Civil Designer 1 -- Energy & Industrial
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chicago, IL, 60603
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 2 January 2026
Description
This role offers a hybrid work arrangement. You'll spend three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days.
This position will offer you the opportunity to work with multi-disciplined engineering and design project teams to use your creativity and innovation to develop 3D models of civil grading and structures to produce civil drawing deliverables within CAD software.
- As a member of the Civil Design team, this position will offer you the opportunity to work with multi-disciplined engineering and design project teams in developing civil layout drawings in a 3-D model.
- Challenging assignments that include all phases of civil grading design, including roads, ditches, drainage ponds, finish surfacing plans, and permanent fencing plans, as well as investigating, trouble-shooting, and solving a wide variety of civil design issues.
- Independently and as a member of a design team, interpret and coordinate topographical date to plan and execute civil design deliverables.
- Participate in the coordination of detailed design phases for all aspects of an integrated 2D/3D civil design model, which may include the following:
- Underground piping (stormwater drainage, oily water drainage, sanitary drainage, chemical drainage)
- Building entryways (ramps, stairways)
- Erosion control plans (erosion control fencing)
- Traffic control plans (traffic signs, roadway markers/lines)
- Waterway barge unloading
- Switchyard grading and drainage
- Provide support to other designers and project team members throughout all engineering and design business units in order 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 preferred.
- CAD certificate required in non-degreed.
- Previous relevant experience considered.
Essential skills:
- Three or more years of detailed design experience in the development of civil design drawings.
- Proficiency with design software tools in executing 3D plant layout models.
- 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.
CAD Software skills valued but not required:
- Bentley Microstation
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Autodesk Civil 3D
- Autodesk Navisworks
- ArcGIS/Globalmapper
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.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 make it a stronghold for Civil Designer positions, especially in energy & industrial fields. The demand is steady, with competition balanced by the city's concentration of engineering firms. Compared to New York or California, Chicago offers a more accessible job market with competitive salaries and growing project opportunities.
Chicago’s harsh winters and variable weather patterns require civil designers to prioritize durable drainage and grading plans. Designing erosion control and drainage systems must address seasonal freezes and heavy rainfalls, making expertise in local topographical challenges essential for successful project outcomes within the city.
Mastery of 3D modeling tools like AutoCAD Civil 3D and Bentley MicroStation is crucial, along with a solid grasp of civil grading, drainage, and traffic control plans. Familiarity with multi-disciplinary coordination and understanding power plant infrastructure nuances can distinguish candidates in Energy & Industrial design projects.
While CAD certificates are often required, proficiency in Bentley MicroStation, Autodesk AutoCAD, and Civil 3D boosts employability. Additional knowledge in ArcGIS or Navisworks can enhance a candidate’s capability to handle complex 3D civil layouts and integrated design models, highly valued in energy and industrial sectors.
Sargent & Lundy emphasizes hybrid work flexibility and cross-disciplinary collaboration within energy and industrial projects. The focus on cutting-edge technologies like carbon capture and renewable energy integration offers a unique environment compared to firms concentrated solely on traditional civil engineering.
Entry-level Civil Designers at Sargent & Lundy are exposed to diverse projects, from power plant design to innovative renewable energy solutions. This broad experience, combined with award-winning benefits and ongoing professional development, lays a solid foundation for advancement into senior design or engineering roles.
The salary range of $54,420 to $78,410 aligns well with Chicago’s market rates for entry-level civil design positions in energy and industrial sectors. It balances industry competitiveness with local living expenses, complemented by a comprehensive benefits package enhancing overall employee compensation.
Collaborating across engineering teams requires attention to detailed design coordination, especially when integrating underground piping and switchyard grading. Navigating these complexities demands strong communication and technical adaptability, ensuring civil layouts align seamlessly with electrical and mechanical inputs.
Employees enjoy a balance of three days onsite and two days remote, fostering flexibility without sacrificing team connectivity. This hybrid model supports productivity while accommodating personal schedules, a significant perk for those balancing demanding project timelines with work-life harmony.