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Mechanical Engineer 1 (Entry Level) - Energy & Industrial
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chicago, IL, 60603
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 11 January 2026
Description
This position has a target start date of January/ February 2026.
- This position will offer you the ability to directly apply your knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics
- You will be preparing calculations, specifications, and technical reports to support client recommendations and reviews, and will additionally conduct equipment sizing, optimization evaluation, and selection in response to project needs
- While supporting project teams with other Mechanical Engineers, you will be involved in system engineering, including the design, modification, and analysis of power plant mechanical systems
- There is the potential for you to travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for construction coordination and field verification of designs
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:
- This position requires a BSME or MSME from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program with a graduation in Spring or Winter 2025 and a strong academic background and interest in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics
- Experience with CAD software, such as AutoCAD or Revit
- Knowledge of the practical application of mechanical engineering and technology including applying systems, principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to a project design
- Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of technical plans, fabrication drawings, and models
- Strong interest in numerical computations and problem solving
- Proficiency with MS Office applications
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and designation as an Engineer in Training
- Experience in writing and providing support documentation for Mechanical Engineering calculations
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
$60,660.00 - $87,090.00Transparency 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicago's energy industry offers moderate competition for entry-level mechanical engineers, fueled by ongoing investments in power generation and renewable projects. Candidates with strong thermodynamics and CAD skills stand out, especially when familiar with local codes and hybrid work preferences.
While Sargent & Lundy values diverse academic backgrounds, graduates from Chicago's ABET-accredited programs often align well with the company's focus on thermodynamics and fluid mechanics. Local education can ease adaptation to regional project standards and hybrid office schedules.
Daily activities include preparing calculations for power plant systems, collaborating on equipment sizing, and supporting design modifications. Entry-level engineers also engage in numerical problem-solving and technical report writing, contributing to both conceptual and detailed engineering phases.
Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is highly regarded, indicating foundational competency. While not mandatory, EIT designation and experience with CAD software like AutoCAD or Revit substantially boost a candidate’s appeal for energy sector mechanical engineering roles.
Sargent & Lundy supports growth through exposure to advanced projects in decarbonization and renewable energy. Entry-level engineers can progress by gaining field experience, obtaining engineering licensure, and contributing to innovative technologies in combined cycle and carbon capture systems.
The company’s award-winning benefits emphasize employee well-being, offering flexible hybrid schedules, paid leave, and health programs. This supportive environment enables junior engineers to balance rigorous project demands with personal time effectively, especially in a dynamic Chicago office setting.
Travel is occasional, primarily for client meetings, vendor consultations, and site verifications. This exposure enhances practical knowledge but is balanced with a hybrid work model, allowing engineers to maintain steady office collaboration while experiencing diverse project environments.
Entry-level mechanical engineers at Sargent & Lundy in Chicago typically earn between $60,660 and $87,090 annually. This range reflects the regional market standards for energy sector roles and includes potential bonuses and comprehensive benefits.
Engineers support projects utilizing renewable technologies, carbon capture, and advanced power systems. This role offers hands-on involvement in designing and optimizing equipment aligned with industry trends toward decarbonization and sustainability.
Sargent & Lundy’s focus on large-scale power plant design and decarbonization projects provides unique exposure to pioneering energy technologies. Combined with hybrid work flexibility and robust benefits, it creates a compelling career start distinct from typical entry-level engineering roles.