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Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear Power Uprates

Sargent & Lundy, Phoenix, AZ, United States


Our Electric Power Generation Clients Are Seeking To Increase The Power Output Of Their Existing Power Plants To Meet The Electric Demands. This Is Expanding Work In The Nuclear Industry. You Will Work On Major Systems, Equipment And Plant Process In The Following Areas

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.

This role offers a hybrid work arrangement. You'll spend three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days.

Qualifications

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

Valued but Not Required Skills and Experience

MSME from an ABET accredited program with a strong academic background

PE License

AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy

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 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 $116,620.00 - $179,890.00

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.

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.

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