Entry Level Solar Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Invenergy is North America's largest privately held developer, owner, and operator of power infrastructure. With 25 years of trusted execution, we deliver reliable, affordable energy through a diverse portfolio that includes natural gas, solar, land-based wind, energy storage, transmission, and domestic manufacturing. Headquartered in Chicago, we develop, own, and operate large scale projects that power communities and support the energy future.
This position will be open for application for at least 3 calendar days from the posting date. This position will remain open for application based on business need, which may be before or after the 3-day posting window.
Job Description
Position Overview
The Staff Engineer, Electrical Engineering will support the electrical engineering and construction of cutting-edge Thermal generation projects (natural gas combustion turbines, combined cycle power plants, etc.). You will be primarily responsible for supporting engineering activities internally or through the selected Engineering Firms in order to complete final detailed design packages for projects to be built. The electrical systems of Thermal projects utilize large turbine generators, isophase, medium voltage and low voltage auxiliary systems (switchgear, breakers, MCCs), Generator Step-Up Transformers, switchyard, and transmission line interconnections to the grid at high and extra high voltages. The Staff Engineer level includes a training period for engineers to develop into contributing team members.
Responsibilities:

• Electrical Engineering and Projects' Technical Responsibility
  
  • Assist in developing project specific construction, engineering, and equipment specifications
  • Assist in the development of new projects by analyzing conceptual designs that comply with all critical owner and interconnection requirements and support RFQ specifications
  • Prepare and validate electrical energy calculations
  • Conduct thorough design reviews of electrical drawings: Balance of Plant, switchyard, and transmission line
  • Define the scope of all required electrical system studies and review results for accuracy and compliance
  • Track design schedules, update all stakeholders, and ensure that critical dates related to electrical engineering tasks are met on time.
  • Support project close out by organizing and transferring all as-built documentation to final project owner including electrical drawings, schematics, bill of materials, electrical studies, and relay settings.
  • Coordinate with operations engineering to incorporate lessons learned into new design reviews and specifications to continuously improve quality
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry technology through various training sessions and conferences
  • Coordinate information between equipment suppliers, construction contractors, and the engineer of record
• Procurement and Construction Support
  
  • Review competitive bids for owner procured electrical material. Support the purchasing of this equipment and manage suppliers throughout the engineering and commissioning process.
  • Monitor construction progress both remotely and via on-site inspections and support resolution of any field issues. Attend on-site meetings with electrical construction contractors and in person coordination meetings with interconnection utilities.
  • Perform factory/equipment inspection and witness factory acceptance testing for major materials.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Power Systems,
  or expected graduation in 2026 with Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Power Systems.
• Knowledge of power systems, ideally acquired through specific coursework, and internships.
• Understanding of HV/MV electrical infrastructure (substations/switchyards, distribution systems, transmission lines, transformers).
• General knowledge of interpreting and applying common electrical industry standards and codes.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Visio.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills.
• Some travel required (up to 25%).
• Valid driver's license.
• Eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Preferred Skills:

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems or related.
• Relevant work experience, including internships.
• EIT license.
• Familiarity with ETAP, CYMCAP, EasyPower or similar electrical modeling software.
• Familiarity with breaker-and-a-half or double-breaker-double-bus switchyards
• Ability to concurrently coordinate and manage multiple projects with various teams.
• Thermal energy experience (Natural Gas Peaker plants, combined cycle power plants, or similar), especially direct experience with the turbine-generator supplier.
• Experience with construction of infrastructure projects

Base Pay
$70,000.00 - $95,000.00 USD Annual
Bonus: 15%
The base pay range reflects the minimum and maximum target salary for the position. Invenergy considers a number of factors when determining base pay offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education and skills.
In addition to base pay, the total annual compensation package may also include eligibility to participate in our bonus program(s) which are designed to reward individual and company performance. Your recruiter can share more about bonus eligibility for this position during the hiring process.
Invenergy offers a variety of other benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401k, paid time off, etc.
Invenergy LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or disability.