Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy • Metairie, LA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

This Lead Mechanical Engineer role at Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group 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 operating nuclear power plants. The position also entails developing engineering cost estimates, client interface, presentations, and leading engineering project teams. The role offers a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for three days in the office and two days remote. The Nuclear Power Group is a trusted leader in nuclear engineering, design, and licensing since 1954, focusing on small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactor technology (ART), commercial reactor restart projects, life extensions, digital modernization, coal-to-nuclear conversion, and international new-build projects, with a commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability to provide clean, carbon-free energy solutions globally.

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

Nice To Haves

• PE license is beneficial
• 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, such as how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation
• Guide when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare plans
• Generous paid time off
• Medical, Dental, Vision Health Plans
• Life & Accident Insurance
• Disability Coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Back-Up Daycare
• FSA & 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees