Project Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

INTRODUCTION

Mantis Innovation provides managed facility services and turnkey program management with technology-enabled solutions that target the entire building footprint. We look at the entire facility—inside and out—and can impact 70% of what a building operator allocates critical budget dollars toward, including: Strategic electricity and natural gas procurement, renewable energy, and demand response; climate impact reduction and reporting, net zero strategies, and sustainability planning; roofing, solar, HVAC assessment management, pavement, building envelope, data center optimization, and EV charging; lighting/LED retrofits, HVAC/mechanical systems, and BMS/BAS improvements and implementation.

The Sr. Project Engineer helps clients identify, design, and implement utility and infrastructure improvements. This role solves the challenge of turning complex facility needs into practical projects that improve performance, reliability, and cost efficiency. The position leads technical assessments, feasibility analysis, project scoping, and engineering design to support informed investment decisions. This role is critical to delivering accurate project recommendations, strong technical solutions, and well-executed engineering support from concept through implementation.

OUTCOMES & SCORECARD FOR SUCCESS

• Complete 95% of assigned site surveys, feasibility studies, and investment-grade cost estimates by the committed deadline, with less than 5% requiring material rework due to engineering errors or omissions.

• Develop and deliver technical scopes, project economics, and engineering recommendations that contribute to at least $5 million annually in qualified project opportunities approved for proposal or implementation.

• Demonstrate a consistently positive attitude, strong collaboration, and reliable responsiveness with clients, internal teams, and project partners, as evidenced by constructive stakeholder feedback and dependable follow-through on commitments.

Responsibilities

• Conduct site surveys and collect technical, operational, utility, and cost data to establish project baselines and identify client needs.

• Analyze facility infrastructure, utility systems, and operating conditions to identify energy, water, and operational improvement opportunities.

• Perform feasibility studies and technical evaluations for utility modernization and energy efficiency solutions.

• Develop project scopes, engineering assumptions, savings calculations, and investment-grade cost estimates.

• Prepare technical recommendations, project economics, and supporting documentation for client proposals and decision-making.

• Lead design engineering activities for approved projects, ensuring technical quality and alignment with project objectives.

• Coordinate internal and external engineering resources to deliver design work on schedule and within scope.

• Manage engineering support for project implementation, including design-build coordination, technical reviews, and integration of applicable incentives or funding opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field.

• 5-10 years of experience in development, design, or delivery of utility system modernization, energy efficiency, or related infrastructure projects.

• Experience supporting industrial and/or commercial projects.

• Technical experience with utility, HVAC, mechanical, or related infrastructure systems.

• Ability to independently manage engineering work and coordinate with clients, internal teams, and external partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• PE license, Certified Energy Manager credential, LEED AP credential, or similar professional certification.

• Strong financial and economic analysis, including lifecycle cost analysis, ROI evaluation, and development of business cases for capital infrastructure improvements.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work environment: This position is performed in a combination of office, remote, and client-site settings. Client sites may include industrial facilities, commercial buildings, utility plants, mechanical rooms, construction sites, production areas, rooftops, and other operational environments. Conditions at client sites may include exposure to noise, temperature variations, moving equipment, and active construction or manufacturing activities.

• Physical Requirements: This role requires prolonged periods of sitting and computer use, including viewing screens and using standard office equipment. The employee must be able to travel to and move throughout client facilities to conduct site assessments, inspections, and project meetings. Activities may include standing, walking, climbing stairs or ladders, navigating uneven surfaces, bending, reaching, and accessing confined or restricted equipment areas. The employee may be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), high-visibility clothing, and safety footwear, as required by site policies.

• Travel requirements: Regular local and regional travel to client sites is expected. Occasional overnight travel may be required depending on project location and business needs.

• Schedule expectations: Generally performed during standard business hours; however, flexibility may be required to accommodate client schedules, site access restrictions, project deadlines, commissioning activities, or field work occurring outside normal business hours.

Note: Employees are held accountable for all duties of this job. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position.

What else can we offer you?

We offer a fantastic lineup of benefits, including Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA, HSA, 401k Matching, Paid Vacation, Paid Sick, Paid Holidays, Paid Parental Leave, Paid Short Term & Long Term Disability, Tuition Reimbursement, and a flexible hybrid work schedule (for office-based employees). Working at Mantis also brings tremendous professional development opportunities that allow you to make a real impact on both the company and your career!

Not sure you meet every single requirement?

Studies show that women and individuals from underrepresented groups often hesitate to apply unless they check every box. At Mantis, we’re committed to building an inclusive and equitable team—so if this role excites you, we’d love to hear from you, even if your experience doesn’t match every single qualification.

Mantis Innovation is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.