Lead Structural Engineer 2 - Grid
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chicago, IL, 60603
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 6 January 2026
Description
This position will offer you the ability to directly apply your knowledge of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design. As a member of an engineering and design team, you will work on a wide range of power transmission modifications and upgrades to support client recommendations and reviews including creating calculations, design documents and specifications.
- You will work on challenging assignments that include investigating, trouble-shooting, and solving a wide variety of structural engineering issues.
- You will perform structural analysis and detailed design of steel frames, connections, concrete members, equipment, and foundations.
- Develop integrated structural designs and perform supporting calculations for the planned work.
- You will have direct interface with the client and communicate technical information.
- You will prepare technical specifications for structural materials.
- You will Perform independent reviews of work performed by others, including calculations and drawing preparation.
- Coordinate and provide guidance to other engineers, project managers, client personnel, and suppliers to ensure a complete and timely design.
- Perform reviews of existing facilities to propose upgrades and replacements, and present findings and recommendations to clients and peers.
- You will develop your career via peer-learning through sharing of knowledge with other experienced engineers by way of S&L’s systems of process and associated “Communities of Practice.”
- You will travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to substation locations for construction coordination and field verification of designs.
This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, with the expectation of spending three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days.
Dependent upon your location, this opportunity offers a generous relocation package.
Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
- This position requires a BSCE or MSCE from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program with a strong academic background in behavior of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design.
- 12 or more years of experience as a practicing structural engineer preferably a member of a project team working on the design and upgrade of electrical substations.
- Ability to communicate effectively with the client with appropriate level of technical detail
- Ability to perform occasional walk-downs and visit client site to attend scoping meetings.
- Experience in writing and providing support documentation for structural engineering calculations.
- Must be able to complete assignments within budget and schedule with a high degree of accuracy.
- Technically knowledgeable of the practical application of structural engineering including analysis for structural supports, loads, and design integrity.
- Experience with the design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
- Proficiency with any of the following programs: MathCad, STAAD PRO, SAP2000, SAFE, RISA 3D and RISA Floor
- Familiarity with design codes and standards such as IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI 318.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- PE license
- Experience in the design of light industrial building structures
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
$131,960.00 - $205,330.00Transparency 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
Chicago's structural engineering sector emphasizes power transmission upgrades, especially for substations. Compared to other cities, engineers here often navigate stricter local codes and benefit from a robust industrial ecosystem, making experience with grid-specific design and reinforced concrete crucial for success in this market.
While a PE license is highly valued, familiarity with local codes like IBC, ASCE 7, and AISC is essential in Chicago. Additional credentials related to reinforced concrete and steel design, combined with hands-on grid engineering experience, significantly enhance employability in this specialized structural engineering niche.
Tasks include detailed structural analysis of steel and concrete components, preparing design documents and calculations, coordinating with clients and suppliers, and conducting field verifications to ensure design integrity. These duties require both technical proficiency and effective communication to support power transmission enhancements.
At Sargent & Lundy, engineers benefit from integrated team collaboration and peer-learning communities that foster innovation. The hybrid work setup and strong client interaction empower Lead Engineers to shape designs with real-time feedback, enhancing accuracy and client satisfaction unique to the company's culture and project scope.
The firm promotes knowledge-sharing within specialized 'communities of practice,' enabling professional growth through mentorship and technical exchange. Combined with challenging assignments across power transmission upgrades and access to cutting-edge design tools, this environment nurtures leadership and expertise development in grid engineering.
Compensation typically spans from approximately $132,000 to $205,000 annually, reflecting the role’s complexity and required expertise in structural steel and reinforced concrete design for power transmission systems. This range aligns with Chicago's market demand and cost of living for senior-level structural engineers.
Chicago traffic and weather can impact site visit scheduling, especially for substation walk-downs and client meetings. However, the hybrid work model—three days onsite and two remote—helps balance travel demands, ensuring engineers maintain productivity while managing local commute challenges effectively.
Proficiency in programs like STAAD Pro, SAP2000, Mathcad, RISA 3D, and SAFE is highly favored. These tools facilitate complex analysis and design calculations tailored to grid infrastructure, enabling engineers to produce accurate, code-compliant plans optimized for Chicago’s regulatory environment.
The 'Lead' designation signifies advanced technical mastery and project oversight, requiring over a decade of experience. The '2' level indicates a senior role focused on grid-specific structural challenges, including mentoring team members and interfacing directly with clients to drive project success.
Sargent & Lundy offers a unique blend of hybrid work flexibility, comprehensive benefits, and a culture recognized for excellence in compensation. The firm's specialized focus on power transmission and community-driven professional development distinguishes its Lead Engineers, offering enriched career pathways within grid engineering.