Entry Level Applications Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

This position in Sargent & Lundy's Consulting group will require you to focus on our utility planning and advisory projects, such as the following:

• Preparing new generator interconnection applications, including development of conceptual single line diagram, verification of compliance with reactive power requirements, and development of PSS/E model to support the applications
• Reviewing ISO feasibility and system impact studies to provide guidance to our clients, who are ISO Interconnection Customers
• Performing independent power system studies, mostly on thermal and voltage contingency analyses, to support our client's generator interconnection planning strategies
• Performing advanced grid system studies to evaluate specific scenarios and impacts as required by our clients, such as higher renewable penetration and retirement of existing units and evaluation of transmission and non-transmission alternatives

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

This position requires a BS or MS in Electrical Engineering with strong academic background and coursework emphasis in Power Systems Analysis.

Preferred, but not required, would also be previous power systems engineering experience, including one or more of the following:

• Knowledge of power regions and ISOs/RTOs - PJM, MISO, NYISO, ERCOT, SPP, CAISO, and ISO-NE
• Experience in modeling inverter-based resources and renewable generation, such as Wind Turbine Generators (WTG), photovoltaic (PV), Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and hybrid generation, and associated collector system for interconnection applications within software programs PSS/E, PSLF, and/or PSCAD
• Experience in using transmission planning software, particularly PSS/E and TARA, for load flow modeling and contingency studies
• Experience in dynamic transient, stability, and other advance studies in EMTP-RV or PSCAD is a plus.

Also extremely important are:

• Excellent verbal/written communication skills.
• Experience in writing technical reports and proposals.
• Solid interpersonal skills and ability to work with and guide others.
• Project planning and leadership skills.

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to solve problems using modern tools:

• You are expected to take engineering problems from issue to solution using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
• Many engineers in these roles build or use automation to create calculations, summarize technical documents, or draft design documentation, including appropriate use of agentic AI tools, with strong engineering judgment and verification of results.
• Programming or scripting (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate calculations, design checks, reporting, or data transformation is valued but not required.
• We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other training in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that helps you apply automation or agentic AI to real engineering problems.

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 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.