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Entry-Level Structural Engineer - Energy & Industrial Group (Summer 2026)
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chicago, IL, 60603
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 8 January 2026
Description
This position has a target start date in summer 2026.
- 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, energy and industrial related projects, creating calculations to develop structural document designs, and preparing technical specifications. Additionally, you will conduct structural analyses, which include complex loading conditions such as wind, seismic, and pressurization.
- Using our state-of-the-art computer tools, you will perform the structural analysis and design of steel frames, connections, concrete members, equipment and piping supports, and foundations.
- There is the potential for you to travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews, and to plant site locations for structural condition assessments, construction coordination and field verification of designs.
This position is based on a hybrid work schedule and will require in-office work 3 days per week.
Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
- This position requires a BS or MS of Civil Engineering from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program with a graduation in spring 2026 and a strong academic background and interest in behavior of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design.
- Related engineering internship or co-op work experience.
- Knowledge of the practical application of structural engineering including loads analysis for structural supports, and design integrity.
- Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
- Proficiency with MS Office applications.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and designation as an Engineer in Training.
- Experience in writing and providing support documentation for Structural Engineering calculations.
- Two or more years related experience in analysis and design of steel structures and concrete foundations for power plants or heavy industrial facilities
- Proficiency with any of the following programs: MathCad, STAAD PRO, SAP2000, SAFE, STRUDL, or ANSYS.
- Familiarity with design codes and standards such as IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI 318.
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
$60,660.00 - $87,090.00Transparency 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
The summer 2026 start date means candidates should align their graduation timelines and internship experiences accordingly. Employers at Sargent & Lundy plan recruitment around this timeframe to onboard graduates ready to apply structural engineering principles in energy and industrial projects.
Applicants should have hands-on knowledge of structural steel design, reinforced concrete, and load calculations including wind and seismic forces. Familiarity with software like STAAD Pro or SAP2000 enhances the ability to tackle complex energy sector projects typical in Chicago’s industrial environment.
Completing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and earning an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) designation are highly regarded in Illinois. These credentials demonstrate foundational competency crucial for structural roles, especially in energy and industrial sectors prevalent around Chicago.
Chicago’s growing industrial and power generation sectors foster steady demand for emerging structural engineers skilled in energy-related design and analysis. Local employers, including Sargent & Lundy, seek fresh talent to support expanding renewable and conventional energy projects.
Compensation spans from approximately $60,660 to $87,090 annually, reflecting the technical skills and entry-level status. The package often includes bonuses and comprehensive benefits, aligning with Chicago’s cost of living and industry standards for structural engineers.
The company offers mentorship, exposure to diverse projects including renewable energy, and opportunities for licensure support. Their commitment to innovation and sustainability creates an environment conducive to growing expertise in structural engineering within energy sectors.
With three days in-office weekly, engineers balance collaboration on design teams and field visits to client sites. This mix supports hands-on structural assessments and design reviews, while allowing remote work for focused analysis tasks, matching Chicago’s dynamic work culture.
Sargent & Lundy emphasizes advanced engineering solutions in power and industrial sectors with a strong sustainability focus. Their recognition for culture and benefits, along with access to cutting-edge tools and diverse project types, makes this role uniquely appealing.
Chicago’s industrial projects often involve rigorous load conditions like seismic and wind forces due to regional climate. New engineers must be ready to apply comprehensive structural analysis and adapt to local codes such as ASCE 7 and AISC standards.
Proficiency in MS Office is essential, while experience with Mathcad, STAAD Pro, SAP2000, SAFE, STRUDL, or ANSYS significantly enhances design capabilities. These tools facilitate detailed analysis of steel frames and concrete foundations in energy-related projects.