Mechanical Engineer - Senior-Level

About the Role

This position operates on a hybrid work schedule, requiring three days per week in the office.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead Mechanical Engineering design efforts for a team of junior and senior engineers and designers.
• Engage in challenging assignments, including investigating, troubleshooting, and resolving diverse mechanical engineering issues.
• Serve as the Mechanical team lead for coordinating detailed design phases across all mechanical engineering work.
• Develop integrated systems designs and conduct supporting calculations.
• Prepare technical specifications for mechanical engineering equipment.
• Develop engineering studies.
• Perform independent reviews of calculations and drawings prepared by others.
• Coordinate and guide other engineers, project managers, client personnel, and suppliers to ensure complete and timely designs.
• Review existing facilities to propose upgrades and replacements, presenting findings and recommendations to clients and peers.
• Foster career development through peer learning and knowledge sharing within S&L's systems and "Communities of Practice."
• Mentor less experienced engineers.
• Communicate and interact effectively with client staff.

Qualifications

Sargent & Lundy does not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program is required; Master's in Mechanical Engineering is preferred.
• PE License is preferred.
• Minimum of five years of experience in the design of mechanical engineering systems for non-commercial, heavy industrial plants (power plant experience is essential; oil & gas or chemical experience is valued). This includes integrated, detailed system design for new plants, modifications, or replacements. Experience must cover equipment selection, piping materials, control philosophy, and the preparation of supporting calculations and specifications.
• Demonstrated ability to lead preliminary engineering studies evaluating multiple solutions for client needs.
• Sound technical judgment, strong technical writing skills, and experience preparing high-level bills of materials and equipment lists for estimating.
• Minimum of three years of experience leading an engineering design team through all project phases for capital projects or small to medium plant services projects.

AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy:

• Lead others in utilizing data, automation, and AI to solve engineering problems, improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
• Direct automation and process-improvement initiatives, such as automating calculations, summarizing technical documents, or generating design documentation. Guide the appropriate use of AI and agentic AI tools, ensuring results are verified.
• Oversee engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) for task automation, with review of automated outputs (valued, but not required).
• Additional learning in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields is valued, enabling effective oversight of automation and AI-enabled engineering workflows.

Award-Winning Benefits

Sargent & Lundy is committed to employee health and well-being, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off. We understand the importance of work-life balance and provide competitive, award-winning benefits, recognized by the Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Health & Wellness:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
• Life & Accident Insurance
• Disability Coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Back-Up Daycare

Financial Benefits:

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) & Health Savings Accounts (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

Work-Life Balance:

• Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Bereavement Leave
• Flexible Work Arrangements

Compensation Range

$82,380.00 - $125,860.00

Transparency Statement

Sargent & Lundy provides compensation ranges in compliance with all local and state regulations. Total compensation includes base salary/hourly rate and benefits. Employees may also be eligible for a yearly discretionary bonus.

About This Business Unit

The Energy & Industrial Group (EIG) delivers advanced engineering solutions for power generation, environmental compliance, oil & gas, and industrial projects, including new plant design and upgrades for operating facilities. We have designed nearly 900 conventional power plants (over 100,000 MW), with extensive experience in combined cycle projects utilizing advanced machinery. EIG is committed to decarbonization through innovative technologies in renewable energy, carbon capture, and hydrogen power. We provide detailed engineering for PV solar and energy storage integration, and lead in carbon capture technologies from conceptual studies to commercial implementation.

Awards & Recognition

Equal 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.

Location: Chicago, IL, United States Area of Interest: Mechanical Engineering Type: Full Time - Regular Job ID: 2026-23524 Business Group: Energy & Industrial Group Department: Mechanical Engineering