Lead Electrical Engineer

Sargent & Lundy•Chicago, IL

7d•$118,023 - $180,313•Hybrid

About The Position

This position will offer you the opportunity to work as a lead engineer in a project team environment involved in the design, modification, and analysis of electrical systems for projects ranging from existing plant retrofits to new generation installations. You will be involved in power distribution designs and the preparation of specifications for the procurement of major electrical power equipment and related installation services needed to support the projects. Assist project manager in efforts to ensure projects are completed satisfactorily, on time, and within budget. Coordinate systems design activities to ensure installation and operations will comply with specifications, codes, and client requirements. Prepare and review functional design drawings including single line, relay and metering, cable block, and schematic diagrams. Prepare documentation for design input for other drawing production and 3-D modeling. Prepare and review detailed calculations, including auxiliary power system studies, voltage drop, protective relay settings, and arc flash calculations. Interface with vendors to prepare bills of material and equipment purchase specifications and provide recommendations to the client. Prepare reports and studies that present technical information in a clear and concise manner and meet client requirements and S&L formats. Perform independent reviews of work performed by others including calculations and drawings. Provide guidance as a mentor in the development of less experienced engineers. Develop your career via peer-learning by way of S&L’s systems of process and associated “Communities of Practice”. Travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for construction coordination and field verification of designs. In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to lead others who use modern tools: You are expected to lead others in taking engineering problems from issue to solution by setting expectations for using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs. Leaders in these roles often direct automation and process-improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked.

Requirements

A BSEE degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program is required.
PE license highly preferred or ability to earn a PE license is required.
8 or more years of experience in power plant or industrial plant design, with a focus on integrated, detailed system design for new facilities, or modifications or replacements for existing facilities.
Experience in the selection of equipment, materials, control philosophy, and the preparation and assembling of calculations and specifications.
Experience with electrical system design including medium and low voltage distribution systems (transformers, generators, motors), communication systems, equipment selection, and analytical calculations.
Experience performing calculations in ETAP and/or SKM.
Technically knowledgeable of available electrical power distribution equipment.
Experience with serving as firm/client liaison in a lead engineering role.
Experience in reviewing other engineers’ design calculations and drawings.

Nice To Haves

Emphasis in power systems is preferred.
Technical knowledge and experience with instrumentation and controls engineering.
Project management and business development experience.
Construction and start-up experience a plus.
Additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that enables effective oversight of automation and agentic AI-enabled engineering workflows.

Responsibilities

Design, modification, and analysis of electrical systems for projects ranging from existing plant retrofits to new generation installations.
Power distribution designs and preparation of specifications for the procurement of major electrical power equipment and related installation services.
Assist project manager in ensuring projects are completed satisfactorily, on time, and within budget.
Coordinate systems design activities to ensure installation and operations will comply with specifications, codes, and client requirements.
Prepare and review functional design drawings including single line, relay and metering, cable block, and schematic diagrams.
Prepare documentation for design input for other drawing production and 3-D modeling.
Prepare and review detailed calculations, including auxiliary power system studies, voltage drop, protective relay settings, and arc flash calculations.
Interface with vendors to prepare bills of material and equipment purchase specifications and provide recommendations to the client.
Prepare reports and studies that present technical information in a clear and concise manner and meet client requirements and S&L formats.
Perform independent reviews of work performed by others including calculations and drawings.
Provide guidance as a mentor in the development of less experienced engineers.
Develop career via peer-learning by way of S&L’s systems of process and associated “Communities of Practice”.
Travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for construction coordination and field verification of designs.
Lead others in taking engineering problems from issue to solution by setting expectations for using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
Direct automation and process-improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked.
Oversee engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs.