Mechanical Engineer - Project Lead

Sargent & Lundy•Chicago, IL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is for a Mechanical Engineer - Project Lead responsible for leading Mechanical Engineering design efforts for a team of junior and senior engineers and designers. The role involves investigating, troubleshooting, and solving a wide variety of mechanical engineering issues, acting as a team lead in coordinating detailed design phases, developing integrated systems designs, performing calculations, and preparing technical specifications and engineering studies. The Project Lead will also perform independent reviews of work, coordinate with various stakeholders, propose upgrades to existing facilities, and mentor less experienced engineers. The position operates on a hybrid work schedule, requiring in-office presence 3 days per week. The Energy & Industrial Group (EIG) specializes in advanced engineering solutions for sectors like power generation, environmental compliance, oil & gas, and industrial projects, focusing on new plant design, betterment, and upgrade services. EIG has extensive experience in conventional power plants and combined cycle projects, and is committed to decarbonization through innovative technologies in renewable energy, carbon capture, and hydrogen power, excelling in PV solar projects and energy storage integration.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program.
Ten or more years experience in the design of mechanical engineering systems for non-commercial, heavy industrial plants (power, oil & gas, or chemical), with a focus on integrated, detailed system design for new plants, modifications, or replacements.
Experience must include the selection of equipment, piping materials, control philosophy, and the preparation of performance sizing calculations and specifications.
Three or more years experience in leading an engineering design team through all phases of a project design.
Technically knowledgeable of available equipment and proven pre-engineered systems to execute systems design.
Able to create design schematics, such as flow diagrams and P&IDs, using computer design software.
Experience with serving as firm/client liaison in a support or lead engineering role.
Experience in reviewing design drawings created by others.
PE license.
Willing or able to lead others who use modern tools.

Nice To Haves

Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Construction and start-up experience.
Commissioning experience.
Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs.
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

Lead the Mechanical Engineering design efforts for a team of junior and senior engineers and designers.
Work on challenging assignments that include investigating, trouble-shooting, and solving a wide variety of mechanical engineering issues.
Act as the Mechanical team lead in the coordination of detailed design phases for all aspects of mechanical engineering work.
Develop integrated systems designs and perform supporting calculations for the planned work.
Prepare technical specifications for mechanical engineering equipment.
Prepare engineering studies.
Perform independent reviews of work performed by others including calculations and drawing preparation.
Coordinate and provide guidance to other engineers, project managers, client personnel, and suppliers to ensure a complete and timely design.
Perform reviews of existing facilities to propose upgrades and replacements, and present findings and recommendations to clients and peers.
Develop your career via peer-learning through sharing of knowledge with other experienced engineers by way of S&L’s systems of process and associated “Communities of Practice.”
Provide guidance as a mentor in the development of less experienced engineers.
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.