Computer Programmer Government Jobs in Chicago, IL

This position allows for a hybrid arrangement with a mix of work from home and in the office.

This position will offer you the opportunity to lead a project team consisting of engineers and designers involved in the design, modification, and analysis of new and existing electrical systems supporting processing of nuclear material, nuclear waste treatment, storage and disposal systems, and commercial nuclear power plants. You will work on challenging assignments that include designing, investigating, trouble-shooting, and solving a wide variety of electrical engineering issues.

• Act as the Electrical team lead in the coordination of detailed design phases for all aspects of electrical engineering work
• Lead efforts to ensure projects are completed satisfactorily, on time, and within budget
• Coordinate systems design activities to ensure installation and operations will comply with specifications, codes, and client requirements
• Prepare and review detailed electrical calculations, including arc flash, voltage drop, fault current, and lighting
• Prepare documentation for design input for drawing production including master diagrams and master schematics
• Interface with vendors to prepare materials and equipment purchase specifications for client recommendations
• Prepare reports and studies that present technical information in a clear and concise manner and meet client requirements and S&L formats
• Perform independent reviews of work performed by others including calculations and drawing preparation
• Develop your career via peer-learning through sharing of knowledge with other experienced engineers by way of S&L's systems of process and associated "Communities of Practice"
• Provide guidance as a mentor in the development of less experienced engineers

Must be a U.S. Citizen; Dual citizenship with a country other than the U.S. does not qualify.

Essential skills and experience:

• Must be able to obtain US Government security clearance
• A BSEE degree from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program is required; MSEE preferred
• Must be able and have a desire to obtain P.E. licensure
• Must be able to obtain a DOE "Q" level clearance
• 10+ years of experience (ideally in commercial power, DOE, nuclear Navy, or NNSA) in the design of electrical engineering systems in a project team environment with a focus on integrated, detailed system design for new plants or modifications/replacements for existing plants
  • Experience must include the selection of equipment, materials, control philosophy, and the preparation and assembling of calculations and specifications
  • Experience is required with electrical system design including low voltage distribution systems (transformers, generators, motors), communication systems, equipment selection, and analytical calculations
• 3+ years of experience in leading an engineering design team through all phases of a project design
• Technically knowledgeable of available equipment and proven pre-engineered systems to execute systems design
• Experience with serving as firm/client liaison in a support or lead engineering role
• Experience in reviewing design drawings created by others

Valued but not required skills and experience:

• Professional Engineer License (PE)
• Construction and start-up experience a plus
• Commissioning experience a plus

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.

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 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

Sargent & Lundy's Government Services Division provides cutting-edge engineering design and consulting support to the management and operating contractors for US Department of Energy (DOE) sites and national laboratories. Specifically, we support the DOE Environmental Management Directorate as well as the National Nuclear Security Administration laboratories and sites. What does this mean? You can be a part of multi-discipline design teams supporting projects cleaning up the environmental damage associated with the legacy nuclear weapons production complex and/or preserving our country's nuclear deterrent. Sargent & Lundy's personnel design facilities, systems, and equipment that treat, store, and dispose of nuclear waste as well as systems that safely handle and process nuclear material. This mission-critical work is meaningful and challenging-work you can be proud of.

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.