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Lightning Protection Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Grounding systems and lightning protection * Raceway and cable schedules * Equipment foundations and integration with civil/structural designs * Perform and review electrical calculations, including:

Climber II is an intermediate level climber position responsible for working in trees to perform general tree care including pruning, cabling, bracing, lightning protection, and tree removals.

Grounding systems and lightning protection * Raceway and cable schedules * Equipment foundations and integration with civil/structural designs * Perform and review electrical calculations, including:

Senior Electrical Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

... and lightning protection. Your Role * Lead projects as Engineer of Record (EOR) and leads team members with specific phases or aspects of project such as technical studies, analysis, design ...

Showing results 41-60

Lightning Protection information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$63

$90

How much do lightning protection jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 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.

$100K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Seasoned Electrical Engineer with 10-15 years of experience in Medium/High voltage design and application of switch gear and motor controls within a power distribution or engineering consulting environment.  This individual interfaces with client engineering representatives and other discipline engineers within the Valdes A&E organization.  May visit job site as required for exchange of information.
Responsibilities
  • Strong Knowledge within the Electrical Engineering discipline with the capability and the initiative to perform the following tasks while supervising and mentoring junior staff members
  • Strong technical skills and an ability to mentor and assist staff in all aspects of electrical design, including I&C specifications and selection
  • Assist staff with ensuring that engineering packages are completed on time and within budget
  • Ability to analyze, design and produce engineering packages for clients and prepare instrumentation specifications for purchase
  • On-site interface with client engineering representative and other discipline engineers
  • Medium & High power distribution system design and layout
  • Substation design, short circuit analysis, ARC flash studies
  • Lighting design and grounding and lightning protection
  • Electrical heat trace design
  • Development of wiring diagrams and schematics
  • Application of medium to high voltage transformers
  • Application of uninterruptible power systems
  • Conduit, cable tray and underground duct bank design
  • Utility interface design
  • Electrical calculations including short circuit, load flow, arc flash, motor starting, harmonic, device coordination and voltage drop
Instrumentation & Controls Duties
  • P&ID development
  • Instrument selection and specifications, control valve and primary element sizing
  • Instrument loop diagrams, location plans and installation details.
  • Interconnection and wiring diagrams
  • System architecture development
  • Control system hardware specifications
  • Development of sequence of operation and functional description documents
  • Development of cause and effect diagrams
  • All other duties as assigned 
Technical Competencies
  • Ability to communicate complicated issues in a simple manner
  • Ability to multi-task and handle multiple priorities simultaneously
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Knowledgeable in SKM electrical modeling software and Smart Plant Instrumentation (inTools)  
  • Extensive knowledge of AutoCAD
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering required
  • 10-15 Years of experience working in power distribution or engineering consulting
  • Must possess exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills
  • Must be able to work in the US without sponsorship now or in the future
$100,000 - $150,000 a year
Salaries for all positions are based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, total years of experience in the industry, education, skills, and qualifications. Compensation may vary depending on the candidate's individual background and expertise. Salaries are subject to fluctuation outside of the given range. The indicated range is not a commitment and meant as a guideline. All compensation, exempt or non-exempt status, and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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