Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 (Nuclear Plant Analysis) - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy•Palm Beach Gardens, FL

21h•Hybrid

About The Position

Sargent & Lundy is hiring a Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 for its Nuclear Power Group, supporting clients seeking to increase power output at existing nuclear plants. The role involves consulting-level mechanical analysis engineering for nuclear power uprate projects, including licensing-basis evaluations, system and component assessments, equipment evaluations, and recommendations. The position offers the opportunity to apply knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and power plant engineering. The engineer will prepare and review calculations and reports, evaluate and select equipment, and communicate technical findings and project status to clients and project teams. The role also includes developing proposals and cost estimates, leading and mentoring junior staff, independently reviewing others’ work, and attending client meetings and site walkdowns. The position follows a hybrid schedule requiring in-office work three days per week.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program.
Strong academic background and interest in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics.
10 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: balance-of-plant system and component evaluations; pinch-point assessments and/or task reports; heat balance; power train pumps, heat exchangers, or condenser/heat sink; circulating water and ultimate heat sinks.
Excellent technical report-writing skills; assignments require preparation of calculations and/or reports.
Knowledge of the practical application of mechanical engineering and technology, including systems, principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment used in project design.
Strong interest in numerical computations and problem solving.
Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations applicable to mechanical engineering design of nuclear power plants.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Must be authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship; the employer does not sponsor work authorization for this position.

Nice To Haves

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program, with a strong academic background.
Professional Engineer (PE) license.
Experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued where relevant but is not required.

Responsibilities

Develop and lead licensing-basis system and component evaluations for nuclear power uprate projects.
Perform consulting-level work for power uprates in the nuclear industry.
Prepare and review calculations related to heat balances, power train pumps, heat exchangers, condensers/heat sinks, and plant hazards to support client recommendations and reviews.
Prepare task reports and equipment evaluations that present technical information clearly and concisely and meet client requirements.
Perform equipment sizing, optimization evaluations, and equipment selection in response to client needs and proposed power uprates.
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 by others, including calculations and drawing preparation.
Attend client meetings and site walkdowns to validate scope and ensure client satisfaction.