Client Engineering Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

The Engineering Manager, Distribution is a leadership role responsible for managing a team of distribution engineers and technical staff in the planning, design, and execution of electrical distribution systems. This position combines people management, project management, and technical oversight, including the authority to stamp engineering documents as a licensed Professional Engineer (PE).
The Engineering Manager ensures the delivery of high-quality, safe, and reliable distribution engineering solutions while fostering the professional development of the team, managing multiple projects, and maintaining compliance with regulatory, industry, and client standards. This role is also responsible for strategic planning, process improvement, and integration of emerging technologies, including renewable energy, distributed energy resources (DERs), energy storage, and smart grid initiatives.
What you will do:
Leadership & People Management

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of distribution engineers, CAD technicians, and junior staff.

• Provide technical guidance, performance feedback, and career development opportunities.

• Establish team goals, priorities, and objectives in alignment with organizational strategy.

• Foster a collaborative, high-performing culture focused on safety, quality, and innovation.

Project & Program Management

• Oversee multiple distribution engineering projects, including budgeting, scheduling, resource allocation, and deliverables.

• Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and in accordance with quality standards.

• Serve as primary client and stakeholder contact for project updates, technical clarifications, and problem resolution.

• Monitor project risks, implement mitigation strategies, and ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and design standards.

Engineering & Technical Oversight

• Review, approve, and stamp engineering drawings, specifications, and calculations as a licensed Professional Engineer (PE).

• Ensure designs for overhead and underground distribution systems comply with IEEE, NEC, NESC, NERC, and local utility standards.

• Conduct system studies including load flow, fault analysis, protective device coordination, and voltage drop assessments.

• Evaluate and implement emerging technologies such as DERs, energy storage, smart grid systems, and renewable integration.

• Lead field assessments, construction audits, and design verifications to ensure adherence to engineering standards and best practices.

Strategic & Process Responsibilities

• Develop and implement engineering policies, procedures, and best practices to improve efficiency and quality.

• Support organizational planning, system improvements, and distribution network modernization initiatives.

• Stay current with industry trends, regulatory requirements, and emerging technologies to inform project execution and team development.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize operational processes, resource utilization, and client satisfaction.

Who you are:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in Electrical Engineering
• 10 years of experience in distribution engineering, including project management and 3 years of prior leadership experience
• Valid Driver's License
• Experience with multiple utility standards preferred
• Project Management Professional (PMP) preferred

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution. Professional Engineer (PE) license in Electrical Engineering. 10 years of experience in distribution engineering, including project management and 3 years of prior leadership experience. Valid Driver's License Experience with multiple utility standards preferred Project Management Professional (PMP) preferred

• Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage - Reach out to learn how your deductible could be covered 100% through Garner Health!
• Company Sponsored Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability - We've got your back when life takes unexpected turns.
• Voluntary Coverages - Take control of your well-being with added coverage options.
• Discounted Gym Membership - Stay active with wellness options that support your fitness goals.
• Competitive Base Salary - Earn what you're worth in a performance-driven culture.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Build your future with confidence.
• Professional Development Incentives - Get rewarded for growing your skills - including bonuses for earning your P.E. License.
• Milhouse University (Cross-Functional Training) - Expand your expertise with internal training built to elevate your career and receive PDH credits for applicable training towards professional engineering licenses, etc.
• Employee Education & Development Program - Tuition assistance and learning opportunities to keep you moving forward.
• Generous PTO + Paid Holidays - Rest, recharge, and enjoy the moments that matter most.
• Paid Parental Leave - Bond with your new arrival - and yes, we'll even cover a year of diapers!
• Extracurricular Sports Teams - Join our summer Volleyball and Softball squads for fun off the clock.
• Employee Recognition Program - Be celebrated for the impact you make.
• Employee Referral Bonus - Bring great people on board and get paid for it.
• Transit Benefits Program - Save on your daily commute.
• Charitable Events and Activities offered through non-profit affiliate - Milhouse Charities.

$141,400 - $178,100 a year
The actual base pay depends upon many factors, such as education, experience, and skills. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.
While we provide a range, we'd love to hear from you if you are in or outside of this range as we are always looking to cater roles to the Talent we find!
Milhouse is a pay transparency non-discrimination organization committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We ensure that all employees are compensated fairly and without bias, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, effective January 1, 2025, we include pay scales and benefits in all job postings and ensure that all promotion opportunities are communicated to current employees within 14 days of external postings. Additionally, we participate in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility and uphold compliance with federal requirements.
Why join the Power team? Here's why:
The Power team is home to a collaborative environment that utilizes talent from all departments with Power. Just within the past year the Power team has doubled, proving that there are incredible growth opportunities available for self-starters.
Here's a little information on Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc.:
Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc. was founded in 2001 with the goal of building the best engineering company in the country. It was based on the belief that if we hired great people, fueled their passion while challenging them to excel, and maintained a laser focus on the needs of your clients, success would come- and so it has. Our portfolio of successful projects continues to grow, our family of highly satisfied clients continues to expand, and our staff just gets better and better.
We are a unique, Chicago-based firm whose collective passion, vision and expertise has led to phenomenal growth! With more than 500+ talented professionals and offices across the globe, Milhouse offers a dynamic work environment where there is no limit to what you can achieve if you are willing to go after it.
Our people are the cornerstone of our organization, and key to our success. Join a remarkably talented team that shares a passion for what they do and a vision for improving communities around the world through innovative engineering and construction. Click here to see who we are, and how our people drive our culture each & every day.
Click here to see all of our awards and how many times we've won Chicago's 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For!
Important Notice to US Applicants
Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc. is an at-will employer.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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.