Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Piping Engineering & Analysis Synopsis

The Piping Engineering & Analysis discipline performs evaluations for piping systems in accordance with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, ASME B31.1, ASME B31.7, and other codes as applicable to the specific evaluation being performed. The Piping Engineering & Analysis discipline also performs the following specialty topics.

• Vibration monitoring and analysis to evaluate system operational vibrations associated with plant modifications and operating events, and to provide vibration prevention and mitigation solutions and designs.
• Evaluation of hydraulic transients, evaluation of piping systems for thermal stratification effects, operability evaluations, and qualification of piping for hydrodynamic loads.
• Pipe rupture evaluations, evaluation of pipe wall thinning due to flow accelerated corrosion (FAC) or microbiological induced corrosion (MIC), and pipe flaw evaluations.

Position Specific Details

Lead engineers support engineering design projects with the following responsibilities:

• Reviews complex calculations and approves simple calculations. Provides technical guidance to project team members. Ensures that calculations are technically sound and in accordance with project requirements.
• Reviews and approves simple system/structural designs and prepares and reviews complex system/structural designs to ensure completeness, accuracy, quality, constructability, and operability.
• Performs engineering review of drawings. Reviews design input for complex system/structures. Defines client expectations for drawings. Coordinates interface between design and engineering. Actively participates in design reviews to ensure quality, constructability, and operability.
• Prepares and reviews major system, installation, and material specifications. Defines technical and commercial requirements, including scheduling of vendor submittals needed for design input.
• Prepares bid evaluations for complex systems and installation scopes. Participates in bid negotiations with vendors. May evaluate change orders on behalf of the client.
• Prepares and reviews single-discipline, complex reports/studies. Participates in the preparation of multi-discipline reports. Reviews studies and reports to ensure that conclusions are technically sound, cost-effective, and clearly communicated.

Required Skills and Experience:

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Aerospace, or Structural/Civil Engineering, from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program, with an emphasis in solid mechanics, structural analysis, theory of elasticity, metallurgy, and finite element analysis
• P.E. license
• 10 or more years of relevant experience
• Extensive knowledge of ASME B31.1 and ASME B&PV Section III piping codes
• Knowledge of the design, selection, and application of pipe supporting elements
• Working knowledge of commercially available piping products and their application
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Valued but Not Required Skills and Experience:

• The ability to navigate a 3D CAD model
• Experience with AutoPIPE or PIPESTRESS software
• Knowledge of gas dynamics and hydraulic transients
• Knowledge of pipe condition assessment
• Experience with ANSYS Workbench and Mechanical ADP

• 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.