AI/Automation Solution Lead

Description

Sargent & Lundy is a leading consulting engineering firm specializing in the power and energy sectors. Since 1891, we have provided comprehensive engineering, design, and consulting services for both traditional and renewable power generation, grid modernization, nuclear power, and beyond. Our mission is to help clients achieve their energy goals effectively by leveraging advanced technologies and adopting sustainable practices. As part of our commitment to industry leadership and innovation, we are building a multidisciplinary AI/Automation taskforce to design, implement, and scale advanced automation capabilities across both internal operations and our client offerings.

Job Summary:

We are seeking an AI/Automation Solution Leader—an architect of transformative, high-impact AI solutions—who will design comprehensive automation strategies, mentor cross-functional teams, and deliver best-in-class digital products for the energy sector. This high-profile, specialized role blends technical leadership, strategic planning, and hands-on solution delivery to maximize Sargent & Lundy’s contribution to operational excellence, efficiency, and future readiness.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy & Vision

• 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).

Solution Delivery

• 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.

Governance & Compliance

• 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.

Stakeholder Engagement & Change Management

• 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.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• 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.

This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid schedule with the expectation of 3 days per week in our downtown Chicago office, and 2 days remote from home.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• 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.
• 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.

Desirable Attributes:

• 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.

Why Join Us?

• Work in an established company that values innovation and growth.
• Engage with a collaborative team that is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the energy sector.
• Gain exposure to cutting-edge projects and contribute to data-driven decision-making processes.

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Award-Winning Benefits

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.

Compensation Range

$100,010.00 - $144,190.00

Transparency Statement

Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.

Awards & Recognition

Equal Opportunity

Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.