Senior Innovation Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

1. Complete 95% of assigned site surveys, feasibility studies, and investment-grade cost estimates by the committed deadline, with less than 5% requiring material rework due to engineering errors or omissions.
2. Develop and deliver technical scopes, project economics, and engineering recommendations that contribute to at least $5 million annually in qualified project opportunities approved for proposal or implementation.
3. Demonstrate a consistently positive attitude, strong collaboration, and reliable responsiveness with clients, internal teams, and project partners, as evidenced by constructive stakeholder feedback and dependable follow-through on commitments.

1. Conduct site surveys and collect technical, operational, utility, and cost data to establish project baselines and identify client needs.
2. Analyze facility infrastructure, utility systems, and operating conditions to identify energy, water, and operational improvement opportunities.
3. Perform feasibility studies and technical evaluations for utility modernization and energy efficiency solutions.
4. Develop project scopes, engineering assumptions, savings calculations, and investment-grade cost estimates.
5. Prepare technical recommendations, project economics, and supporting documentation for client proposals and decision-making.
6. Lead design engineering activities for approved projects, ensuring technical quality and alignment with project objectives.
7. Coordinate internal and external engineering resources to deliver design work on schedule and within scope.
8. Manage engineering support for project implementation, including design-build coordination, technical reviews, and integration of applicable incentives or funding opportunities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field.
• 5-10 years of experience in development, design, or delivery of utility system modernization, energy efficiency, or related infrastructure projects.
• Experience supporting industrial and/or commercial projects.
• Technical experience with utility, HVAC, mechanical, or related infrastructure systems.
• Ability to independently manage engineering work and coordinate with clients, internal teams, and external partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• PE license, Certified Energy Manager credential, LEED AP credential, or similar professional certification
• Strong financial and economic analysis, including lifecycle cost analysis, ROI evaluation, and development of business cases for capital infrastructure improvements.

• Work environment: This position is performed in a combination of office, remote, and client-site settings. Client sites may include industrial facilities, commercial buildings, utility plants, mechanical rooms, construction sites, production areas, rooftops, and other operational environments. Conditions at client sites may include exposure to noise, temperature variations, moving equipment, and active construction or manufacturing activities.
• Physical requirements: This role requires prolonged periods of sitting and computer use, including viewing screens and using standard office equipment. The employee must be able to travel to and move throughout client facilities to conduct site assessments, inspections, and project meetings. Activities may include standing, walking, climbing stairs or ladders, navigating uneven surfaces, bending, reaching, and accessing confined or restricted equipment areas. The employee may be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), high-visibility clothing, and safety footwear, as required by site policies.
• Travel requirements: Regular local and regional travel to client sites is expected. Occasional overnight travel may be required depending on project location and business needs.
• Schedule expectations: Generally performed during standard business hours; however, flexibility may be required to accommodate client schedules, site access restrictions, project deadlines, commissioning activities, or field work occurring outside normal business hours.