Contract Specialist
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chicago, IL, 60603
Job Type : Contractor
Date Posted : 11 January 2026
Description
Sargent & Lundy is a global leader in power and energy consulting, where innovation meets integrity, diversity, and a commitment to quality. Our distinctive capabilities provide domestic and international clients and partners with a thoroughly reliable source of comprehensive expertise. Sargent & Lundy offers challenge, flexibility, competitive salaries, and benefits.
We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Contract Specialist to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in drafting, red-lining, negotiating, and managing engineering, consulting and construction contracts. This role requires well developed analytical and decision making skills, the ability to assess and mitigate contractual risks, and the capability to work collaboratively with executive management and our clients. The Contract Specialist will play a key role in aligning contracts with our corporate risk profile and representing our core values in all business dealings.
Key Responsibilities:
- Draft, Review, and Red-line Contracts:
- Prepare, review, and revise client contract agreements, including non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), master service agreements (MSAs), large engineering contracts, joint venture agreements, construction contracts, etc.
- Negotiate Terms and Conditions:
- Negotiate all contract terms and conditions within client contracts, NDAs, joint venture agreements, and other legal documents to ensure alignment with company policies and risk management strategies.
- Collaborate with Executive Management:
- Work closely with executive management to ensure contracts are consistent with our risk profile and business objectives.
- Risk Assessment:
- Conduct thorough reviews and evaluations of business and contractual risks and provide recommendations to mitigate potential issues.
- Client Relations:
- Interact professionally and confidently with clients, representing the company's core values and fostering strong business relationships.
- Special Projects:
- Undertake special assignments or projects as required, demonstrating flexibility and initiative.
This position allows for a hybrid work schedule with a mix of work spent in our downtown Chicago office and working remotely from home.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Educational Background:
- Bachelor's degree, with a preference in business, insurance, engineering, law, or a related field.
- Experience:
- At least 5 years of experience in drafting, negotiating, analyzing and interpreting contract documents.
- Skills and Abilities:
- Strong ability to assess and manage risk within contractual documents.
- Attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in making administrative and procedural decisions.
- Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to make informed judgment calls and take necessary initiatives.
- Superior verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex issues clearly and professionally to all levels of the organization.
- Flexibility and willingness to work on a broad variety of contractual matters.
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team, with a proactive approach to completing projects on time.
- Willingness to travel occasionally as needed.
If you are a proactive and experienced contract specialist looking to make an impact, we encourage you to apply!
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
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
$75,210.00 - $115,210.00Transparency 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
With Chicago’s robust power and engineering industries, demand for Contract Specialists remains steady. Candidates with expertise in negotiating engineering and construction contracts often find multiple opportunities, though competition intensifies for roles involving complex risk assessments and client interactions.
Hybrid setups in Chicago's downtown offices demand Contract Specialists to efficiently juggle remote contract reviews and in-person negotiations. Navigating local traffic and coordinating with executive teams on-site while managing deadlines remotely requires strong organizational skills and flexibility.
Contract Specialists focus intensely on drafting, red-lining, and risk-mitigating contract elements, particularly in specialized fields like engineering and construction. Unlike general procurement roles, they negotiate legal terms and align agreements with corporate risk profiles to safeguard organizational interests.
Mastery in contract negotiation, risk evaluation, and clear communication stands paramount. Building cross-functional collaboration skills with executive management and clients accelerates career growth, especially in consulting environments where contract complexity and client diversity are high.
In Chicago, Contract Specialists typically earn between $75,210 and $115,210 annually, aligning well with or slightly exceeding national averages. This range reflects the specialized nature of contracts in energy consulting and the city’s cost of living, rewarding skilled professionals competitively.
Sargent & Lundy prefers candidates with bachelor's degrees in business, law, engineering, or related disciplines. While no mandatory certifications are listed, expertise in contract law and risk management, often demonstrated through professional development courses, enhances candidacy.
Emphasizing integrity and diversity, Sargent & Lundy expects Contract Specialists to embody these values by fostering transparent client relations and collaborative contract management. The culture supports flexibility, encouraging specialists to handle complex projects with autonomy and initiative.
At Sargent & Lundy, Contract Specialists engage deeply with engineering and construction contracts while aligning closely with executive leadership on risk strategy. The hybrid work model and focus on core company values create a dynamic environment distinct from typical contract roles.
Expect to handle a diverse portfolio including NDAs, master service agreements, large-scale engineering contracts, joint ventures, and construction agreements. Each requires meticulous drafting and negotiation to ensure compliance with company policies and risk mitigation standards.
Daily activities revolve around reviewing and revising contracts, negotiating terms with clients, assessing contractual risks, and collaborating with management. This role demands attention to detail, strategic decision-making, and maintaining strong client relationships.