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Distribution Planning Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Design Engineer (PE)

Wheaton, IL ยท On-site +1

$100K - $125K/yr

Support electric distribution planning, capacity analysis, reliability improvements, and infrastructure upgrades. * Interpret and apply utility standards, engineering specifications, and design ...

Sterling Engineering Inc.

SR Design Engineer

Wheaton, IL ยท On-site +1

$135K - $160K/yr

Support distribution planning, capacity analysis, reliability improvements, and infrastructure ... Review engineering drawings and project deliverables for quality, constructability, and compliance.

Sonsoft Inc

JDA Supply Chain Planning

Westchester, IL

$29.25 - $39.75/hr

... Distribution planning area -Shape solution design by adopting industry best practices -Assist clients in mapping and streamlining/re-engineering business practices, which includes integrating JDA SCM ...

Sonsoft Inc

JDA Supply Chain Planning

Westchester, IL ยท On-site

$29.25 - $39.75/hr

... Distribution planning area -Shape solution design by adopting industry best practices -Assist clients in mapping and streamlining/re-engineering business practices, which includes integrating JDA SCM ...

Sonsoft Inc

JDA Supply Chain Planning

Westchester, IL ยท On-site

$29.25 - $39.75/hr

... Distribution planning area -Shape solution design by adopting industry best practices -Assist clients in mapping and streamlining/re-engineering business practices, which includes integrating JDA SCM ...

Sonsoft Inc

JDA Supply Chain Planning

Westchester, IL ยท On-site

$29.25 - $39.75/hr

... Distribution planning area -Shape solution design by adopting industry best practices -Assist clients in mapping and streamlining/re-engineering business practices, which includes integrating JDA SCM ...

Sonsoft Inc

JDA Supply Chain Planning

Westchester, IL ยท On-site

$29.25 - $39.75/hr

... Distribution planning area -Shape solution design by adopting industry best practices -Assist clients in mapping and streamlining/re-engineering business practices, which includes integrating JDA SCM ...

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All JobsDistribution Planning Engineer JobsDistribution Planning Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Distribution Planning Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

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$45

$73

How much do distribution planning engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for distribution planning engineer in Chicago, IL is $45.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.91 and $53.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the distribution planning engineer position, and why are they important?

Succeeding as a Distribution Planning Engineer requires a strong background in electrical engineering, power systems analysis, and load forecasting, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools such as GIS mapping software, SCADA systems, and industry standards like NERC reliability guidelines is important, along with a Professional Engineer (PE) license in some cases. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and project management skills help individuals excel in cross-functional environments. Mastery of these skills ensures safe, efficient, and reliable energy distribution network planning and execution.

What is a distribution planning engineer?

A Distribution Planning Engineer is responsible for designing, analyzing, and optimizing electrical distribution systems to ensure reliable and efficient power delivery. They assess system capacity, forecast demand growth, and develop plans for infrastructure upgrades. Their role involves using specialized software to model power flows, identifying potential issues, and implementing solutions to enhance grid stability. They also collaborate with stakeholders, such as utility companies and regulatory agencies, to ensure compliance with industry standards. Ultimately, their work supports the safe and efficient distribution of electricity to homes, businesses, and industries.

What are some typical challenges faced by distribution planning engineers on the job?

Distribution Planning Engineers often face the challenge of balancing system reliability with cost efficiency while integrating new technologies and renewable energy sources. They must analyze complex data sets, predict future load growth, and work closely with field crews and other engineering teams to implement upgrades or resolve outages. Adapting to evolving regulatory standards and addressing unexpected issues, such as equipment failures or extreme weather, are also common aspects of the role. These challenges make the position dynamic and offer valuable opportunities for professional growth and hands-on problem-solving.

What are popular job titles related to Distribution Planning Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Distribution Planning Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Distribution Planning Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Distribution Planning Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Distribution Planning Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Distribution Planning Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,335 per year, or $45.4 per hour.

Director, Grid Strategy & Utility Planning

Solar Landscape

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

About Us
ย 
Solar Landscape is the leading commercial rooftop solar developer in the U.S. Only 4% of commercial rooftops host solar today - we're changing that, fast. Commercial rooftop solar is the fastest, smartest way to build new clean power - delivering megawatts of generation in months, not years, and powering America's energy and future right where it's needed most. By turning rooftops into local power plants, we're reshaping how - and how fast - energy gets built in the U.S.
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Recognized as the #1 Distributed Generation Developer by New Project Media, the #1 National Commercial Rooftop Solar Developer by Solar Power World, and winner of the U.S. Department of Energy's Grand Prize for Clean Energy, Solar Landscape is defining the future of energy generation in America.
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Headquartered in Asbury Park, New Jersey, Solar Landscape has offices in Chicago, Baltimore, and New York City and operates in over a dozen states nationwide.
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We move fast, solve hard problems, and take our work seriously - but never ourselves. We value clear thinking, accountability, and execution. At the same time, we're collaborative by default, and believe the best work happens when people enjoy working together. Our team is made up of smart, grounded people who show up for each other - whether that's troubleshooting a system design or catching up over lunch.
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If you're looking to do meaningful work in a high-performance environment - and be part of the team reshaping how energy gets built in the U.S. - we'd love to meet you.
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About The Role

Solar Landscape is building the next phase of distributed energy, and the grid needs to evolve to support it.
We are seeking a senior power systems professional with deep experience in utility transmission and distribution planning, grid modernization, and distributed energy resource integration to lead the company's grid strategy efforts.
Reporting to the Director of Interconnection, this role will evaluate how utility planning frameworks, infrastructure investments, and evolving grid constraints affect distributed solar and battery energy storage deployment across U.S. markets. The position will work directly with utilities and internal teams to unlock hosting capacity, advance DER integration strategies, and develop pilot initiatives such as DERMS, dynamic hosting capacity, flexible interconnection, and non-wire alternatives.
Key Responsibilities
  • Engage utility planning and engineering teams to identify and advance opportunities to increase hosting capacity on constrained circuits.
  • Build strong relationships across utility planning, asset management, engineering, operations, regulatory, and innovation teams.
  • Develop technically credible, data-driven proposals that align distributed energy deployment with utility reliability and planning objectives.
  • Identify, develop, and advance DERMS, dynamic hosting capacity, flexible interconnection, non-wire alternative, and other grid-modernization pilot opportunities.
  • Analyze hosting-capacity maps, load forecasts, infrastructure plans, capital programs, and system-planning studies to inform market and siting strategy.
  • Interpret integrated distribution plans, integrated resource plans, long-range transmission plans, and other utility planning filings.
  • Monitor feeder and substation constraints, system-upgrade programs, load growth, electrification trends, and planned utility investments.
  • Identify circuits and substations where targeted operational changes, grid technologies, or infrastructure investments could unlock additional DER capacity.
  • Provide strategic guidance on integrating distributed solar and battery energy storage systems within utility distribution networks.
  • Evaluate how operating requirements, export controls, tariffs, system limitations, and utility planning assumptions affect DER deployment.
  • Support interpretation of feasibility studies, system-impact studies, facility studies, and related utility planning data.
  • Provide input on point-of-interconnection strategy and system-integration considerations.
  • Track emerging grid technologies, including ADMS, DERMS, advanced inverters, digital twins, VPPs, microgrids, and grid-enhancing technologies.
  • Participate in utility working groups, regulatory forums, industry organizations, and technical conferences related to grid modernization and DER integration.
  • Support development, interconnection, policy, and New Markets teams with early-stage grid intelligence and utility-planning insight.
  • Translate utility planning information into clear recommendations for leadership and cross-functional teams.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, or a related field.
  • 10+ years of experience in electric utility planning, transmission or distribution engineering, grid modernization, or DER integration.
  • Deep understanding of utility planning methodologies, system constraints, reliability, infrastructure development, and capital planning.
  • Experience with distributed energy resources, renewable energy, battery energy storage, or advanced grid technologies.
  • Strong familiarity with utility planning studies, hosting-capacity analysis, interconnection impacts, and grid-modernization initiatives.
  • Demonstrated ability to influence utility stakeholders and advance new technical or operational approaches.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex grid issues into actionable business recommendations.
  • Experience within a major electric utility, ISO/RTO, grid consulting firm, or adjacent energy organization strongly preferred.
  • Familiarity with PJM, NYISO, CAISO, ERCOT, MISO, or other major U.S. power markets preferred.
  • Experience advancing DERMS, dynamic hosting capacity, flexible interconnection, non-wire alternatives, or related pilots preferred.
  • Professional Engineer license or an advanced degree in power systems, energy policy, or a related discipline preferred.
$170,000 - $220,000 a year
Salary will vary depending on your location and job-related skills and experience. This is an incentive-based position with the potential to earn more. For part-time roles, your compensation will be adjusted to reflect your hours.
Benefits and Perks
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We offer competitive compensation and benefits designed to support you inside and outside of work:
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ย ย ย ย ย ย  Training / Professional development opportunities
ย ย ย ย ย ย  401(k) with 4% company match
ย ย ย ย ย ย  Summer Fridays
ย ย ย ย ย ย  Flexible remote/hybrid work options
ย ย ย ย ย ย  Paid parental leave
ย ย ย ย ย ย  Team lunches, events, and stocked kitchens
ย ย ย ย ย ย  Modern, collaborative office spaces in Asbury Park, New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Baltimore
ย ย ย ย ย ย  Medical, dental, and vision coverage
ย ย ย ย ย ย  Company-paid life and long-term disability insurance
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ย 
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ADA Accommodation Statement
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Solar Landscape is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact us at [emailย protected].
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.
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