
For nuclear structural engineering roles in Newport News, software like STAAD, SAP2000, and ANSYS dominate due to their robust capabilities in steel frame and concrete design analysis. Familiarity with these tools enhances your ability to tackle complex safety and compliance challenges unique to nuclear facility projects.
Structural Engineer 2 - Nuclear positions focus heavily on adherence to nuclear-specific codes and safety protocols, such as ASCE 7 and ACI standards, alongside managing structural steel and concrete designs within nuclear power plants. This specialization demands precise knowledge of nuclear facility requirements beyond conventional structural tasks.
Within the nuclear engineering field, progressing from Structural Engineer 2 can lead to senior structural engineer roles, project leadership, or specialty areas like nuclear licensing and safety analysis. Gaining experience in modular reactors and digital modernization projects further broadens advancement prospects.
While a professional engineering license (PE) strengthens candidacy, Sargent & Lundy values ABET-accredited civil engineering degrees with structural emphasis. Familiarity with nuclear design codes and hands-on project experience often weigh heavily in the hiring process for these specialized positions.
Sargent & Lundy promotes a hybrid work schedule blending remote and onsite field support, complemented by generous paid time off, flexible work arrangements, and comprehensive health plans. Their award-winning benefits emphasize employee well-being, reflecting a culture that values balance alongside demanding nuclear engineering duties.
Newport News, with its proximity to nuclear facilities and shipbuilding hubs, shows robust demand for nuclear structural engineers. This niche expertise commands stronger interest than general structural roles, driven by ongoing nuclear plant upgrades and clean energy initiatives, resulting in competitive hiring landscapes.
Salary for this position typically falls between $66,000 and $94,810 annually, reflecting the specialized skills in structural steel and concrete design within the nuclear sector. This compensation is complemented by discretionary bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package tailored to support engineering professionals.
Engineers at Sargent & Lundy engage with cutting-edge digital tools for structural analysis and contribute to pioneering projects like small modular reactors and advanced reactor technology. This fosters an environment where innovation drives sustainable nuclear energy solutions and continuous professional growth.
Given Newport News' spread-out industrial areas, onsite visits can involve travel to nuclear plants or vendor offices. The hybrid model eases this by allowing remote work days, reducing commute frequency and enabling engineers to balance field coordination with focused design tasks efficiently.
Receiving consecutive Top Workplaces awards underscores Sargent & Lundy’s commitment to employee satisfaction, particularly in compensation and benefits. This culture fosters professional respect, continuous learning opportunities, and a supportive environment essential for engineers navigating the complexities of nuclear infrastructure.