Senior Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear Plant Analysis

Sargent & Lundy•Knoxville, TN

20d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role will offer a hybrid work arrangement from our future Knoxville office. The expectation will be to spend three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days. This position will offer you the ability to directly apply your knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and experience in power plant engineering. You will be preparing or reviewing calculations, evaluations, and technical reports to support client recommendations and reviews, and will additionally conduct equipment sizing, optimization evaluation, and selection in response to client needs. While supporting clients and project teams with other Mechanical Engineers, you will be involved in system engineering, including the design, modification, and analysis of nuclear power plant mechanical systems. Interface with clients and project teams to present technical discussions and project status. Develop engineering proposals and cost estimates. Mentor junior engineering staff on power plant engineering technical tasks. There is the potential for you to travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for meetings and field verification of designs.

Requirements

BSME from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program with a strong academic background and interest in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics
5 or more 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
Willing or able to lead others who use modern tools: You are expected to 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.
Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs, is valued but not required.
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
Involved in system engineering, including the design, modification, and analysis of nuclear power plant mechanical systems
Interface with clients and project teams to present technical discussions and project status
Develop engineering proposals and cost estimates
Mentor junior engineering staff on power plant engineering technical tasks
Travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for meetings and field verification of designs