Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 (Power Uprates) - Nuclear

About the role

This role involves consulting level work for power uprates in the nuclear industry. Key responsibilities include presenting technical discussions and project status to clients and project teams, developing engineering proposals and cost estimates, managing resources, reviewing calculations, and leading junior engineering staff.

Responsibilities

• Present technical discussions and project status to clients and project teams
• Develop engineering proposals and cost estimates
• Manage resources and develop estimates for task completion and budget development
• Review calculations related to heat balances, power train pumps, heat exchangers, condenser/heat sink, and plant hazards
• Review task reports and equipment evaluations
• Evaluate vendor bids from a technical perspective
• Interface with vendors to perform document reviews and ensure equipment compliance
• Lead and mentor junior engineering staff
• Perform independent reviews of work performed by others including calculations and drawing preparation
• Attend client meetings and site walkdowns to validate scope and ensure client satisfaction

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program
• Strong academic background and interest in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics
• 10 or more years of experience in the nuclear power industry
• Experience with nuclear power uprates and/or turbine retrofit projects
• Experience and practical knowledge in one or more of the following areas: Power Uprates (EPU/SPU/MUR), Power Uprate pinch point assessments and/or task reports, Turbine / Generator / AVR / Exciter Refurbishments, Heat Exchanger Replacement (FWH/MSR/TFP), Isophase Bus Duct, Transformer/Switchyard NSSS Systems Licensing Application

Qualifications

• 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

Skills

• Excellent technical report writing skills
• Leadership in using modern tools like automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs
• Ability to oversee engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs
• Additional learning in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that enables effective oversight of automation and agentic AI-enabled engineering workflows

Benefits

At Sargent & Lundy, we offer a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life & Accident Insurance
• Disability Coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Back-Up Daycare
• FSA & HSA
• 401(k) Pre-Tax Commuter Account
• Merit Scholarship Program
• Employee Discount Program
• Corporate Charitable Giving Program
• Tuition Assistance
• First Professional Licensure Bonus
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Bereavement Leave
• Flexible Work Arrangements

Compensation Range

$118,023 - $180,313

Awards & Recognition

Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.