Entry Level Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

This position has a target start date of summer 2027.

• As an Electrical Engineer 1 in our Nuclear Power Group, you will play a vital role on projects that make a real impact. You will help design and modernize critical electrical systems and large power components for existing nuclear plants, first-of-a-kind restart projects, small modular reactors (SMRs), and advanced reactor facilities. You will also support plant life-extension and digital upgrade initiatives. Your contributions will help make nuclear energy safer, more efficient, and more reliable for the communities we serve. 
• You will work alongside a project team, receiving daily technical supervision and support from experienced engineers and subject matter experts (SME’s) in nuclear power generation and electrical power systems design. You will benefit from hands-on learning, technical training, and collaboration across engineering disciplines, while leveraging our established system of technical processes — including industry standards, internally developed guidance and standards informed by decades of experience, and our extensive performance improvement database — to help deliver safe and reliable solutions. 
• Working under the direction of senior engineers, this position will offer you the opportunity to utilize and expand your academic background in electrical engineering in one or more of the following areas: 
  • Assist in the preparation of engineering calculations and design tasks for large nuclear power generating stations, including protection and coordination studies, cable sizing, medium and low voltage system design, DC battery sizing, and analyses that supports electrical designs for safety-related systems.
  • Utilize industry-standard software tools like ETAP to perform power systems analysis and modeling for complex electrical networks.
  • Assist with the design, selection, and integration of major electrical power equipment, such as switchgear, motor control centers (MCCs), large power transformers, breakers, relays, and related systems essential to nuclear power generation station operation.
  • Partner with multidisciplinary engineering teams and engage in technical training sessions and reviews.
  • Gain exposure to station-specific procedures and real-world project requirements, with opportunities to interface with client stakeholders such as Operations and Systems Engineering representatives.
  • Collaborate with designers and drafters to translate engineering concepts into detailed drawings, providing practical experience in bringing designs to life and supporting project deliverables. 
  • Develop professional skills by working within fixed project schedules and budgets, learning effective time management and collaboration tools to achieve shared objectives. Gain firsthand experience in communicating and coordinating with team members to deliver high-quality engineering solutions on time and within scope. 
  • Work alongside experienced professional engineers and gain valuable insight into the pathway to professional licensure, including mentorship and exposure to the career development steps required to become a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). 
  • Gain unescorted access to nuclear power generating stations to conduct onsite walkdowns, witness installation and testing activities, and support nuclear refueling outages, as well as participate in the implementation of major projects you helped design. 
  • Access client computer systems to review station-specific drawings, calculations, procedures, and other technical information, building expertise in design and licensing basis and electrical power systems for a specific nuclear facility. 
  • Obtain qualifications to work under supervision as a preparer for unique engineering deliverables, and have the opportunity to sign off as a qualified preparer on critical project documentation. 

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

Essential skills and experience:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s of Science degree in Electrical Engineering with a strong academic background in electrical power concepts/power systems analysis 
• An understanding of the practical application of electrical engineering and technology including applying systems, principles, techniques, and procedures to a project design 
• Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of technical plans, drawings, and models 
• Proficiency with MS Office applications 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Strong problem-solving skills 

Valued but not required skills and experience:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s of Science degree from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program 
• Completion of power coursework, such as Power Systems Analysis, Electric Machinery, Power Electronics, or similar 
• Internship or work experience in performing power analysis, preferably within the power industry 
• Experience performing transient analysis of power systems using software such as ETAP or SKM 
• Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and designation as an Engineer in Training 

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to solve problems using modern tools:

• You are expected to take engineering problems from issue to solution using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
• Many engineers in these roles build or use automation to create calculations, summarize technical documents, or draft design documentation, including appropriate use of agentic AI tools, with strong engineering judgment and verification of results.
• Programming or scripting (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate calculations, design checks, reporting, or data transformation is valued but not required.
• We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other training in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that helps you apply automation or agentic AI to real engineering problems.

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 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

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.