Lead Architect 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy•Chicago, IL

2d•$118,023 - $180,313•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a hybrid position with the ability to work from our Downtown Chicago Office (3 days a week) and remotely (2 days a week). Work on challenging assignments with an internationally recognized architectural/engineering firm that includes industrial, commercial and laboratory projects while focusing on power and power related projects, which include from time to time, first-of-a-kind projects with unique requirements. Projects include investigating, troubleshooting, and solving a wide variety of architectural and engineering issues for power plant projects, related administration and security facilities, industrial projects, laboratories, and commercial facilities. Projects include working with diverse clients including National Laboratories to implement designs that include emerging technologies and new carbon-free energy sources. Coordinate the architectural design with other disciplines as well as outside consultants, such as laboratory consultants, civil, structural, HVAC, fire protection, electrical, mechanical and plumbing. Develop and interpret the design basis criteria and work on architectural designs to meet the functional requirements of each project. Modify and adapt existing architectural design features to meet a variety of situations and emerging design trends. Present architectural design recommendations and proposals to staff and clients. Assist in the preparation of 3D electronic design models, preliminary and final construction documents and specification sections for buildings and equipment enclosures. Conduct code and life safety analysis for complex architectural designs and develop safety reference drawings in support of the analysis. Conduct energy code analysis so that the architectural drawings and details associated with the building envelope are consistent with or exceed the code requirements and utilize appropriate details to ensure an energy efficient building envelope. Review and coordinate vendor submittments for conformity with construction documents. Develop your career via peer-learning through sharing of knowledge by way of S&L’s system of processes and associated “Communities of Practice”. Provide guidance as a mentor to less experienced architects and architectural designers. Occasional travel is required.

Requirements

Professional BA (5 year) or MA in Architecture from an accredited program
A minimum of 10 years of demonstrated experience in the development of commercial and industrial projects in 2D software such as AutoCAD or 3D software such as REVIT
Current registration as a licensed or registered architect and willingness to obtain licensure in additional jurisdictions
NCARB Membership or the ability to obtain NCARB Membership, is required
Proficiency in AutoCAD and REVIT or another mainstream 3D software is required
Advanced 3D software modeling experience is required
A willingness to learn other 2D and 3D software platforms is a requirement and is dependent on client needs
Experience writing and/or reviewing Architectural Specifications is required
Experience utilizing building and life safety codes, such as IBC, IECC, NFPA, ADAAG, OSHA
Experience developing project specific code analysis and life safety drawings is required
Experience utilizing materials and details used in commercial and industrial building designs is required
Experience working collaboratively with other disciplines and clients
Experience in reviewing design drawings created by others

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in MicroStation is a plus but not required
LEED Certification or Envision experience
Tekla, Open Buildings Designer
AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy
Willingness or ability 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.
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.

Responsibilities

Investigating, troubleshooting, and solving a wide variety of architectural and engineering issues for power plant projects, related administration and security facilities, industrial projects, laboratories, and commercial facilities.
Working with diverse clients including National Laboratories to implement designs that include emerging technologies and new carbon-free energy sources.
Coordinating the architectural design with other disciplines as well as outside consultants, such as laboratory consultants, civil, structural, HVAC, fire protection, electrical, mechanical and plumbing.
Developing and interpreting the design basis criteria and working on architectural designs to meet the functional requirements of each project.
Modifying and adapting existing architectural design features to meet a variety of situations and emerging design trends.
Presenting architectural design recommendations and proposals to staff and clients.
Assisting in the preparation of 3D electronic design models, preliminary and final construction documents and specification sections for buildings and equipment enclosures.
Conducting code and life safety analysis for complex architectural designs and developing safety reference drawings in support of the analysis.
Conducting energy code analysis so that the architectural drawings and details associated with the building envelope are consistent with or exceed the code requirements and utilize appropriate details to ensure an energy efficient building envelope.
Reviewing and coordinating vendor submittments for conformity with construction documents.
Developing career via peer-learning through sharing of knowledge by way of S&L’s system of processes and associated “Communities of Practice”.
Providing guidance as a mentor to less experienced architects and architectural designers.