Advanced Controls Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Description

This position is based on a hybrid work schedule and will require in-office work 3 days per week.

• This position will offer you the opportunity to utilize and expand your academic background in Instrumentation and Controls Engineering.
• You will work on project teams with other I&C engineers involved in the design of new power plants, modifications to existing power generation facilities, and plant controls betterment.
• You will be involved in power distribution designs and the preparation of specifications for the procurement of instrumentation and controls equipment and related installation services.
• As a member of a multi-discipline project team, you will be involved in power plant design coordination, engineering calculation preparation, and electrical control circuit design.
• Through mentoring, classroom-style technical sessions, and on-the-job training, you will increase your knowledge and skills in your engineering discipline.
• 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. 
• Develop your career via peer-learning 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:

• A BS in Electrical Engineering from an accredited engineering program is required. An emphasis in power systems is preferred.
• PE license or ability to earn a PE license is required.
• 9+ years of relevant power plant and heavy industrial control systems experience.
• Power or industrial controls experience.
• An understanding of the practical application of instrumentation and controls engineering and technology including applying systems, principles, techniques, and procedures to a project design.
• Experience reading and creating logic diagrams and control narratives.
• Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of technical plans, drawings, and models.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications, with emphasis on MS Excel and Access.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective experience working in a collaborative team environment.
• Exceptional work habits.
• Resourceful and enthusiastic attitude.

Valued but not required skills and experience:

• Experience with DCS, TCS, and/or PLCs programming.
• Experience performing field work (i.e. control system upgrades, commission, start-up).

AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to lead others who use modern tools:

• You are expected to lead others in taking engineering problems from issue to solution by setting expectations for using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
• Leaders in these roles often direct automation and process-improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked.
• Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs, is valued but not required.
• We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that enables effective oversight of automation and agentic AI-enabled engineering workflows.

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$100,019 - $152,807Transparency StatementSargent & 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.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME