Senior HVAC Engineer 2 - Nuclear
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chicago, IL, 60603
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 11 January 2026
Description
This position is based on a hybrid work schedule and will require in-office work 3 days per week.
- You will work on challenging assignments that include designing of HVAC systems, investigating, trouble-shooting, and solving a wide variety of HVAC engineering issues
- You will meet with others to develop integrated HVAC systems including the following:
- Commercial/Industrial Ventilation Systems
- Control room HVAC
- Laboratory HVAC
- Chilled water system design
- Heating system design
- Provide support in the planning, scheduling, conducting, or coordinating of the detailed design phases of all aspects of facility engineering work
- Perform design calculations and develop detailed system design
- Prepare technical specifications for HVAC equipment
- Prepare engineering studies
- You will provide support to other engineers, project managers, client personnel, and suppliers to assure a complete and timely design
- You will assist senior engineers with reviews of existing facilities to propose upgrades and replacements, and may present findings and recommendations to clients and peers
- Familiarity with ASHRAE and Current HVAC Industry Codes and Standards
Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
- BS in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program is required
- Seven or more years of relevant HVAC system, ventilation systems, heating systems, and chilled water system design experience for laboratory and/or industrial facilities
- Proficiency in TRACE 700 or Carrier HAP
- Ability to create design flow diagrams, and Process & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
- Prior knowledge of relevant codes and standards applicable to HVAC and ventilation system
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- AutoCAD
- CADME
- MicroStation
- PE license
- ASHRAE Membership
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
$95,840.00 - $147,870.00Transparency 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
Join Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group and be part of a team driving the future of clean, carbon-free energy. Since 1954, we’ve been a trusted leader in nuclear engineering, design, and licensing, with expertise spanning small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactor technology (ART), and first-of-a-kind commercial reactor restart projects. Our work supports life extensions and digital modernization of existing nuclear plants, coal-to-nuclear conversion initiatives with the Department of State, and international nuclear new-build projects. With a commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, we provide cutting-edge solutions that power communities worldwide while reducing emissions. Shape the future of global energy with us!
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
Expertise in designing HVAC systems for nuclear environments requires deep understanding of ventilation, chilled water, and heating systems tailored to safety-critical facilities. Senior HVAC Engineer 2 roles demand proficiency with codes like ASHRAE and experience troubleshooting complex industrial and laboratory HVAC challenges.
This position involves collaborating on integrated HVAC systems specific to nuclear facilities, including control room ventilation and chilled water design. Balancing field investigations with detailed design calculations and technical specifications sets it apart from standard commercial HVAC engineering.
While a PE license and ASHRAE membership are highly valued, local employers in Chicago often prefer engineers with ABET-accredited mechanical engineering degrees and familiarity with nuclear safety codes. These credentials enhance trustworthiness and compliance in this highly regulated industry.
Sargent & Lundy emphasizes hybrid work combined with collaborative design and rigorous adherence to nuclear HVAC standards. Their teams focus on pioneering clean energy solutions with a commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability, offering engineers a stimulating environment for career growth.
Engineers at Sargent & Lundy actively support nuclear licensing by ensuring HVAC designs meet stringent regulatory codes. This role involves detailed engineering studies and client-facing presentations, integrating HVAC solutions with nuclear safety and operational standards.
Chicago’s demand for nuclear HVAC engineers is moderate but growing, with Sargent & Lundy attracting top talent due to its strong reputation in nuclear engineering. Candidates with seven-plus years of HVAC and nuclear experience will find a competitive edge, especially those adept in Trace 700 or Carrier HAP.
Senior HVAC Engineer 2 positions in Chicago typically offer between $95,840 and $147,870 annually. This range reflects the specialized skills required for nuclear HVAC system design and adherence to industry codes, alongside comprehensive benefits promoting work-life balance.
With a hybrid schedule requiring three in-office days weekly, proximity to Chicago’s central areas eases commute stress. Engineers balancing site visits and office collaboration benefit from Chicago’s public transit options, but traffic patterns can influence daily travel efficiency.
Key competencies include advanced system design skills for ventilation, chilled water, and heating, along with proficiency in P&IDs and design flow diagrams. Experience with ASHRAE standards and software like Carrier HAP is critical to meet Chicago’s rigorous industrial and nuclear HVAC demands.
By designing HVAC systems that support nuclear plant modernization and small modular reactors, these engineers drive carbon-free energy initiatives. Their work ensures safe, efficient environmental controls that align with Sargent & Lundy’s mission to power communities sustainably worldwide.