Entry Level Subsurface Utility Engineering Jobs in Chicago, IL

Under the direction of a project lead, this position will offer you the opportunity to work in a project team environment with other engineers and designers using your knowledge of engineering and design practices to:

• Prepare construction sketches and details for:
• Overhead and underground network services (4 KV through 34 KV)
• Structural analyses
• Short circuit and voltage drop calculations
• Bill of Material
• Cost Estimates
• Traffic control plans and/or permit drawings

• Analyze and design priority feeds. 
• Support maintenance and recapitalization of distribution components.
• Plan modifications to the system as well as designing complex tasks.
• Develop work packages and provide as-builts at completion of construction. 

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 BS or MS degree from an engineering program.
• One or more years of experience with electric utility distribution or relevant experience.
• Knowledgeable in physical distribution design methods and their application.
• Knowledgeable in applicable codes, standards, and distribution software programs including AutoCAD, ArcGIS, PoleForeman, etc.
• Familiarity with design codes and standards such as NESC, NEC, ANSI, IEEE, GIS/GWD.
• Experience with complex overhead and underground distribution projects (120/208V through 34 kV).
• Strong communication skills.

Valued but not required skills and experience:

• A degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program.
• Familiarity with various distribution design/analysis software.
• Familiarity with GIS software.
• Experience in utility distribution inspections and/or construction.

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.