Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 (Project Manager / Program Manager) - Nuclear

This position will offer you the opportunity to manage project(s) consisting of engineers, designers, and controls and scheduling professionals involved in the design, modification, and analysis of new and existing nuclear power plant modifications. The position will involve coordinating with multiple internal and external departments to manage the life cycle of project execution. 

• Responsible for project execution, coordination of resources from each discipline as required.
• Take ownership for all aspects of project performance including safety, schedule, budget, reporting and client experience through entire project lifecycle.
• Manage and direct the project team to ensure accountability.  Mentor and coach team members.
• Develop and maintain a positive working relationship with client task engineers and stakeholders.
• Lead efforts to ensure projects are completed safely, satisfactorily, on time, and within budget.
• Support the reporting of key performance indicators for schedule, budget and other dashboard items.
• Identify and control construction risk.
• Recognize, identify, track and control change.
• Prepare and review modification packages, mechanical drawings, and engineering analyses or evaluations for operating nuclear plants and systems as required.
• Prepare technical specifications and procurement documents, and conduct vendor bid evaluations for plant equipment as required. 
• Communicate and consult with appropriate stakeholders and supervisors.
• Prepare reports and studies that present technical information in a clear and concise manner and meet client requirements and Sargent & Lundy formats.
• Analyze issues and provide solutions to improve results.

This position is based on a hybrid work schedule and will require in-office work 3 days per week.

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

Essential skills and experience:

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering or Chemical Engineering from an ABET-accredited engineering program
• Proven experience managing multi-disciplinary teams
• 10 or more years of experience in a technical field (engineering, construction, planning, etc.)
• 5 or more years of experience in the power industry 
• 5 or more years of experience with serving as a firm/client liaison in a support or lead role
• Ability to multitask and manage multiple competing priorities
• Proven experience completing technical deliverables for modification packages for operating power plants
• Knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations that apply to mechanical engineering design of nuclear power plants
• Engineering design experience
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work in a collaborative team setting
• Schedule and budget development and management

Valued but not required skills and experience:

• Construction Management, MBA, or other management/business degree
• PMP Certification
• Experience writing proposals

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.

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.

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!

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.