Freelance Python Automation Engineer Jobs in Northbrook, IL

SCADA & Automation Engineers design, program, and integrate SCADA systems for utility, industrial, and renewable clients. As a SCADA & Automation Engineer in our Grid business unit you will:

• Engage in fast-paced client projects to plan, engineer, & design SCADA and communications systems.
• Develop communication block diagrams, panel layout/bill of material drawings, SCADA AC & DC schematics, fiber detail drawings, & network drawings.
• Provide reviews/design input of P&C drawings for SCADA system requirements.
• Develop points lists for data transferred between RTUs, IEDs, and other SCADA systems.
• Develop configurations for Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) - (SEL RTAC, Novatech Orion, and GE platforms, etc.)
• Develop configurations for programmable automation controllers (PACs) - (SEL-2440/2411, etc.)
• Program Human Machine Interface (HMI) applications (SEL Diagram Builder, Inkscape, Wonderware, etc.)
• Coordinate with relay settings engineers to develop/review communication port settings for protection relays, meters, & other IEDs.
• Develop network device configurations for switches, routers, & firewalls. (Cisco, Siemens Ruggedcomm, SEL, etc.)
• Perform troubleshooting of SCADA system network & communication systems (DNP, Modbus, SEL Protocol, IEC 61850, TCP/IP, UDP) remotely and onsite (if required).
• Develop SCADA system and Network documentation for projects.
• Develop automation tools to improve project efficiency (python, etc.)
• Stage, configure & test integrated systems designs, for interoperability & performance consistent with predictive models in our Protection, Automation & Telecommunication Laboratory.
• Ensure strict adherence to NERC standards for Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP).
• Coordinate and provide guidance to other engineers, project managers, client personnel, and suppliers to ensure a complete and timely design.
• Develop your career via peer-learning through sharing of knowledge with other experienced engineers by way of Sargent & Lundy's systems of process and associated "Communities of Practice."
• There is the potential for you to travel to client and vendor offices as needed.

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: 

• This position requires a Bachelor of Science engineering degree with strong preference in an Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace or Chemical Engineering degree, and/or coursework including Coding, 3D Modeling/Design, and experience using agentic AI.
• 1 or more years of applicable experience in design, configuration, implementation, and troubleshooting of substation SCADA and communication systems or a Master's degree.
• An understanding of the practical application of electrical engineering and technology including applying systems, principles, techniques, and procedures to a project design.
• Knowledge of design techniques, tools and principles involved in production of technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models with the ability to visualize parts in 3D without the aid of a computer. 
• Proficiency with MS Office applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be bilingual in Spanish and English (read, speak, and write).

Valued but not required skills and experience: 

• BSEE, MSEE, or equivalent degree from an ABET accredited engineering program. 
• Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and designation as an Engineer in Training.
• Familiarity in designing or developing AI applications and/or agents.
• Related engineering internship or co-op work experience.
• Familiarity in designing or developing AI applications and/or agents. 

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

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.