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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 Jul 11, 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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering with extensive experience and advanced skills can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. These roles typically require advanced degrees, certifications, and leadership responsibilities within high-demand industries.

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 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.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and aerospace engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries. Executive-level engineering roles or those with significant managerial responsibilities may also reach or exceed this salary level.

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.

How much do grid engineers make?

Grid engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in power systems or automation can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000 annually.
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:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Grid Engineer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Grid Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Grid Engineer job openings in Iowa as of July 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 Operations

Alliantenergy

Washington, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


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 Operations, Engineer II - Grid Operations, Engineer III - Grid Operations:

From early-career engineers to seasoned grid operations leaders, we're building our Grid Operations 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 Operations, Engineer II Grid Operations or an Engineer III Grid Operations depending on experience***

What You Will Do (Developmental Progression)

Safety, Risk & Compliance

  • Foundational: Follows safety rules, identifies basic risks, and supports safe design practices.

  • Intermediate: Identifies and mitigates risks, applies safety standards, and improves safe operations.

  • Advanced: Leads safety practices, addresses complex risks, and recommends standard improvements.

Customer Focus & Problem Solving

  • Foundational: Learns customer needs and supports basic issue identification and solutions.

  • Intermediate: Identifies and resolves moderately complex problems aligned to customer needs.

  • Advanced: Anticipates needs and leads resolution of complex system and operational issues.

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Foundational: Builds relationships and develops technical communication skills.

  • Intermediate: Communicates technical concepts clearly and prepares detailed documentation.

  • Advanced: Leads discussions, influences decisions, and drives cross-functional alignment.

Technical Application & Standards

  • Foundational: Applies engineering standards and solves routine problems with guidance.

  • Intermediate: Applies standards independently and recommends process improvements.

  • Advanced: Shapes standards, leads technical direction, and drives continuous improvement.

Planning, Financial & Work Management

  • Foundational: Learns planning, cost estimates, and capital vs. O&M fundamentals.

  • Intermediate: Supports budgeting and develops moderately complex scopes with cost and sequencing.

  • Advanced: Leads planning efforts, manages complex scopes, and guides investment decisions.

System Operations & Decision Making

  • Foundational: Develops system knowledge and makes low-risk decisions with guidance.

  • Intermediate: Applies system knowledge and makes low- to medium-risk decisions independently.

  • Advanced: Demonstrates advanced system expertise and makes informed technical decisions.

System Analysis & Protection Engineering

  • Foundational: Supports system studies, relay design, and SCADA work with guidance.

  • Intermediate: Performs system studies, relay coordination, and SCADA programming.

  • Advanced: Leads complex studies, protection design, and technical analysis decisions.

Reliability & Troubleshooting

  • Foundational: Supports outage response and basic troubleshooting with guidance.

  • Intermediate: Performs root cause analysis and supports corrective actions.

  • Advanced: Leads root cause analysis and drives reliability improvements.

Education Requirements

  • Bachelor's Degree Engineering program that is accredited through the Engineering Accreditation Commission Required


Required Experience

    Engineer III Grid Operations:

    • Bachelor's Degree Engineering program that is accredited through the Engineering Accreditation Commission Required

    • 5 years of related experience


    Engineer II Grid Operations:

    • Bachelor's Degree Engineering program that is accredited through the Engineering Accreditation Commission Required

    • 2 years of related experience

    Engineer I Grid Operations:

    • 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


    Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

    • Demonstrated effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

    • Demonstrated ability to use computer software programs (e.g., e-mail, word processing, spreadsheet, and project management).

    • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative and inclusive work environment.


    Key Skills

    • Asset Life Cycle Management Continual Improvement Process Data Analysis Data Quality Management Electrical Engineering Outage Management Power Engineering Standards Compliance


    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.


    Visa sponsorship not supported.


    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.