1

Lightning Protection Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Substation Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$80K - $125K/yr

Job Title: Substation Engineer KDM Engineering is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented ... lightning protection, control building arrangements, interior and exterior raceways, auxiliary AC ...

Substation Engineer KDM Engineering is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Substation Engineer ... lightning protection, control building arrangements, interior and exterior raceways, auxiliary AC ...

Substation Physical Engineer - REMOTE

Chicago, IL ยท On-site +1

$101K - $129K/yr

Lightning Protection * Illumination Plan & Details * Leading the design and preparation of engineering studies such as: * AC Load * Illumination * Grounding * Lightning Shielding * Development of ...

Substation Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$80K - $125K/yr

Job Title: Substation Engineer KDM Engineering is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented ... lightning protection, control building arrangements, interior and exterior raceways, auxiliary AC ...

Showing results 21-40

Lightning Protection Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$69.6K

$121.7K

$189.7K

How much do lightning protection engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for lightning protection engineer in Chicago, IL is $121,698.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,700.00 and $134,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lightning protection engineer?

To thrive as a Lightning Protection Engineer, you need expertise in electrical engineering principles, grounding systems, and lightning protection standards, typically supported by an engineering degree and relevant experience. Familiarity with design software such as AutoCAD, lightning risk assessment tools, and industry certifications like those from the Lightning Protection Institute (LPI) are commonly expected. Strong project management, teamwork, and client communication skills help set you apart in this specialized field. These abilities are crucial to ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and effective implementation of protective systems in diverse environments.

What is a lightning protection engineer?

A Lightning Protection Engineer is responsible for designing, installing, and maintaining systems that protect buildings, structures, and equipment from lightning strikes. They assess risks, ensure compliance with safety standards, and implement grounding and surge protection solutions. Their work helps prevent damage, fires, and electrical hazards caused by lightning, ensuring safety for people and infrastructure.

What does a lightning protection engineer do?

As a Lightning Protection Engineer, your daily responsibilities often include assessing structures for lightning risks, designing and specifying protection systems, and collaborating with architects, construction teams, and project managers to ensure compliance with safety standards. You may also conduct site inspections, prepare technical documentation, and oversee installation and testing of lightning protection components. Regular communication with clients and other stakeholders is important to address technical questions and ensure project timelines are met. This dynamic role offers a mix of office-based design work and field visits, providing variety and hands-on experience.

What are popular job titles related to Lightning Protection Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Lightning Protection Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lightning Protection Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Lightning Protection Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Lightning Protection Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 33% In-person, 34% Hybrid, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,698 per year, or $58.5 per hour.

Lead Electrical Projeect Engineer - High Voltage Substation Design

Talent Search PRO

Chicago, IL โ€ข Hybrid

$1 - $2/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Work Arrangement: Full-time in-office for the first 90 days. After that, hybrid flexibility may be available (3 days in office) and 9/80 schedule options based on performance and business needs.

Overview

Established engineering firm seeking an experienced Electrical Project Engineer to lead high-voltage (HV) substation design projects. This role combines technical leadership (Protection & Controls and/or Physical Design) with project execution responsibility, including schedule, budget, QA/QC oversight, and client coordination.

This is not a distribution, low/medium voltage, or O&M-focused role. Candidates must have direct HV substation design experience.

Key Responsibilities
  • Serve as Project Lead or Technical Specialist on HV substation projects (up to 765kV).

  • Lead small, single-discipline electrical project teams.

  • Oversee detailed design for EPC and engineering-only substation projects.

  • Develop and review Protection & Control deliverables, including:

    • Protective relays

    • One-line and three-line diagrams

    • AC/DC schematics

    • Relay panel wiring diagrams

    • Equipment wiring and panel arrangements

  • Develop and review physical substation design deliverables, including:

    • Yard layout plans (2D/3D)

    • Grounding and lightning protection plans

    • Control building layouts

    • Auxiliary AC/DC systems

  • Perform and oversee QA/QC reviews of engineering packages.

  • Prepare electrical equipment specifications and Bills of Materials (BOMs).

  • Manage design budgets, schedules, and quality standards.

  • Act as primary point of contact for clients on assigned projects.

  • Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, vendors, and subcontractors.

  • Mentor junior engineers and review their work.

  • Support business development and proposal efforts as needed.

  • Occasional travel for client meetings, design reviews, and site visits.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (accredited program).

  • Minimum 5 years of high-voltage substation design experience.

  • Experience in either:

    • Protection & Controls design (protective relays, schematics, wiring), and/or

    • Physical substation design (yard layouts, grounding, structural/equipment layouts).

  • Project Lead experience on HV substation projects.

  • Experience managing scope, schedule, and budget.

  • Strong understanding of QA/QC processes and design review standards.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license (preferred, not required).

  • Experience serving as technical lead for utility substation clients.

  • Experience performing formal QA/QC reviews.

  • Proficiency with Bluebeam Revu and Microsoft Office Suite.

Additional Information
  • Candidates must be eligible to complete standard pre-employment screening (background check, drug screen, etc.) in compliance with applicable laws.

  • This role offers long-term growth, technical leadership exposure, and involvement in complex utility-scale substation projects