Freelance Python Automation Engineer Jobs in Elkton, MD

Sargent & Lundy is a leading consulting engineering firm specializing in the power and energy sectors. Since 1891, we have provided comprehensive engineering, design, and consulting services for both traditional and renewable power generation, grid modernization, nuclear power, and beyond. Our mission is to help clients achieve their energy goals effectively by leveraging advanced technologies and adopting sustainable practices.

We are seeking an entry-level AI & Automation Engineer to join our Enterprise Data & Analytics team. This role is part of our growing AI and automation capability and will contribute to solution delivery with guidance from experienced team members. The ideal candidate has a strong technical foundation, curiosity, and a willingness to learn how AI and automation can improve business processes. 

With mentorship, you will work with business stakeholders to understand problems, evaluate whether AI, automation, or both are appropriate, and help design, build, and test solutions. This is a growth-oriented role for someone eager to apply modern tools and engineering practices in real-world scenarios. 

Key Responsibilities:

Business Engagement & Feasibility Assessment 

• Assist in identifying opportunities for AI and automation solutions. 

• Help translate business needs into technical requirements and implementation plans. 

• Support feasibility assessments by gathering data, documenting assumptions, and summarizing risks. 

AI Solution Development 

• Contribute to AI-driven solutions, including prototyping and testing, under supervision. 

• Learn and apply approaches such as prompt engineering, retrieval-augmented workflows, and model evaluation. 

• Support documentation of model behavior, decisions, and performance. 

Automation & Efficiency 

• Build and maintain simple scripts, workflow automations, or low-code solutions. 

• Assist with integration work that connects systems and data sources. 

• Help monitor and troubleshoot automations with support from senior engineers. 

Software Development & Code Quality 

• Write clean, maintainable code with guidance from the team. 

• Participate in code reviews and follow standard development practices. 

• Support testing, debugging, and deployment activities across the software lifecycle. 

Collaborative Development & Cross-Functional Engagement 

• Work with engineers, analysts, and IT partners to deliver solutions. 

• Help communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. 

• Participate in agile planning and team ceremonies. 

Data Quality, Ethics & Governance 

• Follow responsible AI principles, data privacy requirements, and security guidelines. 

• Support documentation and traceability for solutions. 

Strategic Support & Professional Growth 

• Learn new tools and methods in AI, automation, and cloud services. 

• Share lessons learned and contribute to team knowledge. 

This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid schedule with the expectation of 3 days per week in our downtown Chicago office, and 2 days remote from home.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience. 

• Coursework or project experience in software development using Python. 

• Familiarity with AI/ML concepts and basic workflows (data preparation, model training, evaluation). 

• Exposure to automation tools, scripting, or workflow platforms. 

• Understanding of Git-based collaboration and basic testing practices. 

• Strong problem-solving and communication skills. 

Valued but not required skills and experience: 

• Internship, research, or project experience in AI, automation, or software engineering. 

• Familiarity with APIs, data pipelines, or low-code platforms. 

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

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

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.