Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy•Cedar Rapids, IA

22h•Hybrid

About The Position

This position requires onsite support at the Duane Arnold Energy Center for project needs, starting remotely with a potential transition to a hybrid work arrangement (three days in-office, two days remote). The role involves nuclear power plant systems design, including the preparation and review of modification packages, functional mechanical drawings, engineering analyses, technical specifications, procurement documents, vendor bid evaluations, and studies for plant modifications. Additionally, the Lead Mechanical Engineer will develop engineering cost estimates, interface with clients, make presentations, and lead engineering project teams. Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group, a leader since 1954, focuses on clean, carbon-free energy, with expertise in SMRs, advanced reactor technology, and commercial reactor restart projects. The work supports life extensions, digital modernization of existing nuclear plants, coal-to-nuclear conversion initiatives, and international new-build projects, all with a commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability to power communities and reduce emissions.

Requirements

BS or MS in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering from an ABET accredited program with academic coursework in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfers
A minimum of 10 years of experience in the power industry
Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations that apply to mechanical engineering design of nuclear power plants
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position

Nice To Haves

PE license is beneficial, but not required
Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs
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

Prepare or review modification packages for operating nuclear power plants
Prepare or review functional mechanical drawings and/or drawings for nuclear power plant systems
Prepare or review engineering analyses and evaluations to support modifications and operation of plant systems
Prepare or review technical specifications and procurement documents for plant equipment
Prepare or review vendor bid evaluations for plant equipment
Prepare or review studies and options evaluations for modifications to operating nuclear power plants
Develop engineering cost estimates for small to mid-sized client-requested work scopes
Visit client office and/or plant site locations to interface with the client and make presentations related to engineering tasks and status
Lead engineering project teams
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
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