Mechanical Engineer 1 (Entry Level) - Energy & Industrial (Summer 2027)

Sargent Lundy; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 63,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

401(k)

Paid time off

Job summary

Sargent & Lundy seeks a Mechanical Engineer with strong thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics to contribute to power plant and oil & gas projects. You will size equipment, develop piping and instrumentation drawings, and collaborate with design teams across engineering disciplines.

The role emphasizes technical calculations, drawings, and client-facing deliverables, with a hybrid schedule requiring in-office work 3 days per week and travel for design reviews and field verification.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, or Aerospace Engineering with strong thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics.
• Experience with CAD software, such as AutoCAD.
• Ability to apply mechanical engineering principles to project design and fabrication drawings.
• Knowledge of producing technical plans, fabrication drawings, and models.
• Strong numerical computation skills to analyze and solve technical problems.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize workflow, multitask, meet deadlines, and stay flexible.
• Customer service oriented with focus on client satisfaction and project execution excellence.

Responsibilities

• Prepare calculations to size equipment, piping, valves, and inline piping components.
• Prepare technical specifications and perform technical bid reviews for client recommendations.
• Prepare technical studies and reports for client reviews.
• Prepare Piping & Instrumentation drawings, equipment lists, line lists, valve lists, and material lists.
• Coordinate with mechanical system designers to develop piping drawings including Isometrics, plans, sections, elevations, and pipe supports.
• Travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant sites for construction coordination and field verification.

Skills

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Fluid mechanics

Numerical computations

MS Office

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Client focus

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

ABET-accredited program (valued)

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Responsibilities

This position has a target start date of Summer 2027.

• This position will offer you the ability to directly apply your knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics
• You will be involved in the system engineering aspects of power plant engineering and oil & gas engineering, including the design, modification, and analysis of mechanical systems
• You will be working within project teams with other Mechanical Engineers, focused on preparing engineering deliverables:
  • You will be preparing calculations to size equipment, piping, valves, and in-line piping components in response to project needs
  • You will be preparing technical specifications and performing technical bid reviews to support client recommendations
  • You will be preparing technical studies and reports to support client reviews
  • You will be responsible for the preparation of Piping & Instrumentation drawings, equipment lists, line lists, valve lists and material lists
  • You will coordinate with mechanical system designers to develop the physical design and piping drawing deliverables such as Isometric piping drawings, plans, sections, and elevations, and pipe support drawings.
• There is the potential for you to travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for 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 Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, or Aerospace Engineering and a strong academic background with interest in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics
• Experience with CAD software, such as AutoCAD
• Knowledge of the practical application of mechanical engineering and technology including applying systems, principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to a project design
• Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of technical plans, fabrication drawings, and models
• Strong interest in numerical computations with ability to analyze, define, and solve technical problems
• Proficiency with MS Office applications
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to prioritize workflow, multitask, meet deadlines, and remain flexible
• Customer service oriented; passionate towards customer satisfaction and project execution excellence

Valued but not required skills and experience:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s of Science degree from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program
• Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and designation as an Engineer in Training
• Experience in writing and providing support documentation for Mechanical Engineering calculations

• Power Plant and / or Oil and Gas midstream industry experience
• Knowledge of Mechanical Equipment and Piping systems

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

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.

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.