Lead Structural Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy · United States

Hybrid
Full-time
$180,313 / year
United States

Job highlights

Lead structural engineering team on nuclear projects.
Apply expertise in structural analysis and design.
Interface with clients and cross-functional teams.
Utilize advanced structural analysis software.
Mentor engineers and oversee quality deliverables.

About the role

Lead Structural Engineer - Nuclear

This is a Project Lead Structural Engineer position that offers a variety of interesting and challenging opportunities in structural engineering and will provide an excellent opportunity to advance your career. In this position, you will guide a team of structural engineers, interface with clients and engineers from other disciplines, and manage a variety of exciting projects. This position will enable you to:

Apply your knowledge of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design in the successful execution of assigned tasks.
Work on a wide range of projects for various clients and interface with them as required.
Direct the preparation and review of design calculations, specifications, reports, and other deliverables and support designers with drawing development.
Supervise and mentor others in the development of quality engineering deliverables.
Perform the structural analysis and design of steel frames, connections, concrete members, and foundations using our state-of-the-art computer tools.
Travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for construction coordination and field verification of designs.

Qualifications

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential Skills And Experience

BSCE or MSCE from an ABET-accredited program.
Ten or more years of experience working as a member of a project team in the design and analysis of industrial / heavy commercial or nuclear facility structures.
Proficiency with structural analysis software such as STAAD, SAP2000, SAFE, STRUDL, or ANSYS.
Proficiency with design codes and standards such as ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Valued, But Not Required

MSCE degree.
On-site construction support experience.
PE or SE license.

AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy

In this role, we expect people to be 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.
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.
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.

Award-Winning Benefits

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Health & Wellness
Financial Benefits
Work-Life Balance

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

Transparency Statement

Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.

About This Business Unit

Join Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group and be part of a team driving the future of clean, carbon-free energy. Since 1954, we’ve been a trusted leader in nuclear engineering, design, and licensing, with expertise spanning small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactor technology (ART), and first-of-a-kind commercial reactor restart projects. Our work supports life extensions and digital modernization of existing nuclear plants, coal-to-nuclear conversion initiatives with the Department of State, and international nuclear new-build projects. With a commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, we provide cutting-edge solutions that power communities worldwide while reducing emissions. Shape the future of global energy with us!

Awards & Recognition

Equal Opportunity

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.

Key skills/competency

Structural Analysis
Structural Steel Design
Reinforced Concrete Design
Nuclear Facility Structures
Project Leadership
Client Interface
Engineering Deliverables
Structural Software (STAAD, SAP2000)
Design Codes (ASCE 7, AISC, ACI)
AI & Automation in Engineering

Skills & topics

Lead Structural Engineer
Structural Engineering
Nuclear Engineer
Structural Analysis
Steel Design
Concrete Design
Project Management
STAAD
SAP2000
ASCE 7
AISC
ACI
AI in Engineering
Automation
Heavy Commercial Structures
Industrial Structures
Sargent & Lundy
Engineering Jobs
Career Advancement
Clean Energy

How to get hired

Tailor your resume: Highlight your 10+ years of experience in nuclear facility structures, BSCE/MSCE, and proficiency in structural analysis software like STAAD or SAP2000.
Showcase leadership: Emphasize your experience leading engineering teams, managing projects, and interfacing with clients.
Demonstrate technical skills: Detail your expertise with design codes (ASCE 7, AISC, ACI) and your ability to perform structural analysis and design.
Address AI/Automation: Mention any experience or willingness to lead teams in using AI, automation, or scripting for engineering workflows.
Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss complex structural challenges, project management scenarios, and your leadership approach.

Technical preparation

Master structural analysis software: STAAD, SAP2000.,Review ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI codes.,Practice steel frame and concrete design calculations.,Understand AI/automation for engineering workflows.

Behavioral questions

Describe leading a project team.,How do you handle client communication?,Give an example of mentoring an engineer.,How do you ensure deliverable quality?

Frequently asked questions

What are the key responsibilities for a Lead Structural Engineer - Nuclear at Sargent & Lundy?: As a Lead Structural Engineer - Nuclear at Sargent & Lundy, you will guide a team of structural engineers, manage projects, interface with clients and other disciplines, and perform structural analysis and design for industrial, heavy commercial, or nuclear facilities. You'll also direct the preparation of design deliverables and mentor junior engineers.
What qualifications are essential for the Lead Structural Engineer - Nuclear role?: Essential qualifications include a BSCE or MSCE from an ABET-accredited program, 10+ years of experience in designing and analyzing industrial/heavy commercial or nuclear facility structures, proficiency in structural analysis software (STAAD, SAP2000, etc.), and familiarity with design codes like ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI. Excellent communication skills are also required.
Does Sargent & Lundy sponsor work authorization for this Lead Structural Engineer position?: No, Sargent & Lundy does not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this specific position. Candidates must already have the legal right to work in the United States.
What is the compensation range for the Lead Structural Engineer - Nuclear role?: The compensation range for this position at Sargent & Lundy is $118,023 - $180,313 annually. This range may be adjusted based on experience, qualifications, and other factors.
What is the significance of AI and automation at Sargent & Lundy for this role?: Sargent & Lundy values leaders who can guide teams in using modern tools like AI and automation to improve engineering workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs. This includes overseeing automation of calculations, document summarization, and design documentation generation.
What kind of benefits does Sargent & Lundy offer?: Sargent & Lundy offers comprehensive, award-winning benefits including medical, dental, vision, life & accident insurance, disability coverage, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), 401(k), generous paid time off (PST, vacation, holidays), and parental leave, among others.
What is the work arrangement for the Lead Structural Engineer - Nuclear position?: While not explicitly stated as remote or hybrid, the job description mentions travel to client and vendor offices, as well as plant site locations, suggesting a primary on-site or hybrid arrangement with significant fieldwork. Given the lead role and client interaction, it's likely a hybrid or on-site position.
How does Sargent & Lundy approach diversity and equal opportunity?: Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other protected status.

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About the role

Lead Structural Engineer - Nuclear

Apply your knowledge of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design in the successful execution of assigned tasks.
Work on a wide range of projects for various clients and interface with them as required.
Direct the preparation and review of design calculations, specifications, reports, and other deliverables and support designers with drawing development.
Supervise and mentor others in the development of quality engineering deliverables.
Perform the structural analysis and design of steel frames, connections, concrete members, and foundations using our state-of-the-art computer tools.
Travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for construction coordination and field verification of designs.

Qualifications

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential Skills And Experience

BSCE or MSCE from an ABET-accredited program.
Ten or more years of experience working as a member of a project team in the design and analysis of industrial / heavy commercial or nuclear facility structures.
Proficiency with structural analysis software such as STAAD, SAP2000, SAFE, STRUDL, or ANSYS.
Proficiency with design codes and standards such as ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Valued, But Not Required

MSCE degree.
On-site construction support experience.
PE or SE license.

AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy

In this role, we expect people to be 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.
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.
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.

Award-Winning Benefits

Health & Wellness
Financial Benefits
Work-Life Balance

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

Transparency Statement

About This Business Unit

Awards & Recognition

Equal Opportunity

Key skills/competency

Structural Analysis
Structural Steel Design
Reinforced Concrete Design
Nuclear Facility Structures
Project Leadership
Client Interface
Engineering Deliverables
Structural Software (STAAD, SAP2000)
Design Codes (ASCE 7, AISC, ACI)
AI & Automation in Engineering

How to get hired

Tailor your resume: Highlight your 10+ years of experience in nuclear facility structures, BSCE/MSCE, and proficiency in structural analysis software like STAAD or SAP2000.
Showcase leadership: Emphasize your experience leading engineering teams, managing projects, and interfacing with clients.
Demonstrate technical skills: Detail your expertise with design codes (ASCE 7, AISC, ACI) and your ability to perform structural analysis and design.
Address AI/Automation: Mention any experience or willingness to lead teams in using AI, automation, or scripting for engineering workflows.
Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss complex structural challenges, project management scenarios, and your leadership approach.

Frequently asked questions

What are the key responsibilities for a Lead Structural Engineer - Nuclear at Sargent & Lundy?

As a Lead Structural Engineer - Nuclear at Sargent & Lundy, you will guide a team of structural engineers, manage projects, interface with clients and other disciplines, and perform structural analysis and design for industrial, heavy commercial, or nuclear facilities. You'll also direct the preparation of design deliverables and mentor junior engineers.

What qualifications are essential for the Lead Structural Engineer - Nuclear role?

Essential qualifications include a BSCE or MSCE from an ABET-accredited program, 10+ years of experience in designing and analyzing industrial/heavy commercial or nuclear facility structures, proficiency in structural analysis software (STAAD, SAP2000, etc.), and familiarity with design codes like ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI. Excellent communication skills are also required.

Does Sargent & Lundy sponsor work authorization for this Lead Structural Engineer position?

No, Sargent & Lundy does not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this specific position. Candidates must already have the legal right to work in the United States.

What is the compensation range for the Lead Structural Engineer - Nuclear role?

The compensation range for this position at Sargent & Lundy is $118,023 - $180,313 annually. This range may be adjusted based on experience, qualifications, and other factors.

What is the significance of AI and automation at Sargent & Lundy for this role?

Sargent & Lundy values leaders who can guide teams in using modern tools like AI and automation to improve engineering workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs. This includes overseeing automation of calculations, document summarization, and design documentation generation.

What kind of benefits does Sargent & Lundy offer?

Sargent & Lundy offers comprehensive, award-winning benefits including medical, dental, vision, life & accident insurance, disability coverage, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), 401(k), generous paid time off (PST, vacation, holidays), and parental leave, among others.

What is the work arrangement for the Lead Structural Engineer - Nuclear position?

While not explicitly stated as remote or hybrid, the job description mentions travel to client and vendor offices, as well as plant site locations, suggesting a primary on-site or hybrid arrangement with significant fieldwork. Given the lead role and client interaction, it's likely a hybrid or on-site position.

How does Sargent & Lundy approach diversity and equal opportunity?

Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other protected status.