Entry Level Chemical Engineering Jobs in Elgin, IL

This position has a target start date of Summer 2027.

• This position will offer you the ability to directly apply your knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and power plant engineering
• You will be preparing calculations, specifications, and technical reports to support client recommendations and reviews, and will additionally conduct equipment sizing, optimization evaluation, and selection in response to project needs
• While supporting project teams with other Mechanical Engineers, you will be involved in system engineering, including the design, modification, and analysis of power plant mechanical systems
• 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

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

Essential skills and experience:

• This position requires a BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering or Chemical Engineering with a strong academic background and interest in thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, power engineering, turbomachinery, thermal systems, and energy conversion
• Knowledge of the practical application of mechanical engineering and technology including applying systems, principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to a project design
• Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of technical plans, fabrication drawings, and models
• Strong interest in numerical computations and problem solving
• Proficiency with MS Office applications
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Valued but not required skills and experience:

• A BS or MS degree from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program
• Related engineering internship or co-op work experience
• Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and designation as an Engineer in Training
• Experience in writing and providing support documentation for Mechanical Engineering calculations
• Coursework in the following:
  • Power engineering
  • Turbomachinery
  • Thermal systems
  • Energy conversion

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

$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.

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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.