Jobs · Management · Illinois

Lead HVAC Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy · Chicago, IL · 2 days ago
Management$118k–$180k/yrFull-time

This position is based on a hybrid work schedule and requires in-office work 3 days per week.

About the Role

You will work on challenging assignments that include designing HVAC systems, investigating, troubleshooting, and solving a wide variety of HVAC engineering issues. You will meet with others to develop integrated HVAC systems, including:

  • Commercial/Industrial Ventilation Systems
  • Control room HVAC
  • Laboratory HVAC
  • Chilled water system design
  • Heating system design

You will provide support in the planning, scheduling, conducting, or coordinating of the detailed design phases of all aspects of facility engineering work, perform design calculations, and develop detailed system designs. You will prepare technical specifications for HVAC equipment and engineering studies.

You will provide support to other engineers, project managers, client personnel, and suppliers to assure a complete and timely design. You will assist senior engineers with reviews of existing facilities to propose upgrades and replacements and may present findings and recommendations to clients and peers.

Responsibilities

  • Design HVAC systems for commercial, laboratory, and industrial facilities
  • Investigate, troubleshoot, and solve HVAC engineering issues
  • Develop integrated HVAC systems, including ventilation, control room, laboratory, chilled water, and heating systems
  • Perform design calculations and develop detailed system designs
  • Prepare technical specifications for HVAC equipment
  • Prepare engineering studies
  • Support planning, scheduling, and coordination of detailed design phases
  • Assist senior engineers with facility reviews, upgrades, and replacements
  • Present findings and recommendations to clients and peers
  • Lead others in using modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows and deliver cost-effective designs
  • Oversee engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks

Requirements

  • BS in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program
  • Ten or more years of relevant HVAC system and chilled water system design experience for commercial, laboratories, and industrial facilities
  • Proficiency in TRACE 700 or 3D+, AutoCAD, and MicroStation
  • Ability to create design flow diagrams and Process & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)
  • Familiarity with ASHRAE and current HVAC industry codes and standards
  • Prior knowledge of relevant codes and standards applicable to HVAC and ventilation systems

Valued but Not Required

  • ASHRAE Membership
  • PE license
  • Experience leading automation and process-improvement work
  • Experience directing teams on using AI or agentic AI tools for engineering workflows
  • Additional learning or experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields
  • Experience overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel)

Benefits

  • Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision plans; Life & Accident Insurance; Disability Coverage; Employee Assistance Program (EAP); Back-Up Daycare; FSA & HSA
  • Financial Benefits: 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
  • Work-Life Balance: Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST); Paid Vacation; Paid Holidays; Paid Parental Leave; Paid Bereavement Leave; Flexible Work Arrangements

Pay

Compensation Range: $118,023 - $180,313. The total compensation package includes a base salary and a comprehensive benefits package. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.

Schedule

Hybrid work schedule requiring in-office work 3 days per week.

About the Business Unit

Join Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group and be part of a team driving the future of clean, carbon-free energy. Since 1954, we’ve been a trusted leader in nuclear engineering, design, and licensing, with expertise spanning small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactor technology (ART), and first-of-a-kind commercial reactor restart projects. Our work supports life extensions and digital modernization of existing nuclear plants, coal-to-nuclear conversion initiatives with the Department of State, and international nuclear new-build projects. With a commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, we provide cutting-edge solutions that power communities worldwide while reducing emissions.

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

Similar jobs