Entry Level Substation Engineer Jobs in Illinois

EDP Renewables is a global leader in the renewable energy sector and currently operates in more than 25 markets. With eight offices and several sites, at EDP Renewables North America, we are experienced developers and operators of renewable energy. Our portfolio includes wind farms, solar parks, energy storage projects, and green hydrogen solutions throughout the continent. We are ranked among the top 5 in the U.S. in operational renewable energy capacity.
Our company is part of EDP, a global energy group present in around 30 markets with a particular emphasis on renewable energies. With more than 45 years of experience, we have been consolidating a relevant presence on the world energy scene based on the commitment to be all-green by 2030, leading the energy transition. With more than 13,000 employees around the world, we are committed to using our energy and heart to drive a better tomorrow.
What you will do
Role Overview:
Exciting entry-level position, the Wind Technician I is an essential member of the Wind Farm that is responsible for the on-site operations, maintenance, repairs, and replacement of equipment at one of EDPR NA's wind-energy generation sites. Tasks include but are not limited to completing Lock-Out-Tag-Out (LOTO), Tail Board, and documentation that is necessary to support wind turbine maintenance safely. This team member will also conduct inspections of equipment, tools, and facilities for compliance with EDPR policies, governmental safety guidelines, and environmental regulations. The ideal candidate is seeking an opportunity to showcase their knowledge and skills in a dynamic team setting with a passion for renewable energy as EDPR is changing tomorrow now!
Main responsibilities:

• Ensure proper operation and maintenance of wind turbines and associated wind plant equipment including substation and tower switchgear
• Proactively look for improvement opportunities to job-appropriate processes and procedures and communicate through appropriate channels or implement improvements using the appropriate control management protocol
• Identify gaps in safety standards and safety risks in the environment, implement effective risk mitigation and provide recommendations to higher-level technical staff and management
• Demonstrate and promote integrity, strong initiative, and teamwork
• Comply with all pertinent environmental health and safety programs and act as a safety role model
• Work with and respond to EDPRs Remote Operations Control Center when necessary to coordinate remote operations
• Complete all required training in a satisfactory manner and timeframe
• Participate in on-the-job training with on-site personnel
• Document all work performed using computer-based service reporting procedures
• Adhere to internal controls in effect
• Additional duties as required

Employment type
Full-Time
Work site
Onsite - Top Crop Wind Farm - Dwight, IL
What are we looking for
Minimum Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical school education preferred
• The ideal candidate should have a strong mechanical background, specifically gearing-related.
• 1 - 2 years relevant experience in wind energy or a related industry (preferred)
• Understanding of Microsoft products and complementing products
• Experience with power plant operations and maintenance, wind plant operations and turbines (including turbine power converters specifically), high voltage switching, and post-operational repair and maintenance of turbines (preferred)
• Familiarity with maintenance and electronic testing equipment (e.g., voltage testers, amp clamps, hydraulic torque equipment, alignment tools, various hand, and power tools) and with heavy equipment required for facility maintenance including working knowledge of crane and rigging requirements (preferred)
• Proficient knowledge of SQL Server software, facility management, reporting systems, and computerized diagnostic and troubleshooting tools (preferred)
• Willingness and ability to pass a background investigation and drug test
• Valid driver's license with a safe driving record

Travel:
Up to 10%
Behavioral Requirements:

• Able to effectively collaborate with employees at all professional levels and ability to respectfully follow supervision and support initiatives.
• Basic computer operation skills, familiarity with internet-based program navigation, and ability to generate and interpret computer data.
• Ability to read, interpret and understand drawings and schematics to validate work activity and ensure that risks are identified and mitigated.

Physical demands & working conditions:

• Sitting/Standing/Flexibility: Ability to frequently perform physical tasks including standing, sitting, walking, kneeling, bending, twisting, squatting, and reaching approximately 75% of the time while on wind farm sites; ability to stand and sit for 8 or more hours when in an office environment
• Walking: Ability to walk .25 to .5 miles per day, including across unpaved and rough surfaces when on wind farm sites
• Speech/Reading: Ability to speak, read, and write English proficiently and deliver a variety of instructions furnished in written, verbal, diagram, or scheduled form
• Lifting: Ability to frequently lift items weighing up to 50 pounds
• Climbing:
• Ability to climb turbine towers in excess of 100 meters in height to access the work area
• Weight must be between 125 lbs. and 275 lbs., excluding equipment/gear worn when performing job-related tasks, to be in accordance with the ANSI Fall Protection Standards.
• Vision/Hearing: Ability to interpret and follow a variety of instructions furnished in written, verbal, diagram, or schedule form
• Tolerance to Extreme Weather Conditions: Ability to work in adverse weather conditions 25% of the time while on wind farm sites
• Safety: Ability to understand and communicate safety precautions when necessary

More than academic knowledge and technical skills, we are looking for ambitious people who are enthusiastic about the future and who bring human skills aligned with our purpose.
Equal opportunities for all
Our vision is that each person combines their unique characteristics and experiences to fulfill our mission of creating new energy for the planet. We are an inclusive employer, ensuring all candidates are treated fairly throughout the recruitment process. We welcome and value all people, and we are committed to fostering a sense of belonging for each person who is part of the EDP group.
This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. EDP makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time. For further information, please review this notice from the Department of Labor: EEO is the Law poster (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster). You may have additional rights pursuant to recent amendments to federal labor laws. Please review these protections from the EEO is the Law Supplement (https://www.eeoc.gov).
Need more reasons to apply?
As a top employer we:

• Empower our employees through a positive and innovative work environment that promotes collaboration and agile decision-making;
• Respect and value each person, providing a flexible, healthy, and inclusive workplace with a range of attractive benefits;
• Provide a meaningful work experience and prepare our people for future challenges through different opportunities for development and internal mobility;

Our efforts have resulted in several distinctions over time, highlighting the EDP group's strong positioning and its dedication and commitment to attracting and retaining the best talent:

• Top employer certification by Top Employers Institute
• Part of the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index
• Global certification as a family-responsible company by Fundación Másfamília
• Top 100 Workplaces by Houston Chronicle

Discover our tips to enhance your performance during the recruitment process and apply until August 26, 2026, if you think you are the right fit for this opportunity.