Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 (Power Uprates) - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy is a trusted leader in nuclear engineering, design, and licensing, supporting clean energy projects and the modernization and life extension of nuclear power plants. The Lead Mechanical Engineer will perform consulting-level power uprate work, develop proposals and estimates, review engineering calculations and equipment evaluations, and interface with clients and vendors. The role also leads and mentors junior engineers and supports automation and AI-enabled engineering workflows.

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/resource loading 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 to support client recommendations and reviews
• Review task reports and equipment evaluations that present technical information in a clear and concise manner to meet client requirements
• Review equipment sizing, optimization evaluation, and selection in response to client needs to support the proposed power uprate
• Evaluate vendor bids from a technical perspective
• Interface with vendors to perform document reviews, ensure equipment compliance with specifications and needs of the plant
• Lead and mentor junior engineering staff on power plant engineering technical tasks
• 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
• 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
• Leaders in these roles often direct 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, is valued but not required

Requirements:

• This position requires a BSME from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program with a strong academic background and interest in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics
• 10+ 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
• All assignments require the preparation of calculations and/or reports, and excellent technical report writing skills are essential
• 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
• We also value 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
• MSME from an ABET accredited program with a strong academic background
• PE License
• Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs