HVAC Engineer 1 (Entry-Level) - Nuclear

Sargent Lundy; Warrenville (IL); On-site; USD 63,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

Sargent & Lundy in Warrenville, IL, is seeking an HVAC Mechanical Engineer to design and optimize complex HVAC systems for commercial, industrial, and laboratory settings. You will perform calculations and develop detailed system designs, supporting engineers, project managers, clients, and suppliers to ensure a complete and timely project delivery.

The role requires a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering, familiarity with heat transfer and thermodynamics, and proficiency with MS

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Familiarity with heat transfer and thermodynamics principles
• Proficiency with MS Office applications
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

• Design HVAC systems and perform calculations
• Troubleshoot and solve HVAC engineering issues
• Develop integrated HVAC layouts (commercial/industrial, control room, laboratory, chilled water, heating)
• Support engineers, project managers, client personnel, and suppliers
• Share knowledge through Communities of Practice

Skills

Heat transfer

Thermodynamics

MS Office

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

TRACE 700

3D+

Job description

Responsibilities

• You will work on challenging assignments that include designing 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 layouts, both safety and non-safety related:

  • Commercial/Industrial Ventilation Systems

  • Control room HVAC

  • Laboratory HVAC

  • Chilled water system design

  • Heating system design

• You will perform calculations and develop detailed system design
• You will provide support to other engineers, project managers, client personnel, and suppliers to assure a complete and timely design
• You will develop your career via peer-learning through sharing of knowledge with other engineers by way of S&L's systems of process and associated "Communities of Practice."

Qualifications

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential skills and experience:

• This position requires a Bachelor’s or Master’s of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Familiarity with heat transfer, thermodynamics principles for the design of HVAC components
• Proficiency with MS Office applications
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Valued but not required skills and experience:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s of Science degree from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program
• Related engineering internship or co-op work experience
• Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and designation as an Engineer in Training

• 1-3 years of experience or familiarity in the design of HVAC systems

• Familiarity with office and engineering software including AutoCAD and load calculation programs such as TRACE 700 or 3D+

Technology & Innovation

Sargent & Lundy values the appropriate use of technology to improve how work gets done and deliver high-quality outcomes for our clients. Depending on the role, employees may use data, automation, artificial intelligence, and other digital tools to support research, analysis, engineering and design activities, workflow improvement, or other aspects of their work. We value candidates who demonstrate an interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies where relevant to their role. Employees remain accountable for their work and are expected to apply appropriate professional judgment and review when using technology-assisted tools. Experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued where relevant but is not required unless specifically identified elsewhere in the job description.

About Sargent & Lundy

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

$62,998 - $90,586

Transparency 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!

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.