Sargent & Lundy

Lead Mechanical Engineer 2 (Nuclear Plant Analysis) - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy$134K — $205K *
Cary, NC 27513In-Person
Energy & Utilities
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BSME from an ABET-accredited program with a focus on thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics.
  • 12+ years of experience in the nuclear power industry.
  • Experience in nuclear power uprates or turbine retrofit projects.
  • Practical knowledge in evaluations for balance of plant systems, heat balances, and related equipment.
  • Strong technical report writing skills essential for preparing calculations and reports.
  • Knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations for mechanical engineering in nuclear power plants.
  • Proficiency with MS Office applications.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and lead licensing evaluations for nuclear power uprate projects.
  • Perform consulting-level work for power uprates in the nuclear industry.
  • Prepare and review calculations for heat balances, pumps, heat exchangers, and hazards.
  • Prepare clear task reports and equipment evaluations to meet client needs.
  • Perform equipment sizing and optimization evaluations for proposed uprates.
  • Interface with clients and project teams for technical discussions and project status.
  • Lead and mentor junior engineers on technical tasks.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work schedule requiring in-office work 3 days per week.
  • Comprehensive benefits package reflecting commitment to employee well-being.
  • Opportunities for performance rewards and discretionary bonuses.
Full Job Description
Description

Our electric power generation clients are seeking to increase the power output of their existing power plants to meet the electric demands. This is expanding work in the Mechanical Analysis Engineering group.  You will work on major systems, equipment and plant process in the following areas:

  • Develop and lead licensing basis system and component evaluations for nuclear power uprate projects.
  • This position will offer you the ability to directly apply your knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and experience in power plant engineering.
  • Perform consulting level work for power uprates in the nuclear industry.
  • Prepare and review calculations related to heat balances, power train pumps, heat exchangers, condenser/heat sink, and plant hazards to support client recommendations and reviews.
  • Prepare task reports and equipment evaluations that present technical information in a clear and concise manner to meet client requirements.
  • Perform equipment sizing, optimization evaluation, and selection in response to client needs to support the proposed power uprate.
  • Interface with clients and project teams to present technical discussions and project status.
  • Develop engineering proposals and cost estimates.
  • Lead and mentor junior engineering staff on power plant engineering technical tasks.
  • Perform independent reviews of work performed by others including calculations and drawing preparation.
  • Attend client meetings and site walkdowns to validate scope and ensure client satisfaction.

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:

  • This position requires a BSME from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program with a strong academic background and interest in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics.
  • 12 or more years of experience in the nuclear power industry.
  • Experience with nuclear power uprates and/or turbine retrofit projects.
  • Experience and practical knowledge in one or more of the following areas:
    • Balance of plant system and component evaluations
    • Pinch point assessments and/or task reports
    • Heat balance
    • Power train pumps, heat exchangers, condenser/heat sink
    • Circulating Water and Ultimate Heat Sinks
  • All assignments require the preparation of calculations and/or reports, and excellent technical report writing skills are essential.
  • Knowledge of the practical application of mechanical engineering and technology including applying systems, principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to a project design.
  • Strong interest in numerical computations and problem solving.
  • Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations that apply to mechanical engineering design of nuclear power plants.
  • Proficiency with MS Office applications.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

 Valued but not required skills and experience:

  • MSME from an ABET accredited program with a strong academic background
  • PE License
AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to lead others who use modern tools:

  • You are expected to lead others in taking engineering problems from issue to solution by setting expectations for using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Leaders in these roles often direct automation and process-improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked.
  • Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs, is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that enables effective oversight of automation and agentic AI-enabled engineering workflows.
Compensation Range$134,546 - $205,557 Transparency StatementSargent & 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!

About Sargent & Lundy

Sargent & Lundy is an engineering consulting firm that provides comprehensive engineering, energy business consulting, and project services for power generation and transmission projects. The company was founded in 1891 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Sargent & Lundy has a team of over 2,000 professionals who have extensive experience in the power industry and can provide clients with innovative solutions to complex challenges. The company has worked on a wide range of projects including nuclear power plants, fossil fuel power plants, and renewable energy projects.
Learn more about Sargent & Lundy
Size
2,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1891

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