Mechanical Engineering Consultant 2 (Power Uprates) - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy•Chicago, IL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Sargent & Lundy is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Consultant 2 to support nuclear power uprate projects. The role involves consulting-level engineering for clients seeking to increase the output of existing power plants, working across major systems, equipment, and plant processes. The position includes technical reviews and recommendations, proposal and cost development, resource and budget planning, vendor coordination, and client interaction. The work arrangement is hybrid: three days per week in the office and two days remotely. The consultant will review calculations, reports, equipment evaluations, sizing and optimization studies, and vendor bids; ensure equipment meets plant specifications and requirements; and independently review calculations and drawings prepared by others. The role also includes leading and mentoring junior engineers, attending client meetings and site walkdowns, and supporting clear, technically sound deliverables. Assignments require preparation of calculations and/or reports and strong technical writing. Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group works on nuclear engineering, design, and licensing, including existing plant life extensions and modernization, advanced reactor technology, reactor restart projects, coal-to-nuclear conversion initiatives, and international nuclear construction projects. The company describes its work as supporting clean, carbon-free energy and reducing emissions.

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.
At least 10 years of experience in the nuclear power industry.
Experience with nuclear power uprates and/or turbine retrofit projects.
Practical experience in one or more 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; 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 applied 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 Microsoft Office applications.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
U.S. work authorization sponsorship is not provided 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

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, condenser/heat sink, and plant hazards to support client recommendations and reviews.
Review task reports and equipment evaluations, ensuring technical information is clear and meets client requirements.
Review equipment sizing, optimization evaluations, and selections in response to client needs and 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 support client satisfaction.
Prepare calculations and/or reports for assignments.