Lead Structural Engineer

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Job Description

RCS Staffing has an immediate need for a Lead Structural Engineer in Downers Grove, IL. This is a full-time direct-hire Office Based assignment with our client (with opportunity for hybrid - 3 days per week in office). This position offers a competitive package including excellent benefits, holiday pay, 401(k) match, vacation and comprehensive health care.

Overview of YOUR role as a Lead Structural Engineer

As a Lead Structural Engineer, you will lead structural engineering projects supporting operating nuclear generating stations from proposal through design, implementation, and project closeout. This leadership role requires someone with 10+ years of nuclear power plant engineering experience who can provide technical leadership, manage complex structural engineering activities, and serve as a primary interface with utility clients. You will develop engineering solutions for plant structures, perform design modifications, direct complex analyses, and mentor junior engineers while ensuring compliance with nuclear codes and regulatory requirements.

As a Lead Structural Engineer YOU will:

· Lead structural engineering projects from proposal development through design, implementation, and closeout
· Perform structural evaluations, design modifications, and plant modifications in accordance with nuclear codes, standards, and NRC regulations
· Prepare, review, and approve structural calculations, technical reports, design packages, and engineering change documentation
· Develop engineering solutions for plant structures, foundations, and supports, including life extension, seismic qualification, and modernization projects
· Direct and review complex finite element analyses (FEA), dynamic seismic analysis, and soil-structure interaction (SSI) evaluations
· Interface directly with utility clients to define project scope, resolve technical issues, and present engineering recommendations
· Prepare technical and commercial proposals, including scope of work, cost estimates, schedules, and staffing plans
· Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams including mechanical, civil, electrical, I&C, and licensing personnel
· Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior and mid-level engineers
· Support plant outages, field walkdowns, structural inspections, and implementation activities
· Ensure all deliverables meet NRC regulations, ACI/AISC/ASCE codes, and client quality standards
· Participate in business development activities with existing and prospective nuclear utility clients

YOU are the ideal Lead Structural Engineer candidate if you have:

· Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (required); Master's degree preferred
· Minimum of 10 years of engineering experience supporting commercial nuclear power plants (required)
· Professional Engineer (PE) license (required); Structural Engineer (SE) license preferred
· U.S. citizenship (required)
· Demonstrated experience leading structural modification projects and multidisciplinary engineering teams
· Advanced proficiency in FEA and structural design software such as ANSYS, Octave Aspect Structure, SAP2000, or STAAD.Pro
· Strong knowledge of NRC regulations, ACI 349, AISC N690, ASCE 4/ASCE 7, and nuclear quality assurance requirements (10 CFR 50 Appendix B or NQA-1)
· Excellent technical writing, proposal development, and client communication skills
· Ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining high technical quality and meeting schedules
· Proficiency with Mathcad and AutoCAD or MicroStation

It's a BONUS if you have:

· Structural Engineer (SE) license
· Master's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering
· Experience with specialized nuclear and seismic analysis tools (e.g., SASSI for soil-structure interaction)
· Experience with seismic qualification and shield structure design
· Track record of successful plant life extension projects
· Advanced knowledge of concrete and steel structural assessment
· Business development experience with utility clients

About Our CLIENT

Our client is a leading engineering firm specializing in mechanical engineering solutions for the commercial nuclear power industry. They provide comprehensive services including plant modifications, equipment qualification, design solutions, and technical consulting for utility clients. With a focus on technical excellence, regulatory compliance, and long-term client relationships, they provide an environment in Downers Grove, IL where mechanical engineers can lead meaningful nuclear infrastructure projects while managing technical teams and contributing to power generation innovation.

Who WE Are

RCS Staffing is a certified Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) specializing in the recruitment of professionals for best-of-class companies throughout the United States. Since 1994, RCS recruits top talent for direct hire, temp-to-perm and contract staffing positions and provides customized payroll services. Our Recruiting Specialties consist of all Engineering Disciplines, Project Management, Project Controls, Information Technology, Energy Efficiency and Business Professionals.

RCS is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. RCS recruits, hires, and promotes for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship status, disability, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, genetic information or age. All terms and conditions of employment such as compensation, benefits, work assignment, availability of facilities and privileges of employment are administered on the same basis of equality.

Job Information

Rate / Salary

$ - $

Sector

Engineer