Electrical Distributor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Join Weichai America and help power the future of critical infrastructure! We are seeking an experienced Electrical Engineer to design and develop advanced power systems supporting utility grids, industrial facilities, and next-generation data centers. This is an exciting opportunity to work on complex electrical infrastructure projects involving substations, switchgear, UPS systems, backup generation, and high-availability power distribution while collaborating with a talented engineering team to deliver innovative, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions.

Position Summary

The Electrical Engineer – Power Grid & Data Center Infrastructure is responsible for the design, analysis, integration, and commissioning of electrical power systems supporting utility grids, industrial facilities, and mission-critical data center infrastructure. This role provides technical leadership throughout the engineering lifecycle, from concept development and detailed design through installation, commissioning, and operational support.

The ideal candidate has experience with medium- and high-voltage power systems, electrical protection, data center infrastructure, and utility-scale electrical engineering.

Key Responsibilities

Power System Engineering

• Design, analyze, and optimize medium- and high-voltage electrical distribution systems.
• Develop single-line diagrams, electrical layouts, equipment specifications, and engineering documentation.
• Participate in the design of substations, transformers, switchgear, and distribution equipment.
• Support utility interconnection and power distribution projects.

Data Center Infrastructure

• Design and evaluate electrical infrastructure for mission-critical data centers, including:
  • Utility service connections
  • Substations and transformers
  • Switchgear and busway systems
  • UPS and battery energy storage systems
  • Backup generation systems
  • Power Distribution Units (PDUs)
• Develop resilient electrical architectures that support high-availability configurations such as N+1 and 2N redundancy.

System Analysis & Performance

• Perform electrical engineering studies, including:
  • Load flow analysis
  • Short-circuit analysis
  • Protection coordination
  • Arc flash studies
  • Power quality assessments
• Recommend solutions that improve system reliability, efficiency, safety, and operational performance.

Grid Integration & Commissioning

• Coordinate with utility providers to ensure successful grid interconnections and regulatory compliance.
• Participate in renewable energy, distributed generation, and microgrid integration projects.
• Assist with commissioning, startup activities, troubleshooting, and ongoing operational support for electrical systems.

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure designs comply with applicable electrical codes, industry standards, and safety requirements.
• Prepare technical reports, engineering calculations, drawings, specifications, and permitting documentation.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and engineering best practices.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience designing electrical power distribution systems for utility, industrial, or mission-critical facilities.
• Knowledge of medium- and high-voltage equipment, protective relays, and electrical protection systems.
• Experience using electrical modeling and simulation software.
• Strong understanding of applicable electrical codes and industry standards.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.job codesbenefits
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing electrical infrastructure for data centers or other mission-critical facilities.
• Experience with utility-scale power generation, renewable energy, or microgrid systems.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain licensure.
• Experience supporting commissioning, field engineering, or startup activities.
• Familiarity with battery energy storage systems (BESS) and backup power generation.

Core Competencies

• Electrical Power System Design
• Data Center Infrastructure
• Grid Integration
• Protection & Coordination Studies
• Power System Analysis
• Technical Documentation
• Project Execution
• Continuous Improvement
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Problem Solving

Benefits

Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, STD and LTD, HSA and FSA options, and a 401(k) plan with company match.

Equal Opportunity Statement

At Weichai America Corp., we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is valued and respected. We celebrate diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

We make hiring decisions based on qualifications, experience, and business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status.

If you require accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact hr@weichaiamerica.com for accommodation requests.

Weichai America Corp. is a drug-free workplace. All candidates will be required to successfully complete a background check and any applicable pre-employment screening as part of the hiring process.