Structural Engineering Senior Consultant - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chicago, IL, 60603
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 10 January 2026
Description
This position allows for a hybrid work schedule with a mix of work spent in office and working remote from home.
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 have the opportunity to lead and mentor 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, 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:
- BSCE with emphasis in Structural Engineering from an ABET-accredited program
- Twenty or more years of experience working as a member of a project team in the design and analysis of industrial / heavy commercial or nuclear facility structures
- Proficiency with structural analysis software such as STAAD, SAP2000, SAFE, STRUDL, or ANSYS
- Proficiency with design codes and standards such as ASCE 7, AISC, and , ACI
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- PE or SE license
Valued, but not required:
- MSCE degree
- On site construction support experience
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
$164,580 - $253,020Transparency 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 Chicago, seasoned nuclear structural engineers often lead multidisciplinary teams, guiding projects from design to construction phases. Their deep expertise ensures compliance with stringent nuclear codes while mentoring junior staff, reflecting the city's demand for strong leadership combined with technical precision in nuclear facility projects.
Midwestern nuclear projects require balancing legacy plant modifications with modern safety standards. Consultants navigate complex structural steel and reinforced concrete designs while ensuring regulatory adherence. The region’s cold climate also demands specialized material considerations to maintain structural integrity under variable environmental conditions.
Nuclear-focused consultants bring advanced knowledge of nuclear safety codes, detailed understanding of seismic and dynamic load considerations, and proficiency in specialized analysis software like STAAD or SAP2000. Their capacity to integrate multidisciplinary engineering inputs and manage regulatory documentation distinguishes them markedly.
Professionals in this niche often advance toward principal engineering roles or project directors, leveraging experience in high-stakes nuclear projects. Chicago’s vibrant engineering community and presence of leading firms facilitate opportunities in innovation-driven roles and cross-disciplinary leadership within nuclear infrastructure development.
Sargent & Lundy offers a flexible hybrid schedule balancing onsite collaboration in Chicago offices with remote work, fostering productivity and work-life balance. This approach supports thorough design reviews and client engagement while accommodating field visits essential to nuclear project oversight.
Sargent & Lundy emphasizes mentorship, cross-disciplinary teamwork, and innovation in nuclear structural design. Their award-winning benefits and commitment to employee well-being create an environment that values both technical excellence and personal development within Chicago’s competitive nuclear sector.
Senior consultants typically earn between $164,580 and $253,020 annually in Chicago, reflecting the high technical demands of nuclear engineering. At Sargent & Lundy, this range is complemented by comprehensive benefits and potential discretionary bonuses, aligning with regional market standards.
Beyond the PE or SE license, Chicago employers value familiarity with ASCE 7 and AISC codes applied to nuclear contexts. Certifications related to nuclear safety and structural seismic design bolster candidacy, given Illinois’ regulatory environment and the nuclear sector's stringent compliance demands.
Chicago’s nuclear engineering market is competitive yet rewarding, with a steady demand driven by plant modernization and new builds. Candidates with deep nuclear structural expertise and leadership experience enjoy advantages, though the talent pool remains specialized, making networking and continuous skill development crucial.