Senior Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear Plant Analysis

Sargent & Lundy•Chicago, IL

30d•$84,762 - $129,498•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 or reviewing calculations, evaluations, and technical reports for client recommendations, conducting equipment sizing, optimization, and selection. The role involves system engineering for nuclear power plant mechanical systems, including design, modification, and analysis. You will interface with clients and project teams for technical discussions and project status updates, develop engineering proposals and cost estimates, and mentor junior engineering staff. Travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and plant sites for meetings and field verification is also 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
Excellent technical report writing skills, as all assignments require the preparation of calculations and/or reports
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
Willingness or ability to lead others who use modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs
Experience directing automation and process-improvement work, such as automating calculations, summarizing technical documents, or generating design documentation, and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked
Experience 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

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 other Mechanical Engineers in 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
Traveling to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for meetings and field verification of design