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Nerc System Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

... system analysis * Provide technical support for NERC standards (i.e., PRC-019, PRC-024, etc) and ... A minimum of 7 years of professional experience with operating and analyzing high-voltage power ...

Senior Planner

Astoria, IL · On-site

$123K - $185K/yr

... operating budgets and proposals for capital expenditure and investments in infrastructure ... NYPA's North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Reliability Standards Compliance ...

... system studies and strategic planning support to utilities, developers, and grid operators ... Perform NERC reliability standards studies and assessments including TPL-001, FAC-001/002, TOP-001 ...

Showing results 41-60

Nerc System Operator information

See Illinois salary details

$10

$31

$80

How much do nerc system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for nerc system operator in Illinois is $31.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.85 and $37.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a NERC System Operator?

A NERC System Operator is responsible for monitoring and controlling the electrical power grid to ensure a reliable and balanced flow of electricity. They follow North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards to prevent outages and respond to system disturbances. Operators communicate with power plants, substations, and other entities to manage grid stability and emergency situations. They typically work in real-time control centers and must be NERC-certified to perform their duties.

What is a typical workday like for a NERC System Operator?

A typical day for a NERC System Operator involves monitoring real-time grid conditions, responding to alarms, coordinating planned and unplanned outages, and communicating with field personnel and neighboring utilities to maintain system reliability. Operators often work in a control room setting, using advanced software and monitoring equipment to oversee power flows and facilitate rapid responses to disturbances. The role requires vigilance, as operators must be ready to take swift, decisive action during emergency events or system anomalies. Shifts may cover nights, weekends, and holidays due to the 24/7 nature of grid operations, but this dynamic environment also offers opportunities to develop specialized expertise and advance into senior roles within grid management or operations planning.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a NERC System Operator?

To thrive as a NERC System Operator, you need a solid understanding of electric power systems, grid operations, and regulatory compliance, often supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field and the NERC certification. Familiarity with energy management systems (EMS), SCADA systems, and outage coordination tools is critical. Strong decision-making abilities, communication skills, and the capacity to perform under pressure help operators excel. These competencies ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the power grid in compliance with federal standards.

What are the most commonly searched types of Nerc System Operator jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Nerc System Operator jobs in Illinois are:

What job categories do people searching Nerc System Operator jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Nerc System Operator jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Nerc System Operator jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Nerc System Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Nerc System Operator job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,882 per year, or $31.7 per hour.

Electrical Engineer III, Operations Engineering

Invenergy LLC

Chicago, IL • On-site

$125K - $145K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Invenergy rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 10 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
As an Operations Electrical Engineer you will be responsible for managing the operations of Invenergy's existing wind, solar, and storage assets. You will monitor and drive continuous operation of the fleet.
Responsibilities
  • Support operating facilities with electrical troubleshooting, including review of digital fault records, relays, and other operational data for planned and unplanned electrical events.
  • Primary interface for electrical issues at wind, solar, and battery storage facilities site personnel, contractors, equipment manufacturers & consulting engineers.
  • Manage substation and balance of plant electrical maintenance program, including NERC-required/NETA-recommended testing and inspections.
  • Support operating facilities with electrical procedure development.
  • Review and manage as-built site documentation including electrical drawings, schematics, bill of materials, electrical studies, test reports and relay settings.
  • Support operating facilities in electrical issues affecting generation technology, including wind turbines, solar panels and battery systems.
  • Support NERC compliance team with audits, reporting, documentation, and policies for operating facilities.
  • Support project and construction managers on new project commissioning and turnover for wind, solar, and storage developments.
  • Lead long-term action items and projects to improve reliability or efficiency of electrical systems.
  • Manage root cause analyses to identify potential future risks and drive fleet-wide corrective action plans.
  • Conduct reviews of various system studies essential to reliability and steady state operations of fleet.

Requirements
  • BS in Electrical Engineering or similar major
  • 3+ years of professional experience
  • Some travel and field work is required (<25%)
  • Must be available for after office hours troubleshooting
  • Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
  • Eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Preferred Skills
  • Knowledge of three-phase power systems, high voltage electrical equipment & relay protection
  • Experience with HV/MV electrical systems
  • Strong working knowledge of NESC and ANSI/IEEE standards and codes.
  • Practical or field experience in electrical substation reliability and maintenance
  • Knowledge of renewable generation systems (wind turbine, solar panels/inverters) and their controls
  • Computer proficiency in spreadsheet modeling using Microsoft Excel
  • Verbal and written communications skills

Base Pay
$125,000.00 - $145,000.00 USD Annual
Bonus: 20-30%
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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