Plant Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Plant engineer jobs in Illinois are consistently active, with strong demand across manufacturing, food processing, chemicals, and utilities, covering roles from entry-level process technicians to senior facility engineers. Chicago, Rockford, and the Joliet-Aurora corridor are the primary hiring centers, where companies like Caterpillar, Abbott Laboratories, and Kraft Heinz maintain substantial engineering operations. The most sought-after specialties in Illinois include process optimization, utility systems management, and reliability engineering. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Plant Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 21+ Plant 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 21 Plant Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Plant Engineer JobsPlant Engineer Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Plant Engineer Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Manufacturing
- Chemicals & Materials
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in plant engineer jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, industrial, or chemical engineering from an accredited program
- Professional Engineer license from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation preferred for senior roles
- Three or more years of hands-on experience in a manufacturing or industrial plant environment
- Proficiency with computerized maintenance management systems such as SAP PM or Maximo
- Demonstrated knowledge of OSHA process safety management and Illinois environmental compliance standards
- Experience leading continuous improvement initiatives using Lean or Six Sigma methodologies
Plant Engineer Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a plant engineer in Illinois?
Most plant engineer roles in Illinois require a bachelor's degree in mechanical, chemical, or industrial engineering from an ABET-accredited program. For senior or public-sector positions, a Professional Engineer license issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation is a strong advantage and sometimes required. Candidates typically begin as process or facilities engineers, building experience in plant operations before advancing. Certifications in reliability engineering or Lean Six Sigma improve competitiveness in the Illinois market.
How much do plant engineers make in Illinois?
Plant engineers in Illinois earn a median of about $100,540 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $73,780 for the lowest 10% to over $155,650 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire plant engineers in Illinois?
Employers hiring plant engineers in Illinois right now include Sargent & Lundy, RWE, and Amcor, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's concentration of large food, pharmaceutical, and industrial manufacturing operations means plant engineers here frequently work for companies with multiple facilities across the state.
Which Illinois cities have the most plant engineer jobs?
Chicago, Schaumburg, and Peoria have the most plant engineer openings in Illinois. Chicago dominates due to its density of corporate headquarters and industrial facilities, while Rockford's long-standing machinery and aerospace manufacturing base and the Joliet-Aurora corridor's logistics and chemical processing plants generate consistent demand outside the main metro.
Are there remote plant engineer jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. About 71% of plant engineer openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the hands-on, on-site nature of most plant engineering work. The portions of the role most likely to allow remote flexibility include data analysis, reporting, and project engineering tasks that don't require a physical plant presence.
How can I get hired as a plant engineer in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to process or facilities engineer associate roles at large Illinois manufacturers such as food and beverage or pharmaceutical producers, which regularly recruit new graduates. Companies like Abbott and Kraft Heinz run structured rotational engineering programs designed for candidates without direct plant experience. Relevant internships, a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certificate, or prior technician or skilled-trades experience also make a strong case to Illinois hiring managers looking to grow engineers internally.
Where can I find and apply to plant engineer jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to plant engineer jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across industries and experience levels. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your background and location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 21 Plant Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Plant Engineer Jobs