1

Power Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Senior Traction Power Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$107K - $147K/yr

Hatch is currently seeking a highly motivated Senior Traction Power Engineer to join our North American Infrastructure group in our Rail Systems team in the Chicago, IL area. Other possible locations:

Senior Traction Power Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Hatch is currently seeking a highly motivated Senior Traction Power Engineer to join our North American Infrastructure group in our Rail Systems team in the Chicago, IL area. Other possible locations:

Senior Traction Power Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$107K - $147K/yr

Hatch is currently seeking a highly motivated Senior Traction Power Engineer to join our North American Infrastructure group in our Rail Systems team in the Chicago, IL area. Other possible locations:

Power Electronics Engineer

Batavia, IL · On-site

$99K - $130K/yr

Fermilab is seeking a Power Electronics Engineer within our Power Electronics Systems Department . This person under general directions this position plans and performs engineering tasks which ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Power Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$23.2K

$100.3K

$176.3K

How much do power engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for power engineer in Chicago, IL is $100,317.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $137,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Power Engineers?

Power Engineers are professionals who design, operate, maintain, and manage systems that generate, transmit, and distribute electrical power. They work with equipment like generators, transformers, circuit breakers, and power grids to ensure reliable and efficient delivery of electricity. Power Engineers are employed in various industries, including utilities, manufacturing, and large facilities, and play a key role in troubleshooting and optimizing energy systems. Their responsibilities also include ensuring compliance with safety standards and environmental regulations.

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

To thrive as a Power Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering or a related field, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree and Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Familiarity with power system analysis software (such as ETAP or PSCAD), SCADA systems, and grid management tools is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and teamwork skills help you collaborate on complex projects and convey technical information clearly. These competencies are essential for ensuring the reliable design, operation, and maintenance of power systems critical to modern infrastructure.

What is the difference between Power Engineer vs Mechanical Technician?

AspectPower EngineerMechanical Technician
CredentialsCertification (e.g., 4th or 3rd Class Power Engineer)Trade certification or diploma in mechanical technology
Work EnvironmentPower plants, industrial facilities, HVAC systemsManufacturing, maintenance, equipment repair
Industry UsageEnergy, utilities, industrial operationsManufacturing, maintenance services

Power Engineers and Mechanical Technicians often work in similar industrial environments, but Power Engineers focus on operating and maintaining energy systems and boilers, requiring specific certifications. Mechanical Technicians handle equipment repairs and maintenance, often with different certifications. Both roles are essential in industrial settings, but Power Engineers typically have more responsibility for system operation and safety.

What are some typical challenges Power Engineers face when working on large-scale energy projects?

Power Engineers working on large-scale energy projects often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, ensuring compliance with evolving safety and environmental regulations, and managing complex project timelines. Additionally, they must troubleshoot unexpected technical issues in power generation, transmission, or distribution systems while maintaining system reliability. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential to navigate these challenges and deliver successful project outcomes.

What Do Power Engineers Do?

Power engineers monitor power and utility systems in an industrial or commercial facility. As a power engineer, your duties include following all processes, performing equipment repairs and maintenance, and adhering to safe operating procedures. You are in charge of the facility’s entire electrical grid, including the lighting, air conditioning, water treatment, and all other power generation systems. To ensure the smooth operation of your facility’s boiler systems, electrical systems, and other systems of power transmission, you communicate and work closely with the other engineers in your company.

What are the most commonly searched types of Power Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Power Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Power Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Power Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Power Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Power Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Power Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, 10% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,317 per year, or $48.2 per hour.
Senior Traction Power Engineer

Senior Traction Power Engineer

Hatch

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

$107K - $147K/yr

Other

Medical, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Requisition ID: 100640 

Job Category: Infrastructure; Consulting; Engineering; Project Engineering; Project Management 

Location: Chicago, IL, United States 
 

Join a company that is passionately committed to the pursuit of a better world through positive change. With more than 65 years of business and technical expertise in mining, energy, and infrastructure, our 10,000 colleagues in 150 countries tirelessly work toward bettering the industries in which we operate. With practical solutions that are safe, innovative and sustainable, we think globally while acting locally. Are you looking for an opportunity to join a diverse group of professionals who are committed to remaining exceptional? We look forward to hearing from you.

Our expertise in infrastructure includes aviation, highways and bridges, planning and advisory services, ports, rail and transit, tunnels, and water. Want to be part of the creation and construction of our cities? Then the infrastructure team is for you!

Looking to take the next step in your career?
Hatch is currently seeking a highly motivated Senior Traction Power Engineer to join our North American Infrastructure group in our Rail Systems team in the Chicago, IL area.
Other possible locations: Brooklyn, NY; Newark, NJ; Seattle, WA; Los Angeles, CA; Ambler, PA (Suburban Philadelphia)
In this role the ideal candidate is a results-driven engineering professional with excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work well in a team environment.  Candidates must be detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills, have the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining a high level of quality, as well as the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
As the successful candidate, you will:

  • Lead a group of junior electrical engineers to develop traction power design packages
  • Design traction power substations, feeder and equipment sizing, site plans, duct bank and conduit layouts, grounding systems, and auxiliary power supply systems and control circuits
  • Coordinate with other engineers for systems integration and design
  • Perform load flow simulations and prepare reports
  • Develop documents including specifications, drawings and cost estimates
  • Review project submittals and requests for information from contractors
  • Provide installation, testing and commissioning support to clients
  • Management of traction power projects

 
You bring to the role:

  • A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering
  • 15 to 25 years of experience with dc traction power systems design, including the design of 600 to 1500 Volt dc rail transit traction power substations, ac and dc switchgear, transformers, rectifiers, and controls
  • Working knowledge of NFPA 70 is required and thorough understanding of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local codes
  • Professional engineer's license or engineer-in-training certificate is an advantage
  • Experience with the North American transit/transportation industry is highly desirable
  • Relevant experience may be considered as a substitute for degree requirements

 
The following skills/experience is a plus:

  • Load flow simulation software
  • Knowledge of power systems analysis
  • Experience in factory testing, field testing and commissioning of traction power equipment
  • Experience in protective relaying
  • Experience in medium voltage switchgear application-design and specification
  • Knowledge of railway overhead catenary/third rail distribution systems
  • Project management experience
  • Management experience

Why join us?

  • Work with great people to make a difference
  • Collaborate on exciting projects to develop innovative solutions
  • Top employer


What we offer you?

  • Flexible work environment
  • Long term career development
  • Think globally, work locally

Don't meet every single requirement? You don't need to. At Hatch, we are building a diverse, inclusive workplace that fosters innovation. If you're interested in this role, we encourage you to apply even if your past experiences don't perfectly align with the skills we've listed.

We're committed to fostering a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we operate and serve. Hatch is an Equal Opportunity Employer that considers applicants without regard to age, race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran, or any other protected status. If you have any accommodation requirements, please let us know. We'll do our best to meet your needs in accordance with applicable local legislation.

Official Title: Senior Traction Power Engineer

Primary Location: United States - Chicago, IL

Job: Infrastructure

Type of Employment: Full-time

Number of Openings: 1

Schedule: On-site 5 days a week

Base Compensation: $150,000 - $202,000 (Actual compensation is subject to variation due to such factors as education, experience, skillset, and/or location)

Reports to: VP, Rail Systems Engineering

Hatch offers a generous benefits package including Health Insurance - Available the first day of full-time employment, Paid Time Off, Paid Parental Leave, Company Paid Income Protection Benefits.