Sterling Engineering, Inc.: jobboards

Controls Engineer

Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 CDT

We are seeking a talented Controls Engineer to design, program, and support custom automation systems for a variety of industrial applications. This role will be responsible for developing PLC and HMI software, integrating controls hardware, and supporting system startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting.

Key responsibilities include designing electrical control systems, programming PLCs and HMIs, configuring servo drives and motion control systems, and collaborating with mechanical engineering, manufacturing, and customers throughout the project lifecycle. The Controls Engineer will also provide onsite startup support, testing, and technical assistance to ensure successful system performance.

Qualified candidates should have experience with PLC programming platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar, along with HMI development, industrial networking, and troubleshooting automated equipment. Experience with servo systems, robotics, and custom machine automation is highly preferred.

This is an excellent opportunity to work on innovative, custom automation projects in a collaborative engineering environment.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

E&I Designer - Refinery

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 00:00:00 CDT

Title: Electrical and Instrumentation (E&I) Designer
Location: Downers Grove, IL
Hire Type: Long-Term Open Ended Contract (Multi-Year, No End Date)
Compensation: $60-$65/hr
Experience: 3+ years Electrical and Instrumentation Design in a refinery setting
Benefits: As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible to receive a Full Employee Benefits Package that includes paid time off, paid holidays, 3 medical plans to choose from, dental & vision plans, 401(k), and an Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) plan.

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I) Designer to support ongoing refinery and industrial projects. This is a long term opportunity offering stability, technical exposure, and the ability to work on complex, high impact projects within a refinery environment.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and modify design drawings using AutoCAD 2023 to support electrical and instrumentation projects
Create field sketches for front end engineering activities and convert them into detailed AutoCAD drawings
Update and maintain existing refinery drawings to meet project requirements
Support design work including:
- Instrument loop drawings
- Terminal cabinet drawings
- Electrical signal line diagrams
- P&ID updates and modifications
Conduct field walkdowns to verify layouts, gather data, and support design accuracy
Collaborate with engineers and project teams to ensure designs align with specifications and project scope
Follow all corporate and site safety standards, including proper use of PPE in refinery environments

Required Qualifications

Minimum of 3 years of design and drafting experience within a refinery or industrial environment
Strong proficiency in AutoCAD 2023
Working knowledge of electrical and instrumentation design principles
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
Ability to work both in-office and in the field within an active industrial facility

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

HVAC Project Manager

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:00:00 CDT

Title: Mechanical Project Manager (HVAC)

Location: Downers Grove, IL (5 days a week in office)

Hire Type: Direct Hire

Shift/Hours: 1st, 8am â 5pm (Mon-Fri)

Base Salary: $84,000 - $135,000 (based on experience)

Benefits: Industry-leading Performance Bonus, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Traditional and Roth 401(k), Tuition Reimbursement, Scholarship Program for Children, 1-month Paid Sabbatical with Travel Stipend, 1-week Paid Volunteer Leave, and Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage.

About the Opportunity: Sterling Engineering's client is a team of engineers and project managers who are experts at tackling complex projects and installations through a comprehensive design/build approach. Consistently recognized as a "Best Place to Work," this organization leverages streamlined communication and advanced technologies to find optimized, custom solutions for their clients. They are committed to a culture of diversity and inclusion, treating people fairly and doing the right thing for both their associates and their customers.

Job Duties:

Manage all managerial and administrative aspects of turn-key mechanical and process piping projects, including estimating, scheduling, and quality control.
Gather project requirements directly from clients and facilitate the preparation of comprehensive working drawings.
Prepare and submit detailed project proposals independently and alongside senior management.
Lead client meetings to present proposals and address technical questions regarding cost, design, and scope.
Ensure accurate project estimates that align perfectly with contracted scopes of work.
Manage the full lifecycle of RFIs, change orders, and submittals for all assigned projects.
Track internal project accounting requirements and monitor the cost status of ongoing mechanical projects.
Plan, coordinate, and oversee field operations to ensure effective team performance and safety.
Address and resolve project close-out requirements and any warranty issues as they arise.
Maintain high standards of progress reporting and billing to ensure transparency for stakeholders.

Qualifications:

Bachelorâs degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
2-7+ years of experience in HVAC project management; 3-5 years of estimating experience preferred.
Previous experience leading design/build projects is strongly preferred.
Demonstrated competency in effective negotiation and conflict resolution.
Ability to analyze complex data, think critically, and solve technical problems in the field.
Strong verbal and written communication skills to engage with internal staff and external stakeholders.
Flexibility to travel to client sites nationwide as required for project oversight.
Commitment to a safety-first culture and high-quality construction standards.

Project E&I Engineer - Refinery

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 00:00:00 CDT

Title: Project E&I Engineer - Refinery

Location: Lemont, IL
Hire Type: Long Term Open-Ended Contract (Multi-Year, No End Date)

Pay Rate: $50-75 per hour

Compensation & Benefits

As a contract employee of Sterling Engineering, you'll receive a full, competitive benefits package, including:

Three Medical Plan Options
Dental & Vision Coverage
401(k) Retirement Plan
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays

Sterling Engineering is seeking a Project E&I Engineer to support capital improvement projects at a large, highly automated industrial manufacturing and refining facility. You'll gain hands-on experience leading technically challenging projects in a safety-driven, fast-paced environment with significant opportunities to expand your project management and refinery engineering expertise.

Key Responsibilities

Manage assigned electrical and instrumentation capital projects from scope development through commissioning and startup
Develop project scopes, cost estimates, schedules, and execution plans
Monitor project budgets, cash flow forecasts, schedules, and overall project performance
Coordinate with cross-functional teams including Operations, Process Engineering, Reliability, Construction, and Maintenance
Manage engineering contractors, material procurement, and project documentation throughout the project lifecycle
Review engineering designs to ensure quality, constructability, safety, and regulatory compliance
Lead project change management activities, including Management of Change (MOC) documentation
Facilitate Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSRs) to support safe equipment commissioning and startup
Provide technical support during construction, installation, startup, and project closeout
Ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and meet operational objectives

Qualifications

Must have a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited university
Must have at least 2 years of Electrical & Instrumentation engineering experience in a refining or chemical processing environment
Experience supporting capital projects in refining, chemical processing, power generation, or other heavy industrial environments
Needs a strong working knowledge of instrumentation engineering standards and best practices
Experience managing project scope, budgets, schedules, and contractor activities
Familiarity with Management of Change (MOC) processes and industrial safety practices

Why You'll Love This Opportunity

Work on impactful capital projects supporting one of the nation's critical industrial facilities
Gain experience managing projects from concept through startup and commissioning
Collaborate with experienced multidisciplinary engineering and operations teams
Build expertise in project management, refinery systems, and industrial process engineering
Diverse project work that offers technical challenges and professional growth
Safety-focused culture with established engineering processes and best practices
Excellent opportunity to expand your experience in large-scale industrial project execution.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Project Manager - Agribusiness

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 00:00:00 CDT

Title: Project Manager â Agribusiness
Location: Downers Grove, IL
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Salary: $120Kâ$155K/YR
Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, and additional company benefits

Sterling Engineering is looking for a Project Manager â Agribusiness to join a leading engineering consulting organization. This position will focus on brownfield projects within the agribusiness industry, supporting clients with project development, engineering, consulting, and execution.

Job Duties:

Manage small to medium-sized projects from development through execution, including scope, schedule, budget, profitability, safety, and client satisfaction.
Initially manage 2â3 projects, with larger projects potentially requiring dedicated project management.
Coordinate project work between engineering disciplines and project teams.
Develop, review, and approve project scopes, costs, schedules, and communications.
Assist with project execution strategies and review drawings and specifications prior to permitting and construction.
Monitor project scope and schedule changes and secure necessary change authorizations.
Support preparation of proposals, specifications, scopes of work, and contract negotiations.
Monitor project costs and quality to ensure profitability and technical performance.
Identify project challenges and develop solutions to address scope, budget, and schedule issues.
Implement cost-effective approaches to improve project design, construction costs, and productivity.
Serve as a primary point of contact for clients and outside consultants.
Support business development and client relationship activities.
Coordinate with multidisciplinary engineering and construction teams throughout project execution.

Qualifications:

Bachelorâs degree in Engineering required; Mechanical, Process, or Chemical Engineering preferred.
Minimum of 10 years of project management experience.
5+ years of project management experience within engineering consulting and the agribusiness industry preferred.
Strong experience with brownfield projects and agribusiness applications.
Experience with industries such as starch, ethanol, vegetable oil, grain, oilseed, soybean, or other related agricultural processing is highly preferred.
Strong understanding of agribusiness terminology, industry standards, engineering practices, and client needs.
Experience with A/E, AEPCM, Design Build, and/or Construction Management project models.
Professional Engineer (P.E.) license and/or PMP certification preferred.
LEED AP and/or CEM certification is a plus.
Strong understanding of contract administration, liability, and safety requirements.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, and Navisworks.
Excellent communication, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.
Strong client-facing and relationship-building skills.
Ability to travel occasionally to client sites.

Additional Information:

Position requires working in the office 3 days per week.
May require occasional visits to client sites, approximately once per month.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 CDT

Title: Senior Mechanical Engineer

Location: Downers Grove, IL (Must be in office 5 days a week)

Hire Type: Direct Hire

Shift/Hours: 1st, 8am - 5pm (Mon-Fri)

Base Salary: $110k - $130k (based on experience)

Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Traditional and Roth 401(k), Tuition Reimbursement, Paid Parental Leave, and a 1-month paid sabbatical after every five years.

About the Opportunity: Sterling Engineering has partnered with a rapidly growing , privately held company that has been around for over 30+ years. They are looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer focused on the MEP side to join their organization. This is a stable company dedicated to the well-being of its associates, offering an industry-leading performance-based bonus program and a culture that values community impact through charitable matching and volunteer leave.

Job Duties:

Manage the design process for mechanical and plumbing systems across diverse building types, including industrial, manufacturing, and large-scale commercial.
Guide and review the design lifecycle from initial concept through turnover and final operation.
Apply expert knowledge of building codes and standards in the development of robust mechanical and plumbing solutions.
Perform detailed load calculations for various project types using ASHRAE approved calculation methods.
Coordinate closely with design and construction teams to ensure final deliverables meet all client criteria.
Generate comprehensive permit and construction documents utilizing 3D modeling software such as Revit and AutoCAD.
Participate in project pursuits and conceptual design to demonstrate the value of the design-build approach to potential clients.
Support the project team during construction by reviewing RFIs, submittals, and resolving field challenges.
Drive the development of group standards, procedures, and training programs to elevate team performance.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality system integration and operational efficiency.

Qualifications:

Bachelorâs degree in Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or a related field.
7 â 20 years of proven experience in mechanical and/or plumbing design within the construction or engineering industry.
High proficiency in using Revit and AutoCAD for complex 3D modeling and documentation.
Deep understanding of codes, standards, and core design principles for mechanical and plumbing systems.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with clients and internal project teams.

Senior Mechanical Engineer (Data Centers)

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 CDT

Title: Senior Mechanical Engineer

Location: Downers Grove, IL

Hire Type: Direct Hire - in office 5 days a week.

Shift/Hours: 40 Hours/Week

Base Salary: $90k â $130k

Benefits: * Industry-leading performance-based bonus program

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Traditional and Roth 401k
Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage

About the Opportunity: Sterling Engineering's client, a premier design-build firm consistently recognized as a "Best Place to Work," is looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join their organization. This is a stable, industry-leading company with a diverse book of business spanning controlled agriculture, manufacturing, and large-scale commercial sectors, setting them up for continued stability and growth.

Job Duties:

Lead and manage the design process for mechanical and plumbing systems across a variety of building types, ensuring alignment with client criteria.

Continuously analyze and guide the design from initial concept all the way through to turnover and final operation.
Organize and balance project requirements using ASHRAE approved calculation methods to perform accurate load calculations.
Identify and resolve design and field challenges by reviewing RFIs and submittals during the construction phase.
Monitor compliance with building codes and standards in the development of all mechanical and plumbing systems designs.
Coordinate and mentor the project team to ensure the final deliverable meets high-quality industry standards and client expectations.
Generate technical documentation and construction documents utilizing 3D modeling software such as Revit and AutoCAD.
Collaborate cross-functionally with design and construction teams to support project pursuits and display the value of the design/build approach.
Drive and implement the development of standards, procedures, and training programs for the engineering group.
Prepare regular reports and design reviews to ensure projects stay on schedule and meet regulatory requirements.

Qualifications:

Bachelorâs degree in Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or a related field.

Minimum of 7 â 20 years of experience in mechanical and/or plumbing design within the AEC or manufacturing environment.
Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
Strong understanding of engineering concepts, building codes, standards, and H&H design principles.
Excellent proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD for the creation of permit and construction documents.
Demonstrated ability to lead by example, guiding the design process while fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with design teams, construction crews, and senior management.

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:00:00 CDT

Title: Senior Mechanical Engineer

Location: Downers Grove, IL (in office 3 days a week)

Hire Type: Direct Hire

Shift/Hours: 1st, 8am - 5pm (Mon-Fri)

Base Salary: $90k - $120k (based on experience)

Benefits: Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision), PTO, 401(k) Plan, and Tuition Reimbursement

About the Opportunity: Sterling Engineering's client is looking for a Sr. Mechanical Engineer to join their organization and eventually move into a managerial role. This client is a high-ranking, full-service engineering, architecture, and management consulting firm that has been around for 75 years.

Job Duties:

Plan, schedule, and conduct technical work as the mechanical lead on assigned projects, ensuring alignment with schedule and budget.
Directly execute engineering tasks and lead multi-discipline design resources to meet "big picture" project objectives.
Develop system designs, size equipment, and create technical specifications and data sheets for process and thermal systems.
Work effectively within a 3D design environment to develop solutions and lead model reviews with client teams.
Perform technical evaluation of bids and recommend best-value designs meeting requirements for reliability and safety.
Lead field observations, perform detailed engineering calculations, and oversee installation checking and problem-solving.
Review engineering deliverables and vendor documentation for compliance with principles, standards, and specifications.
Collaborate with Project Managers to identify and manage scope changes and provide technical responses to construction RFIs.
Interact with other engineering disciplines, vendors, and clients to facilitate the exchange of project-critical information.
Coach and develop less experienced engineering and design staff to foster technical growth.

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or a similar engineering degree.
7+ years of mechanical engineering experience with expertise in at least two areas (e.g., Pressure Vessels, Rotating Equipment, Material Handling, or Heat Transfer).
7+ years of experience developing complex designs within a 3D environment (AutoCAD/Plant3D, CADWorx, SolidWorks, Inventor, etc.).
Minimum of 2 years of experience leading a design team or executing project work as a technical lead.
PE License or EIT (with the goal to obtain PE) is preferred.
Proven knowledge of industry standards such as ASME (specifically Section VIII, Div 1) and piping stress/flow analysis.
Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office products for engineering reporting and scheduling.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for a client-facing consulting environment.
Ability to travel occasionally to client sites and maintain a valid driverâs license.

Substation Electrical Engineer

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 CDT

Title: Substation Engineer
Location: Downers Grove, IL
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Compensation: $135,000
Bonus/ Incentives/ Stock Options: ESOP, Tuition Reimbursement, Sabbatical every 5 years
Must have Skill Set: High Voltage Substation Design Experience

Overview:

A DAY IN THE LIFE

· Develop, review and approve engineering deliverables including: single-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, one-line drawings, bus arrangements, grounding systems, conduit/cable layouts, control house layouts, bus supports, equipment foundations.

· Perform electrical calculations and studies (e.g., short circuit/current interrupting, bus loading, conductor sizing, voltage drop, grounding/ground-grid analysis).

· Create or review specifications, data sheets, technical submittals for major substation equipment (transformers, switchgear, breakers, disconnects, bus duct, control/relay panels, cable tray).

· Coordinate with procurement to evaluate vendor submittals, ensure compliance with specification, respond to technical RFIâs and clarifications.

· Interface with construction and commissioning teams: review contractor drawings, monitor field installation, support construction design changes, provide technical resolution of field issues and construction deviations.

· Ensure compliance with relevant codes and standards (IEEE, ANSI, NESC/NEC, applicable local utility/authority standards), and company QA/QC processes.

· Provide design support through construction & commissioning phases: attend factory acceptance tests (FATs), witness installation, support energization, assist in commissioning/verification.

· Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (civil/structural, protection & control, project management, site construction) to ensure coordinated design and execution.

· Support change-order review, cost estimating, constructability review, risk identification in the design scope.

· Mentor junior engineers/drafters (at more senior levels), provide quality reviews of drawings/calculations.

Qualifications:

· Bachelorâs degree in Electrical Engineering (or related discipline) from an accredited institution.

· Minimum of 5-10 years of substation design / engineering experience (transmission or utility scale) OR comparable heavy-commercial construction related background.

· Strong working knowledge of substation design practices for high voltage equipment, bus systems, grounding, control/relay, station service, etc.

· Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, produce single-line, three-line, schematic, and layout drawings.

· Experience preparing technical specifications and vendor data review.

· Proficiency with design tools and software (e.g., AutoCAD, MicroStation, ETAP, SKM, Mathcad, or other power-system calculation tools).

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to collaborate across design, procurement, and construction teams.

· Willingness to travel to project sites as required (e.g., 10-30%).

· Familiarity with engineering deliverables in a GC setting (i.e., design-build or EPC support) is a plus.