Entry Level Automation Engineer Jobs in Illinois

This position has a target start date of January 2027.

• This position will offer you the opportunity to utilize and expand your academic background in Electrical Engineering on projects that range from existing plant retrofit projects to new generation installations.
• Under the direction of the project lead, this position will offer you the opportunity to work in a project team environment with other engineers and designers involved in the design, modification, and analysis of new and existing power plant and industrial plant electrical systems.
• You will be involved in power distribution designs and the preparation of specifications for the procurement of major electrical power equipment and related installation services needed to support the projects.
• Support the project lead in coordinating systems design activities to ensure installation and operations will comply with specifications, codes, and client requirements.
• Prepare functional design drawings including single line, relay and metering, cable block, and schematic diagrams.  Prepare documentation for design input for other drawing production and 3-D modeling.
• Prepare detailed calculations, including auxiliary power system studies, voltage drop, protective relay settings, and arc flash calculations.
• Interface with vendors to prepare bills of material and equipment purchase specifications and provide recommendations to the client.
• Develop your career via peer-learning by way of S&L’s systems of process and associated “Communities of Practice.”
• 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.

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

Essential skills and experience:

• A BS or MS in Electrical Engineering is required and an emphasis in power systems, preferred.
• Familiarity with electrical system design including medium and low voltage distribution systems (transformers, generators, motors), and equipment selection.
• Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of technical plans, drawings, and models.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• This position is based in Chicago, IL and may require occasional travel.

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 the design of electrical engineering systems in a project team environment, with a focus on integrated, detailed system design for new plants, or modifications or replacements for existing plants; experience ideally will include the selection of equipment, materials, control philosophy, and the preparation and assembling of calculations and specifications.

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 & 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

$62,998 - $90,586
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.

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.