Distribution Planning Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Are you a Distribution Planning Engineer looking to deepen your expertise in DER/DG and take the next step into a technical lead role?

In this role, you’ll help shape how distributed energy resources (DER)/distributed generation (DG) – including solar, energy storage, wind, and emerging technologies – are integrated into the utility distribution system. You’ll work on meaningful studies, collaborate across disciplines, and play a key role in advancing grid modernization efforts.

What You’ll Do:

• Perform DER/DG interconnection and distribution planning studies, including hosting capacity, power flow, voltage analysis, and protection coordination.
• Evaluate DER impacts (solar, battery storage, EVs) and identify system constraints and mitigation strategies.
• Develop and maintain distribution system models using tools such as CYME, Synergi, or similar platforms.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams (transmission, substation, distribution design, automation, etc.) to support integrated planning efforts.
• Support client-facing project work, including technical discussions and study reviews.
• Contribute to the quality and consistency of engineering deliverables across projects.
• Mentor junior engineers and support knowledge sharing across the team.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• ~5+ years of experience in electric utility or distribution planning.
• Experience with distribution modeling and engineering analysis tools (e.g. CYME, Synergi, or ASPEN, WindMil, etc.).
• Experience supporting DER/DG interconnection or planning studies (feasibility, system impact, or similar).
• Ability to travel up to 5% as required to support clients and projects.
• FE/EIT (or ability to obtain).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Experience with larger or more complex DER studies (e.g. cluster/group studies, 8760 simulations, etc.).
• Familiarity with hosting capacity analysis, grid modernization, or non-wires alternatives (NWA).
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience managing or supporting project execution, including scope, schedule, and coordination across teams.
• Experience interfacing directly with clients, including presenting study results or participating in technical discussions.
• Understanding of project financials, budgets, or resource planning.
• Knowledge of protective device coordination settings files or arc flash analysis.
• Experience with data analysis or scripting.
• Exposure to LoadSEER, forecasting, or long-term planning studies.

Not quite right for you? For a full listing of all our openings, please visit us at: https://entrustsol.com/careers/

Why Join Us?

At ENTRUST Solutions Group, a Leidos company, we are driven by a commitment to innovation, technical excellence, and delivering the critical infrastructure that powers and connects communities. Together with Leidos, we are building a scaled, end-to-end energy and infrastructure organization focused on modernizing the grid, improving reliability, and helping utilities and network providers meet rising demand.

As an ENR top ranked firm, our team of more than 5,000 professionals brings deep technical expertise and advanced technology across electric, gas, and telecommunications infrastructure. We solve complex challenges for clients across North America and expanding markets, helping them strengthen reliability, expand capacity, and adapt to evolving infrastructure needs.

We foster a culture where innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement are expected, and where people are empowered to challenge convention, think boldly, and make an impact. Whether you are looking to grow your expertise, lead transformative projects, or help shape the future of infrastructure, you will find opportunities to thrive here.

If you are ready to outthink the status quo, tackle meaningful challenges, and build what is next, we would love to hear from you.

Benefits & Salary

• This position pays between $100,000 and $130,000 annually and is an exempt position. The specific amount within this range will be influenced by the work location and various factors, such as internal equity, professional skills, work experience, and pertinent education or training.
• Benefits offered include company sponsored medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) plan with company match. Also offered are tuition reimbursement, voluntary life, disability, critical illness, accident and hospitalization plans. HSA or FSA medical accounts and FSA dependent care and transportation/parking accounts are also available. These benefits are subject to employee contribution amounts generally set annually.
• Full time employees are eligible to earn PTO hours.
• May be eligible for discretionary bonus as determined by the company.
In Return For Top Talent, ENTRUST Solutions Group Offers

• Generous paid time off and benefits
• 401(k) retirement program with a company match
• Career development programs
• Tuition reimbursement
• Flexible work schedule
To learn more about ENTRUST Benefits and Culture, please visit our company LinkedIn page and follow us at:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrustsolutionsgroup

ENTRUST Solutions Group is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Headhunters and recruitment agencies may not submit resumes/CVs through this website or directly to managers. ENTRUST Solutions Group does not accept unsolicited headhunter or agency resumes and will not pay fees to any third-party agency or company that does not have a signed agreement with ENTRUST Solutions Group.

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