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Physical Engineering Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

... physical engineering and fire protection, provide their clients with the benefit of FM's superior financial strength, policy coverage, and research-based consulting. At FM you have the power to ...

... physical engineering and fire protection, provide their clients with the benefit of FM's superior financial strength, policy coverage, and research-based consulting. At FM you have the power to ...

... physical engineering and fire protection, provide their clients with the benefit of FM's superior financial strength, policy coverage, and research-based consulting. At FM you have the power to ...

... physical engineering and fire protection, provide their clients with the benefit of FM's superior financial strength, policy coverage, and research-based consulting. At FM you have the power to ...

... physical engineering and fire protection, provide their clients with the benefit of FM's superior financial strength, policy coverage, and research-based consulting. At FM you have the power to ...

... physical engineering and fire protection, provide their clients with the benefit of FM's superior financial strength, policy coverage, and research-based consulting. At FM you have the power to ...

Consultant Engineer II

Park Ridge, IL ยท On-site +1

$83K - $119K/yr

... physical engineering and fire protection, provide their clients with the benefit of FM's superior financial strength, policy coverage, and research-based consulting. At FM you have the power to ...

Substation Physical Engineer - REMOTE

Chicago, IL ยท Remote

$101K - $129K/yr

We are a relentlessly client-focused group who are re-imagining, re-designing, and re-engineering ... physical design drawings and including: * Substation One Line and Three Line * Station General ...

IL ยท On-site

Applies computer science, network engineering, and other cyber physical engineering disciplines to the design, development, integration, and support of new solutions or products that identify ...

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Showing results 1-20

Physical Engineering information

See Illinois salary details

$92.1K

$137.1K

How much do physical engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for physical engineering in Illinois is $135,090.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $131,800.00 and $135,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a physical engineer?

A Physical Engineering job involves applying principles of physics and engineering to develop and improve materials, structures, and systems. Professionals in this field work in various industries, including manufacturing, aerospace, energy, and electronics, focusing on solving technical challenges. They use advanced modeling, simulations, and experimental methods to optimize designs and ensure functionality. This role requires strong problem-solving skills, knowledge of materials science, and proficiency in engineering software.

What does a physical engineer do?

Physical Engineers often spend their days designing, analyzing, and testing physical systems or components, whether in the fields of electronics, materials, or mechanical applications. Their work includes using simulation software, conducting experiments in the lab, interpreting test data, and collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams to improve product performance or resolve technical challenges. Physical Engineers may also be involved in documenting their findings, preparing reports, and presenting recommendations to stakeholders. This role combines hands-on experimentation with theoretical analysis, providing variety and opportunities to contribute to innovative projects.

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

To thrive as a Physical Engineer, a strong background in physics, mathematics, and engineering principles is essential, often supported by a degree in physical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and laboratory instrumentation, as well as relevant engineering certifications, are commonly required. Excellent problem-solving skills, effective teamwork, and clear communication are important soft skills for success in this role. These abilities ensure accurate design, analysis, and implementation of physical systems and technologies, contributing to innovative solutions in industrial and research settings.

What job categories do people searching Physical Engineering jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Physical Engineering jobs in Illinois are:

Infographic showing various Physical Engineering job openings in Illinois as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,090 per year, or $64.9 per hour.

Substation Physical Engineering Associate II

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

Mesa Associates Inc.
Engineering Professional Servicesย โ€ขย 501 - 1,000 employees

$101K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

PDS 8 / Power Delivery Substation

This position is not eligible for recruiting or sourcing by outside parties.

Disclaimer: Be cautious and only respond to emails from our "mesainc.com" domain. We will never ask for sensitive information, such as bank account details, SSN, etc., via email. If you receive any communication asking for such information, it is not from Mesa. For any concerns, or to verify the authenticity of a message, please contact us through our official channels.

Mesa seeks a mid-level Substation Physical Engineer located near Pensacola, FL that is looking to further their career in the electric power industry. This position is for our Power Delivery Substation group which supports various clients across the United States.

What Weโ€™re Looking For
  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering (ABET Accredited).
  • 3+ Years of transmission substation physical design experience in the electric utility industry for voltage ranges spanning from 12kV to 230kV.
  • Location โ€“ Located within commuting distance of Pensacola, FL due to team requirements.
  • FE Certification preferred - Desire to pursue Professional Engineering licensure.
  • Fast learner โ€“ You can pick up new concepts, standards, and software quickly.
  • Understanding of substation physical fundamentals โ€“ Foundations, grounding, cable routing, equipment power ratings, clearances, and conductor sizing.
  • Design software proficiency โ€“ Utilizes AutoCAD and Bentley MicroStation to develop designs and can provide design markups using Bluebeam Revu.
  • Grounding study experience preferred, not required โ€“ Working knowledge of WinIGS, CDEGS, or ETAP for grounding and lightning analysis.
  • Independent problem-solver โ€“ Can spot inconsistencies, trace root causes in drawings or specifications, and deliver well-documented solutions with minimal supervision.
  • Effective communicator โ€“ Comfortable presenting technical findings to leadership, clients, and cross-functional teams.
  • Travel availability โ€“ Willing to travel to client sites for periodic site visits, typically 1โ€“2 single-night trips per month. Willing to travel to Mesaโ€™s Chattanooga, TN and Knoxville, TN offices multiple times a year for work and team events.
What Youโ€™ll Learn
  • Project management โ€“ The process for leading a projectโ€™s design from concept to close-out; aiming for schedule and cost targets.
  • Leadership โ€“ Guiding junior engineers and designers on drafting standards, calculation methods, and best-practice workflows.
  • Advanced studies โ€“ Deepening your expertise in grounding, lightning, and short-circuit analysis on increasingly complex substation projects.
  • Professional communication โ€“ Presenting design rationale and progress updates to clients, senior management, and cross-functional teams.
What Youโ€™ll Do
  • Work on a team of drafters, designers, and engineers.
  • Increase your knowledge under the mentorship of senior engineers.
  • Create and review equipment, structural, foundation, grounding, and cable routing plans and details for medium- to large-scale projects.
  • Perform and review lightning and grounding studies, and develop Bills of Materials (BOMs) and conductor sizing calculations.
  • Coordinate with Protection & Controls, Civil, Studies, and other engineering disciplines to keep designs aligned across packages.
  • Examine drawings, specifications, and calculations to locate inconsistencies; research standards or vendor data; propose corrective actions with clear documentationโ€”all with minimal supervision.
  • Identify process bottlenecks, develop internal time-saving tools, and contribute to Mesaโ€™s internal knowledge base.
  • Ensure all deliverables meet code, client requirements, and Mesaโ€™s internal QA procedures.
What Youโ€™ll Earn
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Pay โ€“ 10 Days Annually
  • Group Medical/Dental Insurance
  • Life Insurance (Company Paid)
  • Disability Insurance (Company Paid)
  • 401(K) Retirement Savings plan
  • 401(K) Matching Contribution
  • Section 125/Cafeteria Plan
  • Long Term Care Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Fitness Center Reimbursement
  • Annual Performance Bonus
  • 9/80 Work Schedule Option
  • FSA and HSA Options

Notice to External Search Firms: Mesa Associates, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be obligated to pay a placement fee for unsolicited resumes. Mesa Associates, Inc. Talent Acquisition engages with approved search firms directly for specific hiring needs.