Mechanical Engineer - Project Lead

Description

Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• You will be responsible for leading the Mechanical Engineering design efforts for a team of junior and senior engineers and designers.

• You will work on challenging assignments that include investigating, trouble-shooting, and solving a wide variety of mechanical engineering issues.

• Act as the Mechanical team lead in the coordination of detailed design phases for all aspects of mechanical engineering work.

• Develop integrated systems designs and perform supporting calculations for the planned work.

• Prepare technical specifications for mechanical engineering equipment.

• Prepare engineering studies.

• Perform independent reviews of work performed by others including calculations and drawing preparation.

• Coordinate and provide guidance to other engineers, project managers, client personnel, and suppliers to ensure a complete and timely design.

• Perform reviews of existing facilities to propose upgrades and replacements, and present findings and recommendations to clients and peers.

• Develop your career via peer-learning through sharing of knowledge with other experienced engineers by way of S&L’s systems of process and associated “Communities of Practice.”

• Provide guidance as a mentor in the development of less experienced engineers.

This position is based on a hybrid work schedule and will require in-office work 3 days per week.

Qualifications

We do 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 Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program is required; Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering preferred.

• Ten or more years experience in the design of mechanical engineering systems for non-commercial, heavy industrial plants (power, oil & gas, or chemical), with a focus on integrated, detailed system design for new plants, modifications, or replacements; Experience must include the selection of equipment, piping materials, control philosophy, and the preparation of performance sizing calculations and specifications.

• Three or more years experience in leading an engineering design team through all phases of a project design.

• Technically knowledgeable of available equipment and proven pre-engineered systems to execute systems design.

• Able to create design schematics, such as flow diagrams and P&IDs, using computer design software.

• Experience with serving as firm/client liaison in a support or lead engineering role.

• Experience in reviewing design drawings created by others.

• PE license.

Valued but not required skills and experience:

• Construction and start-up experience a plus.

• Commissioning experience a plus.

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 & Wellness Financial Benefits Work-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 - $180,313

Transparency Statement

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.

About This Business Unit

The Energy & Industrial Group (EIG) specializes in delivering advanced engineering solutions across various sectors, including power generation, environmental compliance, oil & gas, and industrial projects, from new plant design to plant betterment and upgrade services for operating facilities. We have designed nearly 900 conventional power plants, yielding over 100,000 megawatts (MW) of generation capacity. Our expertise includes numerous recent and ongoing combined cycle projects that leverage the latest advanced machinery, including combustion turbines, steam turbines, and heat recovery steam generators from all leading suppliers. EIG is recognized for its commitment to decarbonization through innovative technologies in renewable energy, carbon capture, and hydrogen power. We excel in detailed engineering services for photovoltaic (PV) solar projects and energy storage integration, and lead the industry in carbon capture technologies, managing projects from conceptual studies, pilot demonstrations and through commercial scale implementation for utilities and industrial plants.

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.

CityChicago

StateIL

CountryUnited States

Area of InterestMechanical Engineering

TypeFull Time - Regular

Job ID2026-23602

Business GroupEnergy & Industrial Group

DepartmentMechanical Engineering