Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL
Mechanical engineer jobs in Chicago are in strong demand, concentrated in the West Loop, the Illinois Medical District, and the manufacturing corridor along the lower North Side, across sectors including industrial automation, transportation systems, HVAC engineering, and consumer products. Employers hiring right now include Sargent & Lundy, Legrand, and dbHMS. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 128+ Mechanical Engineer jobs
This is a hybrid position with the ability to work from our Downtown Chicago Office (3 days a week) and remotely (2 days a week).
Our electric power generation clients are seeking to increase the power output of their existing power plants to meet the electric demands. This is expanding work in the Mechanical Analysis Engineering group. You will work on major systems, equipment and plant process in the following areas:
- Develop and lead licensing basis system and component evaluations for nuclear power uprate projects.
- This position will offer you the ability to directly apply your knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and experience in power plant engineering.
- Perform consulting level work for power uprates in the nuclear industry.
- Prepare and review calculations related to heat balances, power train pumps, heat exchangers, condenser/heat sink, and plant hazards to support client recommendations and reviews.
- Prepare task reports and equipment evaluations that present technical information in a clear and concise manner to meet client requirements.
- Perform equipment sizing, optimization evaluation, and selection in response to client needs to support the proposed power uprate.
- Interface with clients and project teams to present technical discussions and project status.
- Develop engineering proposals and cost estimates.
- Lead and mentor junior engineering staff on power plant engineering technical tasks.
- Perform independent reviews of work performed by others including calculations and drawing preparation.
- Attend client meetings and site walkdowns to validate scope and ensure client satisfaction.
Essential skills and experience:
- This position requires a BSME from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program with a strong academic background and interest in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics.
- 10 or more years of experience in the nuclear power industry.
- Experience with nuclear power uprates and/or turbine retrofit projects.
- Experience and practical knowledge in one or more of the following areas:
- Balance of plant system and component evaluations
- Pinch point assessments and/or task reports
- Heat balance
- Power train pumps, heat exchangers, condenser/heat sink
- Circulating Water and Ultimate Heat Sinks
- All assignments require the preparation of calculations and/or reports, and excellent technical report writing skills are essential.
- Knowledge of the practical application of mechanical engineering and technology including applying systems, principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to a project design.
- Strong interest in numerical computations and problem solving.
- Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations that apply to mechanical engineering design of nuclear power plants.
- Proficiency with MS Office applications.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- MSME from an ABET accredited program with a strong academic background
- PE License
We value candidates who demonstrate an interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies where relevant to their role. Employees remain accountable for their work and are expected to apply appropriate professional judgment and review when using technology-assisted tools.
Experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued where relevant but is not required unless specifically identified elsewhere in the job description.
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 & Wellness
- 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
This is a hybrid position with the ability to work from our Downtown Chicago Office (3 days a week) and remotely (2 days a week).
Our electric power generation clients are seeking to increase the power output of their existing power plants to meet the electric demands. This is expanding work in the Mechanical Analysis Engineering group. You will work on major systems, equipment and plant process in the following areas:
- Develop and lead licensing basis system and component evaluations for nuclear power uprate projects.
- This position will offer you the ability to directly apply your knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and experience in power plant engineering.
- Perform consulting level work for power uprates in the nuclear industry.
- Prepare and review calculations related to heat balances, power train pumps, heat exchangers, condenser/heat sink, and plant hazards to support client recommendations and reviews.
- Prepare task reports and equipment evaluations that present technical information in a clear and concise manner to meet client requirements.
- Perform equipment sizing, optimization evaluation, and selection in response to client needs to support the proposed power uprate.
- Interface with clients and project teams to present technical discussions and project status.
- Develop engineering proposals and cost estimates.
- Lead and mentor junior engineering staff on power plant engineering technical tasks.
- Perform independent reviews of work performed by others including calculations and drawing preparation.
- Attend client meetings and site walkdowns to validate scope and ensure client satisfaction.
Essential skills and experience:
- This position requires a BSME from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program with a strong academic background and interest in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics.
- 10 or more years of experience in the nuclear power industry.
- Experience with nuclear power uprates and/or turbine retrofit projects.
- Experience and practical knowledge in one or more of the following areas:
- Balance of plant system and component evaluations
- Pinch point assessments and/or task reports
- Heat balance
- Power train pumps, heat exchangers, condenser/heat sink
- Circulating Water and Ultimate Heat Sinks
- All assignments require the preparation of calculations and/or reports, and excellent technical report writing skills are essential.
- Knowledge of the practical application of mechanical engineering and technology including applying systems, principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to a project design.
- Strong interest in numerical computations and problem solving.
- Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations that apply to mechanical engineering design of nuclear power plants.
- Proficiency with MS Office applications.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- MSME from an ABET accredited program with a strong academic background
- PE License
We value candidates who demonstrate an interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies where relevant to their role. Employees remain accountable for their work and are expected to apply appropriate professional judgment and review when using technology-assisted tools.
Experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued where relevant but is not required unless specifically identified elsewhere in the job description.
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 & Wellness
- 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
See All 128+ Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Chicago
Find roles in Chicago that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Mechanical Engineer JobsMechanical Engineer Job Market in Chicago
Who's Hiring
- Sargent & Lundy46
- Legrand14
- dbHMS9
- Stantec9
- Syska Hennessy9
Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a mechanical engineer job in Chicago?
Focus your search on Chicago's densest hiring sectors: industrial manufacturing along the city's northwest corridor, transportation and transit engineering tied to the CTA and Metra infrastructure, and building systems firms concentrated in the West Loop and River North. Candidates with hands-on CAD proficiency, HVAC design experience, or a background in automotive and heavy equipment stand out. Targeting mid-size manufacturers in the suburbs of Schaumburg and Elk Grove Village also widens your options significantly.
Which companies hire mechanical engineers in Chicago?
Chicago mechanical engineer roles are posted by Sargent & Lundy, Legrand, and dbHMS and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Chicago's employer mix ranges from large industrial manufacturers and engineering consultancies to transit authorities and building systems integrators concentrated downtown and in the surrounding Cook County area.
Are there remote mechanical engineer jobs in Chicago?
Yes, though remote work is limited for mechanical engineers whose roles involve physical systems, lab work, or on-site installation. About 100% of mechanical engineer openings tied to Chicago are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those tend to be design-heavy or analytical positions. In Chicago specifically, hybrid arrangements are most common at engineering consultancies and product development firms in the Loop and West Loop neighborhoods.
How can I get a mechanical engineer job in Chicago with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Chicago is targeting co-op and entry-level roles at the region's industrial manufacturers and engineering consultancies, many of which recruit directly from Illinois Institute of Technology and Northwestern University programs. Look for titles like junior mechanical engineer, engineering technician, or product development associate. Chicago-area firms in HVAC, automation, and transit systems frequently hire candidates with internship experience and strong SolidWorks or AutoCAD portfolios, even without full-time work history.
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See All 128+ Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Chicago
Find roles in Chicago that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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