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Contract Nuclear Electrical Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Lead Electrical Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Surry, VA · On-site

$230K - $240K/yr

Develop proposals for complex electrical modifications at nuclear power plants * Provide technical oversight and supervision for all electrical engineering activities to include: * Engineering design ...

Lead Electrical Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Surry, VA · On-site

$230K - $240K/yr

Develop proposals for complex electrical modifications at nuclear power plants * Provide technical oversight and supervision for all electrical engineering activities to include: * Engineering design ...

This will be an onsite field support position at Surry Nuclear Power Plant. * Under the direction of the electrical engineering lead or project manager, this position will offer you the opportunity ...

Description This will be an onsite field support position at Surry Nuclear Power Plant. * Under the direction of the electrical engineering lead or project manager, this position will offer you the ...

Description This will be an onsite field support position at Surry Nuclear Power Plant. * Under the direction of the electrical engineering lead or project manager, this position will offer you the ...

We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers ... As an Electrical Engineer for BWXT you will join a team that powers some of the most important ...

We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers ... As an Electrical Engineer for BWXT you will join a team that powers some of the most important ...

We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers ... As an Electrical Engineer for BWXT you will join a team that powers some of the most important ...

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Contract Nuclear Electrical Engineer information

What is a contract nuclear electrical engineer?

Contract Nuclear Electrical Engineers are professionals who work on a temporary or project basis within the nuclear energy sector, focusing on the design, maintenance, and troubleshooting of electrical systems in nuclear power plants or facilities. They ensure that electrical components and systems comply with safety regulations, industry standards, and operational requirements. These engineers may also be involved in upgrades, outage support, and technical evaluations, often working closely with other specialists to maintain safe and efficient power generation. Their contract status allows them to take on specialized projects for various employers, providing flexibility and expertise where it's most needed.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a contract nuclear electrical engineer?

To thrive as a Contract Nuclear Electrical Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, knowledge of nuclear power systems, and typically a bachelor's degree or higher in electrical or nuclear engineering. Familiarity with industry standards like IEEE, regulatory compliance systems such as NRC guidelines, and technical tools like AutoCAD and ETAP is crucial. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help manage complex projects and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operation and maintenance of critical nuclear facility electrical systems.

What are some unique challenges faced by contract nuclear electrical engineers compared to permanent staff?

Contract nuclear electrical engineers often need to quickly adapt to new projects and facility-specific protocols, which can be more challenging than for permanent staff who are already familiar with the site's systems and culture. They are typically expected to hit the ground running, manage multiple priorities, and ensure compliance with strict industry regulations while integrating into existing engineering teams. Additionally, contractors must maintain up-to-date security clearances and may have less time to build long-term relationships, making effective communication and collaboration skills particularly important.

What is the difference between Contract Nuclear Electrical Engineer vs Contract Electrical Engineer?

AspectContract Nuclear Electrical EngineerContract Electrical Engineer
CertificationsProfessional Engineer (PE), Nuclear certificationsPE license, general electrical certifications
Work EnvironmentNuclear power plants, nuclear facilitiesPower plants, industrial facilities, commercial sites
Industry UsagePrimarily in nuclear energy sectorBroader industries including energy, manufacturing, construction

The main difference between a Contract Nuclear Electrical Engineer and a Contract Electrical Engineer lies in their specialized work environments and certifications. Nuclear Electrical Engineers focus on nuclear facilities and require specific nuclear certifications, while Electrical Engineers work across various industries with general electrical credentials. Both roles involve electrical system design, maintenance, and safety, but the nuclear role demands additional nuclear safety and regulatory knowledge.

What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Electrical Engineer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Nuclear Electrical Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Contract Nuclear Electrical Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Contract Nuclear Electrical Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Nuclear Electrical Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Lead Electrical Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy

Surry, VA • On-site

$230K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

123rd of 450 rated engineering


Job description

You will be leading the group on interesting and challenging projects that include investigating, troubleshooting, and solving a wide variety of electrical engineering issues to support single and multi-discipline projects. 

This will be an on-site field support position at Surry Nuclear Generating Station.

The majority of the projects performed for our clients require multi-discipline interface and coordination.

Responsibilities include:

  • Lead efforts performed by group members to ensure successful completion of electrical engineering project deliverables to meet all technical, quality, financial and project controls expectations
    • Initiating and conveying scope of work to group members
    • Defining deliverables (i.e. calcs, specs, drawings, design change etic…)
    • Reviewing status and tracking progress of group members to maintain project scope/budget and keep client informed
    • Routine status meetings
    • Submitting progress reports
    • Tracking and resolving open items and emergent project issues
    • Coordinating completion of project deliverables  
  • Lead the team for the detailed design phases for all aspects of electrical engineering work to include interface and coordination with other disciplines
  • Develop project scope, cost estimates, and schedules for complex electrical modifications at nuclear power plants 
  • Develop proposals for complex electrical modifications at nuclear power plants
  • Provide technical oversight and supervision for all electrical engineering activities to include:
    • Engineering design change packages to install, replace or upgrade existing plant equipment to ensure long-term equipment reliability
    • Engineering calculations in support of design change packages, including AC and DC power studies, short circuit, cable ampacity, voltage drop, breaker coordination, motor starting and protective relay settings
    • Equipment procurement specifications
    • Bid review evaluation process for potential equipment vendors, to include supporting vendor requests for additional information, developing responses to vendor questions, and maintaining a tracking mechanism for questions/responses
  • Interface with the client, including implementing personnel to validate scope and ensure client satisfaction
  • Mentor and guide the development of the group
  • Identify and follow up on client needs that may result in strategic opportunities
  • Leverage good client relationships to develop follow-on work from existing clients
  • Prepare/Coordinate multi-discipline proposals

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

Essential skills and experience:

  • A BSEE degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program
  • Ten or more years’ experience in the design of electrical engineering systems for nuclear power plants
  • Three or more years experience in leading an engineering design group through all phases of a project design
  • Experience in the selection of equipment, materials, and the preparation and assembling of engineering design change packages, calculations, and specifications
  • Experience with serving as firm/client liaison in a support or lead engineering role
  • Experience with electrical system design including low and medium voltage distribution systems (transformers, generators, motor, relays, etc…)
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills to convey information to project team members and client
  • Proficiency with MS Office applications
  • Detail oriented approach to work
  • Capable of being badged for unescorted access to a nuclear station
  • PE Licensure is preferred

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.

Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-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

$118,023 - $180,313
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.

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.


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About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

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