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Entry Level Substation Engineer Jobs in Illinois

We use in-house talent, expertise and resources to plan, design, engineer, manage, conduct ... No experience required for an entry level position in the electric utility industry. More ...

Engineer II

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$99K/yr

We provide comprehensive consulting, engineering and design, program and project management, construction management, and EPC services, specializing in substation, transmission, distribution, and ...

Field Technician I

Willowbrook, IL

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

... testing and engineering organization specializing in ele ct rical acce pt ance testing ... The Field Technician I is an entry-level position responsible for supporting the inspection ...

Field Technician I

Willowbrook, IL · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

The Field Technician I is an entry-level position responsible for supporting the inspection ... Working under the direction of experienced technicians and engineers, the role focuses on ...

HV Project Engineer (Illinois)

Galesburg, IL · On-site

$67K - $86K/yr

... substation projects nationwide. Summary: This role is located full-time on a jobsite in Galesburg ... Able to perform all essential Entry Level/Intern Project Engineer responsibilities * Attend and ...

HV Project Engineer (Illinois)

Galesburg, IL · On-site

$67K - $86K/yr

... substation projects nationwide. Summary: This role is located full-time on a jobsite in Galesburg ... Able to perform all essential Entry Level/Intern Project Engineer responsibilities * Attend and ...

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Entry Level Substation Engineer information

What does an entry level substation engineer do?

An Entry Level Substation Engineer assists in the design, development, and maintenance of electrical substations, which are crucial for power distribution and transmission. Their responsibilities typically include preparing technical drawings, performing calculations, supporting project engineers, and ensuring compliance with safety and industry standards. They may also assist in field inspections, equipment selection, and coordination with other engineering teams. This role provides hands-on experience and mentorship to build foundational skills in electrical engineering within the power sector.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an entry level substation engineer expect during their first year on the job?

As an Entry Level Substation Engineer, you can expect to work on a variety of tasks such as assisting with the design and analysis of electrical substations, preparing technical drawings and documentation, and supporting senior engineers with project planning and coordination. You'll likely participate in site visits, help with equipment specifications, and collaborate with teams in civil, structural, and protection engineering. This role provides hands-on experience with industry-standard software and offers opportunities to learn about power systems and grid reliability, setting a strong foundation for future career advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level substation engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Substation Engineer, you need a solid understanding of electrical engineering principles, power systems, and a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with design software like AutoCAD, MicroStation, and industry standards (such as IEEE), along with knowledge of protective relay systems, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication help you solve problems and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient substation design and operation.

What is the difference between Entry Level Substation Engineer vs Substation Technician?

AspectEntry Level Substation EngineerSubstation Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field; may include internshipsTechnical diploma or associate degree; on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentDesign, planning, and project coordination in office and field settingsField work focusing on equipment installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting
Employer & Industry UsageUtilities, engineering firms, construction companiesUtility companies, maintenance contractors

Entry Level Substation Engineers typically focus on designing and planning substations, requiring a degree in engineering, while Substation Technicians handle hands-on maintenance and troubleshooting. Both roles are essential in the power industry but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Substation Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Substation Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Substation Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Substation Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Entry Level Substation Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Entry Level Substation Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Substation Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 68% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 84% In-person, and 16% Remote job distribution.

Entry Level Substation Electrical Engineer

WSP

Freeport, IL • On-site

$77 - $94/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


WSP rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

WSP is currently initiating a search for an Entry Level Substation Electrical Engineer for our Freeport, Maine office.

Be involved in projects with our Power Delivery Substation Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients’ objectives and solves their challenges.

This Opportunity

The Entry Level Substation Electrical Engineer will share responsibility with the rest of the department to produce a product consistent with WSP's mission statement and our culture. They are expected to support the department in achieving the goals of the department, maintain WSP's high-quality standards, promote internal teamwork and meet the needs of our clients.

WSP brings global expertise in power delivery, power generation, and program management—anchored by the acquisition of POWER Engineers, Inc. TRC Companies have now joined WSP, deepening our power practice and expanding our energy advisory and intelligent grid services. We're partnering with clients to shape how energy systems evolve around the world—and we need your help.

Your Impact
  • Perform the detailed design of low to extra high voltage substations including, but not limited to:
    oOne-line diagrams
    oSchematics
    oWiring diagrams
    oSCADA
    oCommunications
    oStation physical layouts
    oSections/Elevations
    oCable and conduit plans and details
    oGround grid design and details
    oFoundation plans and details
    oStructural plans and details
    oControl enclosure design and details
    oLightning protection plans
    oYard lighting plans
    oBills of Materials
    oSite visits

  • Support QA/QC for deliverables to clients.

  • Shall learn, understand, and adhere to client standards and processes while working individually or within a team to complete complex and technically challenging designs.

  • Occasional travel.

  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.

  • Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

  • The successful candidate will be involved in all aspects of substation design, including new substations, expansions, equipment replacements, protection and control upgrades, physical layout modifications, and associated fiber optic and communications improvements.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

  • BSEE (BS Electrical Engineering) or BSEET (BS Electrical Engineering Technology) degree, preferably with a power option from an accredited university.

  • 0-1 years of experience

  • Strong knowledge and understanding of electrical engineering to build on.

  • The candidate must have a strong command of the English language with good written and oral communication skills to work effectively with internal team members and external client personnel.

  • Candidates must be legally authorized to work permanently in the U.S. without the need for work sponsorship.

  • Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Three months or more of relevant electrical engineering work experience; could be on an internship or co-op basis.

  • Knowledge of electrical utility substations and familiarity with substation design.

  • Engineer Intern certificate (EI) or passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.

Disclaimer:

  • Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

  • Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

WSP Benefits:

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

Compensation:

Expected Salary (all locations): $76,800 - $93,800

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.

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