Entry Level Structural Engineer Jobs in Vernon Hills, IL

This position has a target start date of summer 2027.

This position will offer you the opportunity to utilize and expand your academic background in structural engineering in a professional position offering a wide range of interesting and challenging responsibilities. You will team up with other engineers and designers from various disciplines involved in the design of new nuclear facilities, nuclear plant betterment, and associated modifications.

• As an Entry-Level Structural Engineer, you will have the ability to directly apply your knowledge of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design.
• As a member of an engineering and design team, you will work on a wide range of projects for various clients. You will prepare design calculations, develop specifications, and support designers with drawing development.
• Using our state-of-the-art computer tools, you will perform the structural analysis and design of steel frames, connections, concrete members, equipment and piping supports, and foundations.
• Additionally, you will conduct structural analyses, which include loading conditions such as wind and seismic.

Additional opportunities will include:

• Receive training and mentorship from experienced structural design engineers in the execution of meaningful project engineering assignments.
• 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:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s of Science in Structural/Civil Engineering or Architectural Engineering with a strong academic background and interest in behavior of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design
• Completion of coursework in steel and concrete design
• Knowledge of the practical application of structural engineering including loads analysis for structural supports and design integrity
• An understanding of the practical application of structural engineering including applying principles, techniques, and procedures to a project design
• Knowledge of structural design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of technical plans, drawings, and models
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency with MS Office applications

Valued but not required skills and experience:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s of Science 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 writing and providing support documentation for Structural Engineering calculations
• Familiarity with structural analysis software such as MathCad, STAAD PRO, SAP2000, SAFE, GT STRUDL, or ANSYS
• Familiarity with design codes and standards such as IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, N690, ACI 318, and ACI 349

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.

Join Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group and be part of a team driving the future of clean, carbon-free energy. Since 1954, we’ve been a trusted leader in nuclear engineering, design, and licensing, with expertise spanning small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactor technology (ART), and first-of-a-kind commercial reactor restart projects. Our work supports life extensions and digital modernization of existing nuclear plants, coal-to-nuclear conversion initiatives with the Department of State, and international nuclear new-build projects. With a commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, we provide cutting-edge solutions that power communities worldwide while reducing emissions. Shape the future of global energy with us!

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.