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Grid Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Grid Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$36.6K

$95.6K

$129.2K

How much do grid engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for grid engineer in Iowa is $95,572.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,900.00 and $109,400.00 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Grid Engineer, and why are they important?

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 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 popular job titles related to Grid Engineer jobs in Iowa? For Grid Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Grid Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Grid Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
Infographic showing various Grid Engineer job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,572 per year, or $45.9 per hour.
Engineer I, Engineer II, Engineer III Grid Planning

Engineer I, Engineer II, Engineer III Grid Planning

Alliant Energy

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Alliant Energy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Bring YOUR energy to Alliant Energy!
At Alliant Energy, our purpose is to serve customers and build stronger communities. We are passionate about powering beyond the market challenges of today, while powering what's next in energy. When our employees say "I am energy", it means they take pride in the work we do when disaster strikes, as well as all the days in between. We want you to be safe, happy and healthy. That's why we prioritize safety, offer volunteer opportunities and provide competitive pay, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, tuition reimbursement and paid time off.
Engineer I - Grid Planning, Engineer II - Grid Planning, Engineer III - Grid Planning:
From early-career engineers to seasoned planning leaders, we're building our Grid Planning team-join us at the level that fits your experience and help design the grid of tomorrow.
***This position can be hired as either an Engineer I Grid Planning, Engineer II Grid Planning or an Engineer III Grid Planning depending on experience***
What you will do
  • What You Will Do (Developmental Progression)
    Safety, Risk & Compliance
    • Foundational: Learns and follows safety standards; develops awareness of risk and regulatory requirements.
    • Intermediate: Identifies and mitigates unsafe conditions, applies risk methodologies, and interprets regulations to address system issues.
    • Advanced: Leads safety and compliance efforts, proactively mitigates complex risks, and influences standards and practices.

    Customer Focus & Problem Solving
    • Foundational: Learns customer needs and supports identification of basic issues and solutions.
    • Intermediate: Proactively identifies and resolves moderately complex problems aligned to customer needs.
    • Advanced: Anticipates needs and leads resolution of complex system and operational challenges.

    Communication, Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
    • Foundational: Builds relationships and develops communication skills with support.
    • Intermediate: Communicates technical concepts clearly, facilitates discussions, and collaborates across teams.
    • Advanced: Leads stakeholder engagement, influences decisions, and drives alignment across functions.

    Technical Application, Standards & Continuous Improvement
    • Foundational: Applies engineering standards and processes to solve routine problems with guidance.
    • Intermediate: Applies standards independently and recommends process improvements.
    • Advanced: Leads technical direction, shapes standards, and drives continuous improvement initiatives.

    Planning, Financial & Work Management
    • Foundational: Learns budgeting, planning, and basic financial concepts (capital vs. O&M).
    • Intermediate: Supports budgeting and multi-year planning; develops moderately complex scopes of work with cost, sequencing, and prioritization.
    • Advanced: Leads planning and budgeting efforts, manages complex scopes, and guides investment decisions.

    Systems Analysis, Modeling & Technical Studies
    • Foundational: Learns system modeling tools and performs basic analyses with support.
    • Intermediate: Builds moderately complex models and supports technical studies, including interconnection and power quality.
    • Advanced: Leads complex system analysis, modeling, and technical decision-making.

    Agreements, Projects & Organizational Contribution
    • Foundational: Develops understanding of agreements, project processes, and team roles.
    • Intermediate: Supports development of agreements, contributes to cross-functional work, and executes moderately complex projects.
    • Advanced: Leads agreement development, cross-functional initiatives, and delivers strategic outcomes aligned to organizational goals.

Requirements:
Engineer III Grid Planning:
  • Bachelor's Degree Engineering program that is accredited through the Engineering Accreditation Commission Required
  • 5 years of related experience

Engineer II Grid Planning:
  • Bachelor's Degree Engineering program that is accredited through the Engineering Accreditation Commission Required
  • 2 years of related experience

Engineer I Grid Planning:
  • Bachelor's Degree Engineering program that is accredited through the Engineering Accreditation Commission Required

Preferred Experience:
  • Project management experience, along with ability to deal with subcontractors and cross-functional teams; may have expertise in a particular area of the discipline.
  • Previous technical and/or professional experience
  • An internship or co-op in engineering

Key Skills
  • Cost Optimization • Data Analysis • Feasibility Studies • Grid Interconnection Studies • Power Engineering • Power Flow Analysis and Modeling • Power Systems Performance Monitoring • Power Systems Planning • Short Circuit Simulation and Analysis • Standards Compliance • Transient Analysis

Our people are passionate about what they do, the product they sell, and the customers they serve. If you're looking for an opportunity to be a part of a work family that values collaboration, innovation and dedication, we're the right company for you.
Alliant Energy offers a comprehensive total rewards package including competitive compensation and benefit programs. Information on these benefit programs is available on our Careers site.
Pay Range:
This position is eligible to participate in the annual incentive program. The final salary offered will generally fall within this range and is dependent on various factors including but not limited to the responsibilities of the position, experience, skill set, internal pay equity and other relevant qualifications of the applicant.
It's not just what we do; it's how we do it.
Live Safety. Everyone. Always | Make Things Better | Care For Others | Do The Right Thing | Act For Tomorrow | Think Beyond. Be Bold
Alliant Energy and its subsidiaries are committed to creating a culture of belonging and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by law.
All candidates selected for employment with Alliant Energy will be required to successfully complete a background check, and a drug screen where applicable.
Disclaimer:
The above information on this description has been crafted to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not crafted to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
Applicants in need of a reasonable accommodation for any part of the hiring process, please email talent@alliantenergy.com.

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