Mid-Level Civil Designer -- S&L Consulting
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chicago, IL, 60603
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 14 January 2026
Description
SLC works on behalf of clients to support utility-scale solar, wind, battery energy storage, thermal power, and other power and infrastructure projects. We evaluate and optimize technical, commercial, environmental, social responsibility, and financial aspects of the projects for a variety of clients.
This position will offer you the opportunity to support clients in the development stage of projects and work with teams of consultants. You will use your creativity and innovation to produce preliminary civil design deliverables up to a 30% design phase for renewable energy (solar and wind) battery storage, and thermal projects using CAD software. You will work with multi-discipline project teams to provide a variety of services, such as the following:
- Independently interpret and coordinate topographical date to plan and execute preliminary civil design deliverables.
- Prepare constraint maps identifying buildable area of projects using input from field surveys, FEMA flood map information and applicable rights-of-way.
- Prepare 30% design phase civil layout drawings and grading design, including roads, ditches, drainage ponds, finish surfacing plans, permanent fencing plans, traffic control plans, and erosion control plans, as well as investigating, troubleshooting, and solving a wide variety of preliminary civil design issues.
- Support solar energy yield assessments by preparing shading scene models.
- Provide support to SLC project team members to ensure a complete and timely design.
Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Education and Experience:
- Associates Degree in Computer Aided Design Technology or equivalent experience
- CAD certificate required in non-degreed.
- Previous relevant experience considered.
Essential skills:
- Three or more years of design experience in the development of civil design drawings.
- Experience in the review of civil layout drawings for all phases of grading, regrading, and final grading.
- Ability to interface with engineering and design teams of other disciplines in the power plant design process.
- Proficiency in Autodesk AutoCAD
CAD Software skills valued but not required:
- Bentley Microstation
- Autodesk Civil 3D
- Autodesk Navisworks
- ArcGIS/Globalmapper
- Proficiency with design software tools in executing 3D plant layout models.
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
$54,420.00 - $78,410.00Transparency 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.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
Mastering Autodesk AutoCAD is essential for civil designers working on solar and wind projects in Chicago. Familiarity with tools like Bentley MicroStation or Autodesk Civil 3D can boost your efficiency, especially when handling grading and layout designs for renewable energy infrastructure.
In the initial 30% design phase, a civil designer interprets topographic data, creates grading plans, and develops site layouts including roads and drainage. This foundational work sets the stage for successful renewable energy projects by ensuring buildable areas and compliance with environmental constraints.
While an associate degree in CAD technology is preferred, candidates with a relevant CAD certificate and robust experience in civil design can qualify. Demonstrated skills in design software and prior project experience often weigh heavily in Chicago’s competitive job market.
Beyond competitive pay, Sargent & Lundy offers award-winning benefits including comprehensive medical plans, paid parental leave, and tuition assistance. Their focus on work-life balance and employee well-being has earned multiple culture excellence awards, making it a standout employer in Chicago’s engineering consulting scene.
Designers at Sargent & Lundy support renewable energy projects by creating environmentally responsible civil layouts, including erosion control and floodplain mapping. This aligns with the company's emphasis on sustainable infrastructure that balances technical and social responsibilities.
The compensation for this role typically ranges from approximately $54,420 to $78,410 annually. This reflects Chicago’s market rates for civil design professionals working in renewable energy, complemented by a benefits package that enhances total remuneration.
Certifications like Autodesk Certified Professional or familiarity with GIS platforms such as ArcGIS can differentiate candidates. Chicago’s consulting firms value professionals who can navigate complex design software and contribute to multidisciplinary teams effectively.
Coordinating diverse engineering teams requires clear communication and understanding of various design phases. Designers must manage conflicting requirements, like balancing grading plans with environmental constraints, ensuring cohesive project progress across all disciplines.
Demand is steadily growing due to increased infrastructure investments, but competition remains high. Candidates with specialized skills in CAD software and renewable project experience stand out, especially those familiar with local regulations and environmental considerations.
This role emphasizes renewable energy infrastructure, requiring a blend of civil design expertise and sustainability awareness. Sargent & Lundy’s project focus on solar, wind, and battery storage introduces unique technical challenges not always present in traditional civil engineering consultancies.