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 (