Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 (Power Uprates) - Nuclear
About The Position
Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer to perform consulting-level engineering work for nuclear power uprates. The role supports electric power generation clients seeking to increase output from existing plants and involves work on major systems, equipment, and plant processes. The position follows a hybrid schedule, with in-office work required three days per week. The engineer will interface with clients, project teams, and vendors; develop proposals, cost estimates, task estimates, and budgets; review engineering calculations, reports, equipment evaluations, and vendor bids; and support equipment sizing, optimization, and selection for proposed uprates. The role also includes mentoring junior engineers, conducting independent reviews, and attending client meetings and site walkdowns. Sargent & Lundy describes its Nuclear Power Group as working in nuclear engineering, design, and licensing, including existing-plant life extensions and digital modernization, coal-to-nuclear conversion initiatives, small modular reactors, advanced reactor technology, reactor restart projects, and international new-build projects. The company highlights its commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) 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 at least one of the following: power uprates (EPU/SPU/MUR); power uprate pinch point assessments and/or task reports; turbine, generator, AVR, or exciter refurbishments; heat exchanger replacement (FWH/MSR/TFP); isophase bus duct; transformer/switchyard; NSSS systems; or licensing applications.
- Excellent technical report-writing skills.
- Knowledge of the practical application of mechanical engineering and technology, including applying systems, principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to 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 MS Office applications.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- No U.S. work authorization sponsorship is offered for this position.
Nice To Haves
- Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) from an ABET-accredited program with a strong academic background.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license.
- Interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies where relevant to the role.
- Experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued where relevant but is not required.
Responsibilities
- Perform consulting-level work for power uprates in the nuclear industry.
- Interface with clients and project teams to present technical discussions and project status.
- Develop engineering proposals and cost estimates.
- Manage resources and resource loading, and develop task-completion estimates and budgets.
- Review calculations related to heat balances, power train pumps, heat exchangers, condensers and heat sinks, and plant hazards to support client recommendations and reviews.
- Review task reports and equipment evaluations to ensure technical information is clear, concise, and meets client requirements.
- Review equipment sizing, optimization evaluations, and selection in response to client needs and to support proposed power uprates.
- Evaluate vendor bids from a technical perspective.
- Interface with vendors to review documents and ensure equipment complies with specifications and plant needs.
- Lead and mentor junior engineering staff on power plant engineering technical tasks.
- Independently review work performed by others, including calculations and drawing preparation.
- Attend client meetings and site walkdowns to validate scope and ensure client satisfaction.
- Prepare calculations and/or reports for assignments.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision health plans
- Life and accident insurance
- Disability coverage
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Back-up daycare
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (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
- Yearly discretionary bonus may be available to eligible employees
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
