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Grid Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

$84K - $97K/yr

Power Grid Automation Engineer II Technical lead and programmer for the integration of switchgear automation providing project management and customer support. As a Power Grid Automation Engineer II, ...

Understand, track, and interpret evolving grid code and modeling requirements, including NERC, ISO ... Cross-train and mentor junior engineers and transmission team members on modeling practices ...

Showing results 21-40

Grid Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$37.8K

$98.6K

$133.2K

How much do grid engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for grid engineer in Illinois is $98,600.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,400.00 and $112,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a grid engineer?

A Grid Engineer is a professional who designs, operates, and maintains electrical grid systems that deliver electricity from power plants to consumers. They ensure the grid runs efficiently, safely, and reliably by overseeing infrastructure such as substations, transmission lines, and distribution networks. Grid Engineers play a crucial role in integrating renewable energy sources, managing grid stability, and addressing outages or emergencies. Their work often involves using advanced technology and data analysis to optimize grid performance.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a grid engineer?

To thrive as a Grid Engineer, you need a solid understanding of electrical engineering principles, power systems, and grid operations, typically backed by a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with grid modeling software (such as PSS/E or PowerWorld), SCADA systems, and relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are commonly required. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and communication skills help Grid Engineers manage complex projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These competencies are essential to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation and modernization of electrical grids.

What do grid engineers do?

Grid engineers design, maintain, and optimize electrical power transmission and distribution systems to ensure reliable energy delivery. They analyze system performance, troubleshoot issues, and may use tools like SCADA and GIS software, often requiring technical certifications and knowledge of safety standards.

What is the difference between Grid Engineer vs Substation Engineer?

AspectGrid EngineerSubstation Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, relevant certificationsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentPower grid infrastructure, field and officeSubstation facilities, field and office
Industry UsagePower transmission and distribution companiesUtility companies, power plants
Primary FocusDesign, maintenance, and optimization of power gridsDesign, construction, and maintenance of substations

While both roles involve electrical engineering within the power industry, Grid Engineers focus on the overall power transmission network, ensuring efficient and reliable grid operation. Substation Engineers specialize in the design and maintenance of substations, which are critical nodes within the grid. Both roles require similar credentials and often work together to ensure a stable power supply.

How does a grid engineer typically collaborate with other departments to ensure reliable power distribution?

Grid Engineers work closely with operations, maintenance, and planning teams to monitor grid performance and quickly address any faults or outages. They often coordinate with IT specialists to implement and maintain grid automation systems, and may also interact with regulatory and compliance departments to ensure all standards are met. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial, as Grid Engineers must translate technical data into actionable steps for various stakeholders, ensuring safe and efficient power delivery.
What are the most commonly searched types of Grid Engineer jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Grid Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Grid Engineer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Grid Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Grid Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,600 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

Quantum Software Engineer - Energy Grid Optimization

Infleqtion

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

We are seeking a Quantum Software Engineer with expertise in quantum optimization algorithms and quantum error correction techniques and an interest in applying that expertise to energy grid optimization problems.

Job Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities outlined below include essential functions of the role. Depending on business needs, this role may perform a combination of some or all of the following duties. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned:

  • Conduct R&D toward cutting-edge advances in quantum technology with a focus on applications to energy grid optimization
  • Write and test code to apply quantum algorithms to energy grid optimization problems
  • Interface and collaborate with external groups interested in using quantum computing to solve energy grid optimization problems
  • Contribute to development of government and commercial energy grid optimization proposals
  • Collaborate with experimental physicists and software engineers to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical implementation
  • Engage with the broader scientific community by publishing research findings in scientific journals and presenting at conferences
  • Stay up to date with the latest developments in both quantum algorithms and energy grid optimization
  • Provide guidance and support to other team members, fostering a collaborative research environment

Requirements

Required Qualifications

  • BS or MS in Computer Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field
  • High proficiency in programming, with fluency in Python preferable. Proficiency in alternative languages (e.g., C/C++ or Julia) with the ability to rapidly upskill in Python.
  • Experience with quantum algorithms used for optimization applications: QAOA, IQP circuits, quantum annealing, etc.
  • Familiarity with theoretical aspects of quantum optimization algorithms: parameter transfer, barren plateaus, classical optimization algorithms, etc.
  • Experience with quantum error correction and partial quantum error correction techniques: iceberg codes, encoding, decoding, etc.
  • Familiarity with energy grid optimization: unit commitment, N-k contingency, etc.
  • Experience optimizing quantum circuits: mapping/routing, gate decomposition, etc.
  • Experience with both noiseless and noisy simulation of quantum circuits
  • Experience running quantum circuits on quantum hardware and analyzing the results thereof.
  • Experience with open-source quantum software frameworks, such as Cirq or Qiskit. Ideal candidates will have experience not only using these libraries but also modifying them.
  • Demonstrated ability to work and communicate will all levels of an organization. Professional-level communication skills, including verbal, written, and presentation skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work comfortably in a highly collaborative, cross-functional, team-oriented, and matrixed environment.
  • Desire and demonstrated ability to thrive and produce results in a fluid, dynamic, and fast-paced environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to learn new and complex topics quickly.
  • Resourceful problem-solver who collaboratively identifies effective paths forward with demonstrated expertise in executing productization efforts.
  • Passion for solving complex problems and challenges in a highly technical and scientific environment.
  • Ability to be in the office any three days per week.
  • Ability to travel domestically and potentially internationally up to 10%.

Preferred Qualifications

  • PhD in quantum computation, physics, computer science, or a directly related field
  • Familiarity with concepts in quantum computing such as error correction, fault tolerance, native gate decomposition, qubit mapping and routing, and variational quantum algorithms.
  • Experience with advanced open-source quantum software frameworks such as Stim
  • Familiarity with best practices of professional software engineering such as coverage, integration tests, type checking, unit tests, and version control
  • Experience with backend development with tools such as FastAPI for web frameworks and PostgreSQL/SQLAlchemy for databases.
  • Experience with cloud development, especially on GCP and AWS.
  • Familiarity with CI/CD, automated actions, issue tracking, version control, and other features on GitHub.
  • Familiarity with security core best-practices such as access control, encryption at rest, key rotation, and logging
  • Exposure to or interest in front-end / GUI development (e.g., React, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, PyQt).

Notice to Recruitment Agencies:

Infleqtion does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Infleqtion is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

Benefits

  • Salary range: 140000-182000 USD/year
  • 100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, short/long-term disability
  • Employer-funded Health Savings Account
  • Unlimited PTO
  • 401(k) match
  • Company-paid Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Flexible Savings Account
  • Paid FMLA, Maternity/Paternity Leave
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Student Loan Repayment
  • Equity Program