Mechanical Engineer 1 (Entry-Level) - Nuclear (January 2027)

Sargent & Lundy•Chicago, IL

About The Position

This entry-level role in Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group has a target start date of early 2027. The position applies knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and power plant engineering to nuclear power projects. The engineer will prepare calculations, specifications, and technical reports to support client recommendations and reviews; perform equipment sizing, optimization evaluations, and selection; and contribute to system engineering, including the design, modification, and analysis of power plant mechanical systems. The role may involve travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant sites for construction coordination and design verification. Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group works on nuclear engineering, design, and licensing, including small modular reactors, advanced reactor technology, reactor restart projects, existing plant life extensions and digital modernization, coal-to-nuclear conversion initiatives, and international nuclear new-build projects. Employees may use data, automation, artificial intelligence, and other digital tools where relevant, while remaining accountable for their work and applying professional judgment and review.

Requirements

A BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, General Engineering, or Systems Engineering, with a strong academic background and interest in thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, power engineering, turbomachinery, thermal systems, and energy conversion.
Knowledge of the practical application of mechanical engineering and technology, including applying systems, principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to project design.
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles used to produce technical plans, fabrication drawings, and models.
Strong interest in numerical computations and problem solving.
Proficiency with MS Office applications.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
The employer does not sponsor U.S. work authorization for this position.

Nice To Haves

A BS or MS degree from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program.
Related engineering internship or co-op work experience.
Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and designation as an Engineer in Training.
Experience writing and providing supporting documentation for Mechanical Engineering calculations.
Coursework in power engineering, turbomachinery, thermal systems, or energy conversion.
Interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies where relevant to the role; experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued but not required.

Responsibilities

Apply knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and power plant engineering.
Prepare calculations, specifications, and technical reports to support client recommendations and reviews.
Conduct equipment sizing, optimization evaluations, and equipment selection in response to project needs.
Support project teams with other Mechanical Engineers.
Contribute to system engineering, including the design, modification, and analysis of power plant mechanical systems.
Potentially travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant sites for construction coordination and field verification of designs.