Senior Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear Plant Analysis

Sargent & Lundy•Chicago, IL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, with three days in the office and two days remote. The position allows direct application of knowledge in thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and power plant engineering. Responsibilities include preparing/reviewing calculations, evaluations, and technical reports for client recommendations, conducting equipment sizing, optimization, and selection. The role involves system engineering, including the design, modification, and analysis of nuclear power plant mechanical systems, and interfacing with clients and project teams for technical discussions and project status presentations. Additionally, the position involves developing engineering proposals and cost estimates, and mentoring junior engineering staff. Travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant sites for meetings and field verification is a possibility.

Requirements

BSME from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program with a strong academic background and interest in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics
A minimum of 5 years of experience in the nuclear power industry
Preparation of calculations and/or reports
Excellent technical report writing skills
Knowledge of the practical application of mechanical engineering and technology including applying systems, principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to a project design
Strong interest in numerical computations and problem solving
Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations that apply to mechanical engineering design of nuclear power plants
Proficiency with MS Office applications
Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Nice To Haves

MSME from an ABET accredited program with a strong academic background
PE License
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

Preparing or reviewing calculations, evaluations, and technical reports to support client recommendations and reviews
Conducting equipment sizing, optimization evaluation, and selection in response to client needs
Supporting clients and project teams with system engineering, including the design, modification, and analysis of nuclear power plant mechanical systems
Interfacing with clients and project teams to present technical discussions and project status
Developing engineering proposals and cost estimates
Mentoring junior engineering staff on power plant engineering technical tasks
Leading 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
Directing automation and process-improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked
Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs