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Power Distribution Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

K&A Engineering

Distribution Engineer II

Oak Brook, IL

$78K - $108K/yr

K&A Power Group - is a privately held engineering firm delivering worldclass technical expertise ... We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Distribution Engineer II to join our team at K&A ...

HDR

Power Distribution Team Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

Serve as Assistant Project Manager or engineering lead on power distribution projects, contributing to project planning, execution, and delivery while supporting broader team management ...

HDR

Power Distribution Team Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

Serve as Assistant Project Manager or engineering lead on power distribution projects, contributing to project planning, execution, and delivery while supporting broader team management ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPower Distribution Engineer JobsPower Distribution Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Power Distribution Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$82.5K

$116.5K

$146.9K

How much do power distribution engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for power distribution engineer in Chicago, IL is $116,534.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,500.00 and $131,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Power Distribution Engineer Do?

As a power distribution engineer, your primary responsibilities involve the design and maintenance of electrical distribution systems. Your duties include developing site electrical procedures, providing technical guidance for wiring systems, overseeing an electrical system operation from start to finish, ensuring applications meet regulation standards, and providing technical support to various personnel. You typically also develop project timelines and programming reports, estimate costs, define testing criteria, and help implement new engineering methods. You also interface with vendors, utility companies, consultants, and external contractors to oversee installations and equipment maintenance.

What is the difference between Power Distribution Engineer vs Power Systems Engineer?

AspectPower Distribution EngineerPower Systems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, PE license often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, PE license common
Work EnvironmentDesigning and maintaining electrical distribution systems, fieldwork, substation workAnalyzing and optimizing entire power systems, simulations, planning
Industry UsageUtilities, construction, infrastructure projectsUtilities, consulting firms, power generation companies

Power Distribution Engineers focus on designing and maintaining electrical distribution systems, ensuring reliable power delivery at the local level. Power Systems Engineers work on the broader power grid, analyzing and optimizing entire electrical networks. While both roles require similar credentials and often work within the utility industry, their scope and daily tasks differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Power Distribution Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Power Distribution Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, power systems analysis, and often a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, ETAP, and SCADA systems, as well as relevant certifications like a Professional Engineer (PE) license, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you excel in collaborating with teams and addressing technical challenges. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring reliable, safe, and efficient power delivery within complex electrical networks.

What is a Power Distribution Engineer?

A Power Distribution Engineer is a professional responsible for designing, maintaining, and improving electrical distribution systems that deliver electricity from substations to homes, businesses, and industries. They ensure that the electrical infrastructure operates safely, efficiently, and reliably by planning network layouts, selecting appropriate equipment, and addressing any issues that arise. Power Distribution Engineers often work with utility companies, contractors, and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with safety standards and codes. Their role is critical in supporting the growing demands on electrical grids and integrating new technologies such as renewable energy sources.

What are some typical challenges a Power Distribution Engineer faces when coordinating with utility companies and construction teams?

Power Distribution Engineers often navigate complex coordination between utility companies, construction teams, and local authorities to ensure projects stay on schedule and comply with safety standards. Challenges can include managing changes in project scope, resolving unexpected site conditions, and balancing multiple stakeholders' priorities. Effective communication, adaptability, and a solid understanding of regulatory requirements are essential to overcoming these hurdles and ensuring successful project delivery.
More about Power Distribution Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Power Distribution Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Power Distribution Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Power Distribution Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Power Distribution Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Power Distribution Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Power Distribution Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Power Distribution Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Power Distribution Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $116,443 per year, or $56 per hour.

Power Distribution and Cable System Engineer

WASEYABEK DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LLC

Batavia, IL • On-site

$80K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Mission

Waséyabek Federal Services, LLC (WFS) is a 100% Tribally owned, Native American SBA 8(a) small business of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP). WFS is part of a portfolio of companies managed by Waséyabek Development Company, LLC, a 100% Tribally owned economic development firm focused on income diversification on behalf of NHBP that reaches beyond gaming is a well-funded, experienced small business with substantial liquid assets and experience in federal contracting. WFS has borrowing capacity to meet the daily cash needs of new business development, new award support, and operational working capital. WFS is well-versed in federal contract compliance and providing outstanding support services

Position Summary:

Join the Waseyabke team at the Accelerator Directorate (AD) as a Power Distribution and Cable System Engineer. In this role, you'll be part of AD's Power Electronic Systems Department (PESD), where you'll be responsible for designing, installing, operating, maintaining, and repairing distribution for DC and pulsed power systems. AD has over 150 MVA of thyristor controlled pulsed power on a medium voltage distribution system and 75 MVA of thyristor controlled pulsed power on a low voltage distribution system. These systems are crucial for powering particle accelerators and beam-line magnets and loads.

Responsibilities:

  • Be part of a project team and lead projects related to power supplies and electrical power.
  • Plan and manage electrical distribution projects to meet deadlines and budgets.
  • Handle the procurement of electrical power distribution equipment from requisition to installation, testing, and commissioning.
  • Offer engineering support for the operation and maintenance of power distribution systems.
  • Monitor the performance of electrical systems and suggesting improvements.
  • Analyze system failures and recommending solutions.
  • Review electrical installations.
  • Manage cable plant activities for all electrical cables, including power, control, and signal cables.
  • Design cable routes and layouts and documenting them accordingly.
  • Develop documents for cable procurement and installation.
  • Maintain records of engineering tasks for future reference.

Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from an ABET accredited institution with a minimum of 5 years of experience in electrical power systems or power distribution OR a master's degree in electrical engineering and 2 years of experience in electrical power systems or power distribution
  • Demonstrated ability to lean new concepts and ideas
  • Familiarity with high power thyristor or rectifier systems
  • Experience in design of low and/or medium voltage high power distribution
  • Experience with test equipment, experience with switchgear a plus
  • Familiarity with NEC and NFPA70E and its application in low voltage systems
  • Experience working with equipment manufacturers and vendors a plus
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office
  • Knowledge and experience in electrical distribution simulation tools, ETAP or SKM, is a plus
  • Knowledge and experience in computer aided drafting tools is a plus
  • Abide by and be responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position

Disclaimer:

Please note that the described work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs and is notguaranteed to be final.

Onsite: This is an onsite role, and the candidate must be able to work from our Batavia office.