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Grid Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Invenergy is North America's largest privately held developer, owner, and operator of power ... Position Overview The Grid Integration Engineer I will be responsible for the electrical ...

Grid Integration Engineer I

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$70K - $95K/yr

Invenergy is North America's largest privately held developer, owner, and operator of power ... Position Overview The Grid Integration Engineer I will be responsible for the electrical ...

Showing results 21-40

Grid Operator information

See Illinois salary details

$11

$17

$22

How much do grid operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for grid operator in Illinois is $17.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $18.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a grid operator?

To thrive as a Grid Operator, you need a solid understanding of electrical power systems, grid management principles, and typically an associate or bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with real-time monitoring software (such as SCADA systems), NERC certification, and standard operating procedures are commonly required. Strong decision-making skills, situational awareness, and effective communication are key soft skills for excelling in this role. These abilities are vital to ensure the reliable and safe operation of electrical grids, minimize outages, and coordinate effectively with multiple stakeholders.

What does a grid operator do?

A typical shift for a Grid Operator usually involves monitoring the power grid, responding to changes in electricity demand, and coordinating maintenance or emergency responses. Operators work in control rooms, often as part of a rotating schedule that may include nights, weekends, or holidays to ensure 24/7 coverage. Daily tasks include analyzing system data, issuing instructions to field crews, communicating with utility partners, and recording detailed logs of events. You’ll collaborate with engineers, dispatchers, and other operators to maintain grid stability and quickly troubleshoot any issues that arise. This dynamic environment requires staying alert and ready to act decisively under pressure.

What is a grid operator?

A Grid Operator is responsible for monitoring and controlling electrical power grids to ensure a stable and reliable electricity supply. They manage power flow, respond to system disturbances, and coordinate with power plants and substations to maintain grid stability. Grid Operators use specialized software and real-time data to balance electricity demand and supply. They follow strict protocols to prevent blackouts and restore power efficiently in case of outages. This role requires strong analytical skills, quick decision-making, and in-depth knowledge of electrical systems.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Grid Operator jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Grid Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Grid Operator job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,655 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Director Interconnections & Grid Analysis

Invenergy

Chicago, IL • On-site

$20 - $27.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Invenergy rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Invenergy is North America's largest privately held developer, owner, and operator of power infrastructure. With 25 years of trusted execution, we deliver reliable, affordable energy through a diverse portfolio that includes natural gas, solar, land-based wind, energy storage, transmission, and domestic manufacturing. Headquartered in Chicago, we develop, own, and operate large scale projects that power communities and support the energy future.

This position will be open for application for at least 3 calendar days from the posting date. This position will remain open for application based on business need, which may be before or after the 3-day posting window.

Job Description

Position Overview
The Director, Interconnections and Grid Analysis will develop delivery solutions, including transmission solutions for the different utility-scale generation projects. The Director, Interconnections and Grid Analysis will monitor transmission expansion plans, develop entrepreneurial transmission solutions and assist sales. The Director, Interconnections and Grid Analysis will be responsible for Transmission/Interconnection functions of the company with PJM, NYISO and ISONE regions.

Responsibilities

  • Act as a primary point of contact for all large-scale generation interconnection activities including:
  • Manage the interconnection queue by submitting applications coordinating with developers, finance and consultants.
  • Act as primary interface for ISOs, RTOs and Transmission Service Providers. Coordinate with regulatory team and manage the stakeholder meetings with various Utilities and ISOs and serve as point of contact for the region to maintain queue positions.
  • Perform power flow analysis as part of generation development activities.
  • Review complex utility studies (feasibility, system impact, and facility) and utility expansion plans to identify potential opportunities.
  • Support the Origination, Development, Regulatory, Asset Management, Commercial Analytics and Engineering teams in development and business strategies including:
  • Participate in the negotiation of delivery agreements with utilities.
  • Evaluate and support sales opportunities.
  • Develop conceptual design of interconnection facilities and costs.
  • Provide assistance during project design and construction for interconnection related issues.
  • Interpret market rules as they apply to the interconnection study, construction, operation of generation projects.
  • Provide assistance to trading in developing and implementing bidding and risk management strategies.
  • Attend relevant ISO stakeholder and state regulatory meetings.
  • Participate in various industry groups dealing with interconnection and market issues.
  • Provide assistance with electricity market congestion issues.
  • Manage other Transmission staff members as needed.
  • Collaborate with other groups in the organization including Finance, Operations and Commercial Execution
  • Assist with development of international projects as necessary.
  • Advise executive team and other senior management in key generation and transmission projects' decision-making process.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in electrical engineering
  • 8+ years of experience in transmission system planning or operations including power flow, short circuit, and stability.
  • Experience with managing either the PJM, NYISO, or ISONE interconnection process and advanced understanding of planning processes in those regions
  • Eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with cross functional project coordination with development, finance, legal, regulatory, etc.
  • Exhibit high level of individual initiative for developing innovative solutions and strategies.
  • Knowledge of FERC and NERC standards related to transmission and interconnections, including Open Access Transmission Tariff (OATT).
  • Knowledge of electricity market rules (day ahead, real time, capacity, ancillary services, etc.).
  • Experienced in the use of power flow software such as TARA, PSS/E, PowerWorld or similar software package.
  • Proficiency in spreadsheet modeling using Microsoft Excel.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • ISO experience preferred.
  • Some travel required.

Base Pay

205,000.00 - 237,000.00 USD Annual

Bonus: 30 - 40%

The base pay range reflects the minimum and maximum target salary for the position. Invenergy considers a number of factors when determining base pay offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education and skills.
In addition to base pay, the total annual compensation package may also include eligibility to participate in our bonus program(s) which are designed to reward individual and company performance. Your recruiter can share more about bonus eligibility for this position during the hiring process.
Invenergy offers a variety of other benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401k, paid time off, etc.

Invenergy LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or disability.


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