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Small Modular Reactor Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

Small Modular Reactor information

How much money do nuclear reactor workers make?

Nuclear reactor workers, including roles such as reactor operators and technicians, typically earn between $70,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, often with shift differentials and benefits included.

Is it hard to get a job at a nuclear power plant?

Getting a job at a nuclear power plant, including roles related to Small Modular Reactors, typically requires relevant education, such as engineering or technical training, and often involves passing background checks and safety certifications. Experience in the nuclear industry or related fields can improve chances, and positions may require working in specialized environments with strict safety protocols.

What companies are working on small modular reactors?

Several companies are developing small modular reactors (SMRs), including NuScale Power, Westinghouse Electric Company, and TerraPower. These companies focus on designing and commercializing SMRs for clean energy generation, often involving advanced engineering skills and regulatory certifications.

What is a Small Modular Reactor job?

A Small Modular Reactor (SMR) job involves working on the design, development, construction, operation, or regulation of SMRs, which are advanced nuclear reactors that are smaller and more flexible than traditional nuclear plants. Professionals in this field may include engineers, scientists, safety analysts, project managers, and regulatory specialists. These roles focus on improving reactor efficiency, ensuring safety, and advancing clean energy solutions. SMR jobs exist in government agencies, private companies, and research institutions working to develop next-generation nuclear technology.

What are some typical daily responsibilities for a Small Modular Reactor Engineer?

As a Small Modular Reactor Engineer, your daily tasks might include performing system analyses, monitoring reactor performance, reviewing safety protocols, and collaborating with other engineering disciplines to troubleshoot technical challenges. You may also be involved in preparing regulatory reports, overseeing construction or installation activities, and participating in design reviews or risk assessments. Working closely with project managers, safety specialists, and government regulators is common to ensure all reactor operations meet stringent safety and quality standards. This role offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment, with frequent opportunities to apply technical expertise to innovative, real-world energy solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Small Modular Reactor position, and why are they important?

To excel in a Small Modular Reactor Engineer role, candidates need a solid background in nuclear engineering, mechanical or electrical engineering, and strong analytical abilities, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with nuclear reactor simulation software, regulatory compliance tools, and safety certification (such as a Professional Engineer license or NRC qualification) is highly valued. Effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills are key for coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and ensuring regulatory standards are met. These qualifications are crucial to designing, operating, and maintaining advanced nuclear systems safely and efficiently within a regulated environment.

What qualifications do you need to work at a nuclear power plant?

To work as a Small Modular Reactor technician or operator at a nuclear power plant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training or an associate degree in nuclear engineering, nuclear technology, or a related field. Certification from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) or equivalent, along with on-the-job training, is often required, and roles may require security clearances and adherence to strict safety protocols.
What are popular job titles related to Small Modular Reactor jobs in Connecticut? For Small Modular Reactor jobs in Connecticut, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Small Modular Reactor jobs in Connecticut look for? The top searched job categories for Small Modular Reactor jobs in Connecticut are:
What cities in Connecticut are hiring for Small Modular Reactor jobs? Cities in Connecticut with the most Small Modular Reactor job openings:
Infographic showing various Small Modular Reactor job openings in Connecticut as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 92% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 82% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution.
Lead Structural Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Lead Structural Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy

New London, CT • On-site

$118K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Description

Your time will be spent at the nuclear plant in Waterford, Connecticut (Millstone Nuclear Power Plant).

This is a Project Lead Structural Engineer position that offers a variety of interesting and challenging opportunities in structural engineering and will provide an excellent opportunity to advance your career. In this position you will guide a team of structural engineers, interface with clients and engineers from other disciplines as well as manage a variety of exciting projects. This position will enable you to:

  • Apply your knowledge of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design in the successful execution of assigned tasks
  • Work on a wide range of projects for various clients and interface with them as required
  • Direct the preparation and review of design calculations, specifications, reports and other deliverables and support designers with drawing development. 
  • Supervise and mentor others in the development of quality engineering deliverables
  • Perform the structural analysis and design of steel frames, connections, concrete members, and foundations using our state-of-the-art computer tools
  • Travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for construction coordination and field verification of designs
Qualifications

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

Essential Skills and Experience: 

  • BSCE with emphasis in Structural Engineering from an ABET-accredited program
  • Ten or more years of experience working as a member of a project team in the design and analysis of industrial / heavy commercial or nuclear facility structures
  • Proficiency with structural analysis software such as STAAD, SAP2000, SAFE, STRUDL, or ANSYS
  • Proficiency with design codes and standards such as ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

 Valued, but Not Required:

  • MSCE degree
  • On-site construction support experience
  • PE or SE license
AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy

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.
Award-Winning Benefits

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
Compensation Range$118,023 - $180,313Transparency StatementSargent & 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.About This Business Unit

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!

Awards & RecognitionEqual 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.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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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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