Full-Time
AI Solutions Team Lead
Sargent & Lundy
1,001-5,000 employees
Full-service power industry engineering firm
Compensation Overview
$97.9k - $149.5k/yr
No H1B Sponsorship
Chicago, IL, USA
Hybrid
Hybrid schedule: 3 days/week on-site in Chicago, 2 days remote.
 Engineering Management (1) |
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- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or a related technical field.
- 7+ years of professional experience delivering AI/ML and automation solutions at scale, with at least 1 year leading technical teams.
- Demonstrated expertise with major AI/ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn), RPA technologies, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
- Experience architecting and deploying production-grade automation systems in operational or engineering environments.
- Strong proficiency in software development (Python preferred), data engineering, and project management methods (Agile, Scrum, Kanban).
- Track record of stakeholder engagement, translating business needs into technical solutions, and leading technical teams.
- Knowledge of data governance, responsible AI principles, and regulatory compliance for sensitive/regulated industries.
- Outstanding communication skills; proven ability to educate, influence and drive adoption across multidisciplinary teams.
- Define Automation & AI Roadmaps: Shape the multi-year strategic plan for AI and automation across Sargent & Lundy, including prioritizing initiatives that align with business objectives, operational efficiency, and client value.
- Translate Business Needs into Technical Solutions: Partner with business leaders (Finance, HR, Procurement, Engineering) to articulate business challenges and convert these into actionable technical projects.
- KPI & ROI Definition: Establish clear metrics to measure the impact of automation; create robust frameworks for evaluating success (e.g., increased throughput, cost savings, reduction in manual errors).
- End-to-End Solution Development: Oversee the full lifecycle of AI and automation solutions, from feasibility studies and prototyping to scalable system deployment and maintenance.
- Integration of AI Platforms: Coordinate the adoption and integration of third-party and internal/external AI platforms within S&L’s ecosystem, ensuring compatibility and optimal utilization.
- Leading a Multifaceted Team: Supervise a team consisting of AI/ML Engineers, Data Scientists, Data Engineers, RPA Specialists, and Full Stack Software Developers to deliver comprehensive AI/automation solutions.
- AI Governance Frameworks: Design, implement, and maintain governance structures that control and monitor the use of AI/automation tooling, with particular attention to security, data privacy, and regulatory compliance.
- Responsible AI Practices: Champion ethical AI initiatives—ensuring transparency, explainability, and fairness in automated decision-making.
- Documentation & Traceability: Mandate and oversee thorough documentation of system design, testing, deployment, and ongoing auditing to ensure traceability.
- Cross-Disciplinary Team Leadership: Build and mentor agile teams composed of data scientists, engineers, process owners, and IT specialists.
- AI Literacy & Upskilling Programs: Develop and deliver training modules to boost AI/automation understanding across Sargent & Lundy, tailoring content for technical and non-technical audiences.
- Change Advocacy: Guide business units through automation adoption, helping manage cultural shifts and resistance.
- Monitor Industry Trends: Stay up to date with advancements in AI/ML, RPA, cloud computing, and relevant regulatory changes affecting the power and energy sectors.
- Piloting & Experimentation: Identify areas for innovation pilots (e.g., proof-of-concept projects for AI-driven knowledge management systems).
- Iterative Enhancement: Collect feedback, analyze results, and iterate on AI/automation systems to ensure maximum value.
- Hybrid work arrangement with 3 days per week in downtown Chicago office and 2 days remote from home.
- Experience in the nuclear power or energy sector is a distinct advantage.
- Proven skills in opportunity discovery, demand management frameworks, and strategic intake processes.
- Ability to work in fast-paced, multidisciplinary environments with high visibility and accountability.
- Passion for continuous learning and advancing industry best practices in AI and automation.
Sargent & Lundy delivers full-service engineering and design for power, energy, and decarbonization projects. It works across the project lifecycle—from consulting and design to construction management, commissioning, and operations/maintenance—for utilities, industrial clients, and government customers. The firm handles grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear, fossil power, carbon capture, and hydrogen with a strong emphasis on safety and quality. With a history dating back to 1891, it differentiates itself through deep energy-sector expertise, global reach, and a track record that aims to help clients deliver reliable, decarbonized power solutions.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Chicago, Illinois
Founded
1891
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- TerraPower Natrium project deploys by 2029, boosting SMR credibility.
- 89% employee confidence drives talent retention amid shortages.
- 60% workforce expansion maintains 20% long-tenure retention.
What critics are saying
- 189% backlog outpaces capacity, causing overruns in 18-30 months.
- 2022 data breach triggers fines, penalties in 12-18 months.
- Nuclear delays from Natrium derail revenues in 24-36 months.
What makes Sargent & Lundy unique
- Sargent & Lundy reclaimed No. 1 nuclear power ranking under Suchodolski.
- Firm designs TerraPower's Natrium reactor training center in Wyoming.
- 189% backlog growth spans hydrogen, battery storage, and grid markets.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
Paid Vacation
Paid Holidays
Paid Parental Leave
Paid Bereavement Leave
Flexible Work Hours
Employee Assistance Program
Company News
Nuclear News magazine names Quinn Reynolds to 40 Under 40 list. The American Nuclear Society recently named Sargent & Lundy's Quinn Reynolds to its prestigious 40 Under 40 list, recognizing his technical expertise, leadership, and industry impact. ANS publishes the list in its Nuclear News magazine, honoring professionals from academia, government, utilities, vendors, and professional consulting firms. From hundreds of nominations, they select 40 industry leaders every year, noting their potential for future contributions to the nuclear community through influencing policy, engaging with the public, and pushing the field forward. "Quinn's not only a leader in his field but also an inspiration to his colleagues and the broader nuclear community," said Sargent & Lundy Senior Vice President Matthew Cooper. "His achievements and leadership qualities make him an outstanding candidate for the ANS 40 Under 40 award. Recognizing Quinn's accomplishments will not only honor his contributions but also encourage the next generation of nuclear professionals to strive for excellence and innovation." Reynolds joined Sargent & Lundy in 2010 and has since played pivotal roles in projects within the instrumentation and controls team. He oversaw engineering for the industry-first reactor controls instrumentation system upgrade for the Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant in Michigan. In another industry first, Reynolds is overseeing the firm's support for the restart of the once-decommissioned Palisades Nuclear Plant in Michigan. The firm promoted him to vice president in 2024. Through Reynolds' pioneering work implementing digital upgrade strategies and system integrations, he has been instrumental in reducing risk, improving quality, and saving costs across the domestic nuclear fleet - all while elevating industry standards and strengthening critical partnerships with utilities, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, vendors, and original equipment manufacturers. Reynolds is actively involved with the American Nuclear Society and contributes to Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers standards development for human factors engineering and safety-related systems, underscoring his commitment to advancing the broader nuclear industry. "I'm honored to be recognized alongside such accomplished peers in ANS' 40 Under 40," said Reynolds. "It's great to work in an industry that improves people's lives and to do that work with the exceptional colleagues, leaders, and mentors at Sargent & Lundy." Read the full article in Nuclear News
Sargent & Lundy scores 11th straight win as a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace. For the 11th consecutive year, Sargent & Lundy has been named a Top Workplace by the Chicago Tribune, securing the No. 7 ranking among Chicago companies with over 1,000 employees. The honor reflects anonymous employee feedback gathered in June by Energage, a Pennsylvania-based research firm whose benchmarked methodology powers the national and regional Top Workplaces lists. Employees reported higher scores related to feeling informed about company decisions and having work-life flexibility - clear signals of progress in areas employees value most. Sargent & Lundy's consistent presence on the Chicago Tribune Top Workplace list highlights its dedication to fostering a supportive, high-performance culture. The firm's commitment to gathering and acting on employee feedback has led to several benefits enhancements, more channels for idea-sharing, and new workplace enrichments. Demonstrating this continuous-improvement culture, the firm has achieved significant accolades. Sargent & Lundy has swept the Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Awards for the past three years, earning recognition for excellence in compensation and benefits, innovation, leadership, purpose and values, and work-life flexibility. The firm has also secured awards for employee appreciation, employee well-being, and professional development. This success is part of a broader track record: The firm has been a Top Workplaces USA honoree every year since the award began in 2021 and has earned regional Top Workplace honors from The Delaware News Journal and The Denver Post. Employees' comments from the survey highlight the day-to-day experience behind the scores. Sargent & Lundy is growing and hiring across the U.S. and internationally, with more than 1,000 open roles for engineers, designers, project managers, and professional staff.
Sargent & Lundy CEO vic Suchodolski wins POWER Magazine's Executive Leadership award. Sargent & Lundy Chairman, President, and CEO Victor Suchodolski has won POWER Magazine's Executive Leadership award, an honor recognizing a senior executive whose strategic foresight and commitment to innovation fundamentally shape the energy future. The award celebrates leaders who demonstrate a proven track record guiding organizations through transformative change with measurable impact. Suchodolski, who took the helm of the 134-year-old engineering design firm in January 2023, earned the honor for his influence on the power industry and his dedication to the firm's rich legacy. By combining an electrical engineer's technical acumen with a strong commitment to the firm's people, his leadership achieves measurable results that prepare Sargent & Lundy and its clients for the power industry's future. Sargent & Lundy has achieved exceptional growth in recent years and fortified a top industry position, driven by a strategic focus on energy transformation. It has achieved company-record annual revenue, nearly doubled its backlog and workforce, and expanded its office presence by a significant margin across key domestic and international markets. The firm also expanded market share across the conventional gas, nuclear, transmission and distribution, hydrogen, and battery energy storage power markets. "We believe in investing ahead of the curve, whether that's in advanced nuclear technologies or employee development," Suchodolski said. "Our clients trust us to deliver reliable, forward-looking solutions, and that requires us to constantly evolve how we think and how we engineer." Additionally, the firm's employees have overwhelmingly affirmed their confidence in Suchodolski's people-centric leadership and management, with 89% expressing strong support in an anonymous survey. Sargent & Lundy champions this culture through significant investments in employee benefits, professional development, and engagement programs. This commitment has resulted in numerous distinctions based directly on anonymous employee feedback since 2023, including 49 Top Workplace and Culture Excellence awards; best employer recognitions from Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, and Engineering.com; and Bell Seal gold certification for employee well-being and workplace wellness from Mental Health America. "Our success always ties directly back to our people - their commitment, passion, and talent," Suchodolski commented. "When we invest in their professional growth and prioritize their well-being, they deliver the innovative solutions our clients depend on. It's a foundational principle that drives our growth."
Midwestern power professionals to meet at MIPSYCON. Sargent & Lundy will join utility leaders from throughout the Midwest at the Minnesota Power Systems Conference Nov. 4-6 in St. Paul. MIPSYCON spotlights the unique challenges facing Midwestern utilities and the latest developments in power systems technology. Conference sessions will cover delivery systems, project management, relaying, distribution automation and communications, safety and security, metering, power generation, and more. Electric grid specialists from the firm will be at Booth 629 during the conference reception Nov. 4 from 5-7:30 p.m. for attendees to discuss project needs with and learn how Sargent & Lundy's services support utility and energy-transition goals. The team will be available throughout the three-day conference to discuss technological innovations and share insights into data center interconnections, project management services, substation design, security, and storm hardening to maximize grid reliability. The conference is sponsored by the College of Continuing and Professional Studies at the University of Minnesota, in cooperation with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Twin Cities Power and Energy Society/Industry Applications Society. CCAPS empowers lifelong learners to achieve their educational goals through professional courses, applied and individualized degrees, and other academic pathways. More details about the conference can be found here.
TerraPower has selected Chicago-based engineering company Sargent & Lundy to design a training centre at Kemmerer, Wyoming, for TerraPower's innovative Natrium reactor demonstration project which will be deployed at the site at the end of this dacade.