Senior Structural Designer 1 -- Energy & Industrial
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chicago, IL, 60603
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 9 January 2026
Description
- Supervise a team of designers to ensure structural drawings are completed on-time and within budget, while maintaining quality, consistency, and accountability that meets or exceeds customer requirements.
- Collaborate with mechanical and electrical designers and engineers to resolve clashes within the 3D model, optimizing the overall design. Travel to client facilities may be necessary to verify on-site physical design conditions.
- Adapt to a wide range of technologies in power generation, mining, oil & gas, and renewables. We are leading the charge in carbon capture technologies, while also working in solar, wind, battery storage, hydrogen, and natural gas.
Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Education and experience:
- Associate Degree in Computer Aided Design Technology preferred
- CAD certificate required if non-degreed
- Minimum of 10 years of experience required
Essential skills:
- Proficiency in at least one major CAD software (AutoCAD, MicroStation, Tekla, Revit, SmartPlant 3D)
- Knowledge of American Concrete Institute (ACI) for foundation design
- Knowledge of American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) manual for steel design
- Knowledge of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Must be bilingual in Spanish and English
- Decision Making
- Mentoring
- Budget Conscious
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Flexibility
CAD Software skills valued but not required:
- Bentley OpenBuildings Designer
- Autodesk Navisworks
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
$74,750.00 - $115,120.00Transparency 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 industrial and energy sectors offer unique challenges, such as adapting designs to local building codes and severe weather conditions. Senior Structural Designers here often collaborate closely with manufacturing and power generation firms, requiring a blend of structural expertise and regional regulatory knowledge to ensure safe, efficient projects.
In Chicago's diverse workforce, bilingual abilities, especially Spanish-English fluency, enhance communication with multicultural teams and clients. For senior roles in energy and industrial projects, this skill facilitates smoother coordination, improves team mentoring, and often distinguishes candidates amid competitive structural design positions.
Developing proficiency in CAD tools like AutoCAD and Revit, alongside a solid grasp of ACI and AISC standards, is crucial. Additionally, honing leadership, time management, and decision-making skills prepares Structural Designer 1 professionals for senior roles, especially within fast-evolving energy projects involving renewables and carbon capture.
Senior Structural Designers coordinate with mechanical and electrical teams to identify and resolve design conflicts within 3D models. This involves iterative reviews, applying engineering standards, and ensuring structural integrity while optimizing space and materials, which is vital for complex energy and industrial facilities.
Sargent & Lundy offers a salary range between $74,750 and $115,120 for this role, aligning well with Chicago's market rates for senior structural designers in energy sectors. This package reflects the role's technical demands, bilingual requirements, and leadership responsibilities within a competitive urban job market.
At Sargent & Lundy, Senior Structural Designers actively contribute to decarbonization projects, including carbon capture, solar, and hydrogen technologies. This role emphasizes innovative structural solutions that support renewable energy integration, promoting sustainable engineering practices within large-scale industrial developments.
The position combines extensive technical expertise with leadership over multi-disciplinary teams in cutting-edge energy projects. Sargent & Lundy's focus on carbon capture and renewables, paired with award-winning employee benefits and a strong culture of mentorship, creates a distinctive work environment for senior structural designers.
Chicago's energy and industrial sectors have seen steady growth, boosting demand for senior structural engineers. Specialized knowledge in power generation and renewables, along with bilingual skills, enhance job prospects. The competition favors candidates with proven CAD proficiency and leadership experience in complex infrastructure projects.
While an associate degree in CAD technology is preferred, many employers seek candidates with relevant CAD certifications or bachelor's degrees in engineering. Familiarity with ACI and AISC codes, OSHA standards, and fluency in Spanish are highly valued for senior design positions within Chicago's energy-focused companies.
Sargent & Lundy offers flexible work arrangements, comprehensive health plans, and generous paid time off, including parental and bereavement leave. Their award-winning benefits program promotes employee well-being, recognizing the demanding nature of senior design roles and encouraging a balanced professional and personal life.