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

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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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 Aug 19, 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 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a power distribution engineer?

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 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.

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.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $116,534 per year, or $56 per hour.

Power Distribution Team Lead

HDR

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

HDR rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 59 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 449 rated engineering

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
The Power Distribution Team Lead supports the operational and strategic leadership of the production team, with a focus on delivering high-quality services to clients in the energy sector. This role involves overseeing technical staff, ensuring project profitability, maintaining high morale, and supporting business development efforts.
In the role of Power Distribution Team Lead, we'll count on you to:
  • Assist in managing day-to-day operations of the power distribution team, including staff development, project profitability, team morale, quality assurance, and client support.
  • Serve as Assistant Project Manager or engineering lead on power distribution projects, contributing to project planning, execution, and delivery while supporting broader team management responsibilities.
  • Support administrative oversight of technical staff and service functions, ensuring alignment with company goals and industry standards.
  • Lead coordination efforts with other internal teams (e.g., environmental, civil, geotechnical) to deliver integrated solutions for power distribution clients.
  • Participate in business development activities including marketing strategy, proposal development, and client interviews.
  • Engage directly with private and public sector clients to support project delivery, resolve technical challenges, and build long-term relationships.
  • Ensure all work is effectively planned, organized, and executed using proactive project management methodologies tailored to power distribution operations.
  • Implement and uphold company policies, safety standards, and compliance with industry regulations.
  • Assist in recruiting, training, mentoring, and managing technical personnel with power distribution expertise.
  • Collaborate with National Directors and marketing teams to support local and national power distribution initiatives.

Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the team and company.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
  • A minimum of 7 years experience
  • Professional registration, license or certification may be required based on role
  • Strong communication and listening skills
  • Ability to handle multiple assignments
  • Good leadership and organizational skills
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

What HDR employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917

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