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Grid Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Grid Integration Engineer II

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Invenergy is North America's largest privately held developer, owner, and operator of power ... Position Overview The Power Systems Engineer - Grid Integration Engineering will support Invenergy ...

Invenergy is North America's largest privately held developer, owner, and operator of power ... Position Overview The Power Systems Engineer - Grid Integration Engineering will support Invenergy ...

Invenergy is North America's largest privately held developer, owner, and operator of power ... Position Overview The Power Systems Engineer - Grid Integration Engineering will support Invenergy ...

Control Room Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$35.71 - $50.51/hr

Communicate and coordinate with site technicians, customers, grid operators, and third-parties * Maintain accurate logs of communications * Analyze data and trends, troubleshoot and diagnose issues ...

Communicate and coordinate with site technicians, customers, grid operators, and third-parties * Maintain accurate logs of communications * Analyze data and trends, troubleshoot and diagnose issues ...

Control Room Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$35.71 - $50.51/hr

Communicate and coordinate with site technicians, customers, grid operators, and third-parties * Maintain accurate logs of communications * Analyze data and trends, troubleshoot and diagnose issues ...

Communicate and coordinate with site technicians, customers, grid operators, and third-parties * Maintain accurate logs of communications * Analyze data and trends, troubleshoot and diagnose issues ...

Communicate and coordinate with site technicians, customers, grid operators, and third-parties * Maintain accurate logs of communications * Analyze data and trends, troubleshoot and diagnose issues ...

Control Room Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$35.71 - $50.51/hr

Communicate and coordinate with site technicians, customers, grid operators, and third-parties * Maintain accurate logs of communications * Analyze data and trends, troubleshoot and diagnose issues ...

Control Room Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$35.71 - $50.51/hr

Communicate and coordinate with site technicians, customers, grid operators, and third-parties * Maintain accurate logs of communications * Analyze data and trends, troubleshoot and diagnose issues ...

Communicate and coordinate with site technicians, customers, grid operators, and third-parties * Maintain accurate logs of communications * Analyze data and trends, troubleshoot and diagnose issues ...

Communicate and coordinate with site technicians, customers, grid operators, and third-parties * Maintain accurate logs of communications * Analyze data and trends, troubleshoot and diagnose issues ...

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Showing results 1-20

Grid Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$18

$24

How much do grid operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for grid operator in Chicago, IL is $18.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.88 and $20.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

High-paying jobs that can reach or exceed $500,000 annually include executive roles such as CEOs, CFOs, and other C-suite positions, as well as specialized professions like top-tier surgeons, successful entrepreneurs, and certain investment bankers. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and often involve significant responsibility or ownership stakes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Grid Operator position, and why are they important?

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 is a grid operator?

A grid operator manages the daily operation of an electrical power grid, ensuring the reliable delivery of electricity by balancing supply and demand. They monitor grid conditions using specialized control systems, coordinate with power plants and transmission lines, and respond to emergencies to maintain stability and prevent outages.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

For a Grid Operator, earning $4,000 a week typically requires extensive experience, specialized skills, and often certifications rather than a formal degree. High-paying roles in the energy or utility sectors may include senior or supervisory positions, but these are usually achieved through on-the-job training and industry-specific knowledge. Most jobs paying this amount without a degree are in skilled trades, sales, or entrepreneurial ventures.

How stressful is it being a grid operator?

Grid operators manage the electrical grid to ensure a reliable power supply, which can be stressful due to the high responsibility of maintaining system stability and responding quickly to outages or fluctuations. The job often involves shift work, including nights and weekends, and requires strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail to prevent large-scale blackouts.

What does a typical shift look like for a Grid Operator, and what types of responsibilities can I expect during the day?

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 job?

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 job categories do people searching Grid Operator jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Grid Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Grid Integration Engineer II

Grid Integration Engineer II

Invenergy LLC

Chicago, IL • On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Invenergy rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 7 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 Power Systems Engineer - Grid Integration Engineering will support Invenergy's grid integration, advanced modeling, and interconnection engineering activities across generation, transmission, and large-load development projects. Based in Invenergy's Chicago office, this role will perform power system analysis and technical evaluations to support project development, grid-code compliance, and system performance validation across multiple ISO/RTO markets.
The Power Systems Engineer will contribute to engineering activities associated with inverter-based resource integration, large-load interconnections, and advanced power system modeling. The role will support internal teams by reviewing ISO/RTO interconnection studies, assisting with modeling activities, and coordinating engineering efforts required to meet evolving grid performance standards.
This position will work closely with internal teams including Interconnections, Grid Modeling, Development, and Engineering to ensure projects meet grid integration requirements and maintain alignment with evolving regulatory and reliability standards.
Responsibilities
  • Perform technical analysis to support grid integration and interconnection activities for generation and large-load projects.
  • Review ISO/RTO interconnection electromagnetic transient studies and provide technical evaluation of study results.
  • Assist with interconnection and engineering activities for the Grain Belt Express (GBX) HVDC project, including technical discussions with RTOs/ISOs, coordination with OEMs, engineering contractors, and internal project teams.
  • Assist with advanced power system modeling activities including power flow, stability, and electromagnetic transient (EMT) analysis.
  • Support evaluation of grid-code compliance requirements, including system performance during disturbances and inverter-based resource integration.
  • Assist in engineering evaluations for data center and large-load interconnection projects, including analysis of dynamic load behavior and grid stability impacts.
  • Coordinate with internal modeling teams and external consultants to develop system models and perform reliability and performance studies.
  • Assist in the preparation and validation of power system models used in ISO/RTO interconnection processes.
  • Support development of conceptual designs for interconnection facilities, substations, and transmission upgrades associated with new generation and load projects.
  • Assist in interpreting ISO/RTO market rules and interconnection requirements applicable to project development and operation.
  • Provide technical support to Development, Origination, Engineering, and Commercial teams in evaluating grid integration opportunities and constraints.
  • Participate in ISO/RTO stakeholder meetings and technical working groups related to interconnection and grid performance requirements.
  • Support technical diligence efforts related to project acquisitions and M&A opportunities.
  • Establish and maintain technical relationships with utilities, consultants, and ISO/RTO stakeholder

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering with emphasis in Power Systems.
  • 2-6+ years of experience in power system analysis, transmission planning, interconnection studies, or grid integration engineering.
  • Experience with power system simulation tools such as PSS/E, PowerWorld, PSLF, PSCAD, or equivalent software.
  • Knowledge of ISO/RTO interconnection processes and transmission planning frameworks.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.
  • Eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Understanding of FERC and NERC reliability standards related to transmission and generation interconnections is a plus.
  • Experience with Python, MATLAB, or other scripting tools for modeling or automation is a plus.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams
  • Familiarity with inverter-based resource integration and system performance requirements preferred.

Base Pay
$90,000.00 - $110,000.00 USD Annual
Bonus: 15%
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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