Entry Level Programming Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

This position has a target start date in summer 2027.

This entry-level position will offer you the opportunity to utilize and expand your civil engineering degree and skills, while working in a multi-disciplined team environment with other engineers and/or designers in the design, modification, and analysis of power plant systems. As a member of a multi-disciplined engineering and design team, you will work on a wide range of power plant projects and perform civil site development work including creating calculations, designs, and specifications.

• Your responsibilities may include the following:
  • Prepare calculations relating to storm water drainage, sanitary sewer systems and disposal fields, and earthwork, to support design and permitting.
  • Prepare technical specifications to define construction requirements.
  • Prepare site layout, grading, and drainage designs.
  • Design storm sewer systems, roads, trackwork, water storage and wastewater disposal ponds, and solid waste landfills.
  • Work with Designers to accurately portray designs in 3-D models and design drawings.
  • Review shop drawings and other vendor documentation for conformity with specifications.
  • There is the potential for you to travel to client 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 Civil Engineering.
• Proficiency with civil engineering software programs such as Civil 3D, StormCad, PondPack, and Mircrostation or AutoCad.
• Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of technical plans, drawings, and models.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications.
• The ability to work in a team environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Valued but not required skills and experience:

• A BS in Civil Engineering from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program.
• One or more years of related experience in site grading and drainage, storm sewer systems, road design, track design, ponds, and/or landfills.
• 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 Civil Engineering specifications or calculations. 

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

The Energy & Industrial Group (EIG) specializes in delivering advanced engineering solutions across various sectors, including power generation, environmental compliance, oil & gas, and industrial projects, from new plant design to plant betterment and upgrade services for operating facilities. We have designed nearly 900 conventional power plants, yielding over 100,000 megawatts (MW) of generation capacity. Our expertise includes numerous recent and ongoing combined cycle projects that leverage the latest advanced machinery, including combustion turbines, steam turbines, and heat recovery steam generators from all leading suppliers. EIG is recognized for its commitment to decarbonization through innovative technologies in renewable energy, carbon capture, and hydrogen power. We excel in detailed engineering services for photovoltaic (PV) solar projects and energy storage integration, and lead the industry in carbon capture technologies, managing projects from conceptual studies, pilot demonstrations and through commercial scale implementation for utilities and industrial plants.

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.