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Lightning Protection Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Substation Physical Engineer - REMOTE

Chicago, IL · 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 ...

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Lightning Protection information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$63

$90

How much do lightning protection jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for lightning protection in Chicago, IL is $63.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54.95 and $72.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is lightning protection?

A Lightning Protection job involves the installation, inspection, and maintenance of systems designed to protect buildings and structures from lightning strikes. This includes installing lightning rods, grounding systems, and surge protection devices to safely direct electrical discharges into the ground. Professionals in this field ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations to minimize fire hazards and structural damage. The job requires knowledge of electrical systems, construction techniques, and safety protocols.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in lightning protection?

A typical day in Lightning Protection often involves traveling to job sites to inspect, install, or maintain lightning protection systems on various types of buildings or structures. You may interpret design plans, coordinate with site managers, and use specialized tools and equipment to ensure all components are correctly installed according to safety and regulatory standards. Collaboration with electricians, project managers, and construction crews is common to address unique site requirements and resolve technical challenges. The work is usually hands-on and requires a commitment to safety and precision, with some documentation and reporting duties to track compliance and project progress.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in lightning protection, and why are they important?

To thrive in Lightning Protection, you need a solid understanding of electrical systems, construction practices, and safety protocols, often supported by relevant technical training or certification (such as LPI or UL certifications). Familiarity with industry-standard design software, installation tools, and various testing equipment is crucial. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and teamwork are desirable soft skills for this role. These competencies are essential for ensuring the safe and compliant design, installation, and maintenance of lightning protection systems across diverse environments.

How to get certified in lightning protection?

Lightning protection professionals can obtain certification through industry organizations such as the Lightning Protection Institute (LPI) or the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), which offer training programs and exams. Certification typically requires completing approved training, gaining relevant work experience, and passing a written exam to demonstrate knowledge of safety standards, installation techniques, and codes. Maintaining certification may involve continuing education and periodic renewal.

What is a lightning protection job?

A lightning protection job involves installing, maintaining, and inspecting systems designed to protect buildings and structures from lightning strikes. Workers in this field often install lightning rods, grounding systems, and surge protectors, and may need certifications in electrical work and safety procedures. The job requires working at heights and in various weather conditions, emphasizing safety training and technical skills.

How much do lightning protection installers make?

Lightning protection installers typically earn a median annual wage of around $50,000 to $60,000, with experienced workers and those with specialized certifications earning higher salaries. The job often involves working outdoors, climbing structures, and using specialized tools, with some positions offering overtime pay or union benefits.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lightning Protection jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Lightning Protection jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Lightning Protection jobs in Chicago, IL? For Lightning Protection jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lightning Protection jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Lightning Protection jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Lightning Protection job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,075 per year, or $64 per hour.

Senior Engineer - Substation Engineer

ComEd

Oakbrook Terrace, IL • On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


ComEd rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Who We Are
We're powering a cleaner, brighter future.
Exelon is leading the energy transformation, and we're calling all problem solvers, innovators, community builders and change makers. Work with us to deliver solutions that make our diverse cities and communities stronger, healthier and more resilient.
We're powered by purpose-driven people like you who believe in being inclusive and creative, and value safety, innovation, integrity and community service. We are a Fortune 200 company, 20,000 colleagues strong serving more than 10.7 million customers at six energy companies -- Atlantic City Electric (ACE), Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), Delmarva Power & Light (DPL), PECO Energy Company (PECO), and Potomac Electric Power Company (Pepco).
We're committed to creating an environment where every person can thrive. Our employee experience is grounded in four tenets that guide how we support our people: purposeful careers, growth opportunities, community impact, and support to thrive.
In our relentless pursuit of excellence, we elevate diverse voices, fresh perspectives and bold thinking. And since we know transforming the future of energy is hard work, we provide competitive compensation, incentives, excellent benefits and the opportunity to build a rewarding career.
Are you in?
Primary Purpose
The Senior Engineer - Substation Engineering is responsible for engineering and designing the backbone of ComEd's substation infrastructure- expand system capacity and modernize infrastructure to meet ComEd's load growth and reliability objectives so the grid can serve new load, and interconnect new resources. Plan and execute Transmission & Substation Engineering electrical projects that from design through commissioning. This role translates forecasted demand and program priorities into scalable substation projects that can be built safely, efficiently, and on schedule. Provide technical engineering guidance for strategic and operational decisions; maintain and improve internal/industry standards. Trains and mentor team members. Extended hours may be required during storms or other energy-delivery emergencies.
Primary Duties
  • Leads and performs engineering tasks and projects associated with a critical or analytical engineering project or a small number of complex projects that require specialized knowledge in large power system infrastructure, may include field troubleshooting, and peer review within the Transmission and Substation Engineering teams.
  • Evaluates, develops, implements, and leads projects that have significant financial and operational impact, may also develop initial commissioning plans. Plans, writes, and performs tasks for documentation deliverables and projects.
  • Participate/Lead in project planning, through field/site walkdowns, attend meetings/conference calls, provide budget recommendations, and monitor performance for the accomplishment of committed results. Leads projects in an end-to-end lifecycle (planning, design, procurement and construction support, commissioning, and close out).
  • Performs assignments while acting independently, and may lead multi-discipline teams, may include providing direct oversight of contractors.
  • Leads and performs assignments in specialized areas requiring extensive engineering expertise in large power system infrastructure. Requiring maintaining state of the art engineering credential in the specialized technical area
  • Serves as an expert in specialized area(s).
  • Acts as an expert witness or provide expert opinions/engineering judgement as required.
  • Provides recommendations to management and implements action plans to improve performance and cost effectiveness.
  • Provides detailed technical training, mentorship, peer review, and/or guidance to others.
  • Participates in technical and industry societies and committees to enhance knowledge of new technologies or issues in areas of company interest, make recommendations for business decisions regarding strategy for new technologies and/or engineering techniques and tools.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, operations, planning, and other departments to accurately design, review, and coordinate project work, ensuring alignment with standards, scope, and organizational objectives.
  • Perform engineering calculations for battery systems, AC and DC power systems, and lightning protection studies to ensure safe, reliable, and compliant project designs.

Job Scope
  • Role works to enhance ComEd station infrastructure (transformers, panels, feeders), ground grid calculations, lightning/shielding studies, ratings/BIL checks, AC/DC load profiles, and auxiliary systems.
    • Planning: define loads, architecture options, one-lines, preliminary equipment sizing.
    • Design: detailed calculations (AC/DC loads, battery sizing, ground grid, lightning/shielding, cable/conduit tray fills), drawings (one-lines, panel schedules, wiring diagrams), equipment specs and bills of material.
    • Material Procurement & Construction Support: submittal reviews, RFI responses, field redlines, change-order technical support, and field/operations support.
  • Influences project decisions having a significant impact on the company.
  • Applies technical knowledge to help promote safe work environments and to enhance customer satisfaction through successful project completion.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or Licensed Professional Engineer (2) (3) Knowledge of engineering designs, principles and practices
  • Ability to analyze and interpret complex electrical and mechanical systems.
  • Knowledge and ability to apply problem solving approaches and engineering theory.
  • Detailed knowledge of applicable standards, codes methods, and practices unique to areas of expertise.
  • 7+ years of professional engineering experience (1) (3) (See Note 3. Thorough knowledge and experience in unique areas of engineering expertise.
  • Ability to apply advanced engineering principles to identify and resolve complex issues.
  • Minimum of three related career experiences (4) (i.e., changes in technical job responsibilities, which may or may not include a change in department) OR
  • Lead Member of a recognized industry committee OR
  • Professional Engineer's License (2), advanced technical degree, MBA or Project Management Certification (1) Master's degree in Engineering reduces the OJT experience requirement by 1 year. (2) License must be issued by the state in which you are practicing. (3) PE License reduces the OJT experience requirement by 1 year. (4) Career related experiences is defined as changes in technical job responsibilities and does not have to include a change in department.
  • Note: Items (1) and (3) are mutually inclusive, whereby the maximum experience requirement reduction is one (1) year (e.g., in the case of an employee with both a master's degree in Engineering AND a PE license, the minimum experience requirement would be reduced by one (1) year).

Preferred Qualifications
  • Graduate degree (1) or Graduate level work in Engineering, Business Administration or Project Management Certification
  • Possess Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Certification and/or Professional Engineer license (2) (3)
  • Strong teamwork, interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate with all management levels.
  • Strong written and oral communication/presentation skills, report generation & technical writing skills
  • A working knowledge of software packages such a WinIGS, CDEGS, etc.
  • Ability to analyze industry wide trends and implement enhancements.

Benefits
  • Annual salary will vary based on a candidate's skills, qualifications, experience, and other factors: $103,200.00/Yr. - $141,900.00/Yr.
  • Annual Bonus for eligible positions: 15%
  • 401(k) match and annual company contribution
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Generous paid time off options, including vacation, sick time, floating and fixed holidays, maternity leave and bonding/primary caregiver leave or parental leave
  • Employee Assistance Program and resources for mental and emotional support
  • Wellbeing programs such as tuition reimbursement, adoption and surrogacy assistance and fitness reimbursement
  • Referral bonus program
  • And much more

Note: Exelon-sponsored compensation and benefit programs may vary or not apply based on length of service, job grade, job classification or represented status. Eligibility will be determined by the written plan or program documents.

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About ComEd

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

ComEd began as the Western Edison Light Company, one of several companies owned by inventor and researcher Thomas Edison. In July 1892, another Edison employee moved to Chicago to run Edison's local company, Chicago Edison. Sam Insull had a sharp business mind and eagerly increased his knowledge of electricity. Through improved marketing and increased demand for electric lighting, Commonwealth Edison was born in September 1907. ComEd is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation, a Fortune 100 energy company with approximately 10 million electricity and natural gas customers. ComEd powers the lives of more than 4 million customers across northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state’s population. ComEd's service territory borders Iroquois County to the south (roughly Interstate 80), the Wisconsin border to the north, the Iowa border to the west and the Indiana border to the east.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1907

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