Mechanical Project Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL
Mechanical Project Engineer jobs in Chicago are in strong demand, concentrated in the Near North Side, the Loop, and the industrial corridors of the Near South Side, across manufacturing, building systems, infrastructure, and industrial automation. Employers hiring right now include Sargent & Lundy, Stantec, and ENTRUST Solutions. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 21+ Mechanical Project Engineer jobs
- You will be responsible for leading the Mechanical Engineering design efforts for a team of junior and senior engineers and designers.
- You will 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.
Essential skills and experience:
- BSME from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program is required; MSME preferred.
- Fifteen 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.
- Five or more years experience in leading an engineering design team through all phases of a project design.
- PE license.
- 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.
- Construction and start-up experience a plus.
- Commissioning experience a plus.
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
- You will be responsible for leading the Mechanical Engineering design efforts for a team of junior and senior engineers and designers.
- You will 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.
Essential skills and experience:
- BSME from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program is required; MSME preferred.
- Fifteen 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.
- Five or more years experience in leading an engineering design team through all phases of a project design.
- PE license.
- 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.
- Construction and start-up experience a plus.
- Commissioning experience a plus.
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 21 Mechanical Project Engineer Jobs in Chicago
Find roles in Chicago that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsMechanical Project Engineer Job Market in Chicago
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Construction & Real Estate
Mechanical Project Engineer Jobs in Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a mechanical project engineer job in Chicago?
Chicago's strongest hiring comes from its industrial manufacturing base on the city's south and west sides, large building systems and MEP consulting firms downtown, and infrastructure and transportation engineering firms tied to regional transit and water projects. Candidates with project delivery experience in HVAC, piping systems, or industrial equipment get the most traction. Familiarity with Chicago's construction environment and locally active consulting and engineering firms gives a real edge over generalist applicants.
Which companies hire mechanical project engineers in Chicago?
Chicago mechanical project engineer roles are posted by Sargent & Lundy, Stantec, and ENTRUST Solutions and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. The Chicago market is especially active among building systems consultants, industrial equipment manufacturers, and large engineering and construction firms with project offices in or near the Loop.
Are there remote mechanical project engineer jobs in Chicago?
Yes, though remote work is limited for this role since most mechanical project engineer positions involve hands-on site visits, equipment reviews, or coordination with fabrication and construction teams. About 71% of mechanical project engineer openings tied to Chicago are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and the roles most likely to allow flexibility are those focused on design development, specifications, or project documentation rather than field oversight.
How can I get a mechanical project engineer job in Chicago with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Chicago is through MEP consulting firms or mid-size industrial manufacturers that hire junior engineers for project coordination and design support roles. Many Chicago-area firms also recruit through cooperative programs with Illinois Institute of Technology and University of Illinois Chicago. Starting as a project engineer associate, junior mechanical designer, or field coordinator at a local engineering or construction firm builds the site experience Chicago employers look for when promoting into full project engineer roles.
Which industries hire the most mechanical project engineers in Chicago?
Most mechanical project engineer openings in Chicago sit in Consulting & Professional Services and Construction & Real Estate, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Chicago's combination of a dense commercial construction market, a legacy industrial manufacturing base, and major public infrastructure programs in transit and water systems makes it one of the more active markets for this role in the Midwest.
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See All 21 Mechanical Project Engineer Jobs in Chicago
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