Entry Level Automation Engineer Jobs in Illinois

This position will offer you the ability to directly apply your knowledge of transmission line engineering including conductors, hardware, insulation, structures, foundations and electrical principles to:

• Design transmission lines in the 69kV to 765kV range.
• Prepare construction sketches for overhead and underground network services (4 KV through 34 KV). 
• Perform structural analysis and design of pole, lattice, framed, and guyed structures.
• Perform foundation designs.
• Perform conductor selection studies, shielding, grounding and induction studies.
• Develop cost estimates and schedules and prepare specifications for the procurement of transmission line & distribution materials and construction. 
• Specify transmission & distribution components.
• Model transmission lines in PLS-CADD, determine right of way requirements, calculate conductor sags, and develop transmission line plan and profile drawings. 
• Review vendor submittals.

This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, with the expectation of spending three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days.

Dependent upon your location, this opportunity offers a generous relocation package.

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

Essential skills and experience:

• A Bachelor of Science or Master of Science in Civil, Structural, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering preferred.
• Will also consider other degrees with coursework in civil, geotechnical, strength of materials, statics, and electrical power.
• Related engineering, internship, or co-op work experience.
• Proficiency with PLS-CADD, PLS-POLE, AutoCAD, PoleForeman, and ArcGIS.
• Knowledge of the practical application of engineering principles including basic transmission line engineering and physical distribution design methods.
• Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principals involved in the production of technical plans, drawings, and models.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Valued but not required skills and experience:

• BS or MS from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program.
• Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and designation as an Engineer in Training.
• Proficiency with any of the following programs: PLS-TOWER, SAG10, LPILE, MFAD, ArcGIS, CDEGS, AutoCAD, Microstation, or GIS software.
• Experience in writing and providing support documentation for engineering calculations.
• Experience in utility distribution inspections and/or construction.
• Familiarity with design codes and standards such as NESC, IEC, CSA, IEEE, ANSI, IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI 318.

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.