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Power Generation Engineering Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Project Director-ENG

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$183K - $266K/yr

ZEC EPC Project Director - Engineering Combined Cycle Power Generation (CCGT/CCPP) Position Summary- The EPC Project Director - Engineering is responsible for the overall engineering leadership ...

Project Director-ENG

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$183K - $266K/yr

ZEC EPC Project Director - Engineering Combined Cycle Power Generation (CCGT/CCPP) Position Summary- The EPC Project Director - Engineering is responsible for the overall engineering leadership ...

Showing results 41-60

Power Generation Engineering information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a power generation engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Power Generation Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's degree and practical experience in power systems. Familiarity with industry-standard software (such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, and SCADA systems), as well as certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure, is often required. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication skills set candidates apart in this field. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and reliable generation and delivery of power, supporting critical infrastructure and energy needs.

What are some common challenges faced by power generation engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Power generation engineers often face challenges such as maintaining system reliability, adapting to evolving environmental regulations, and integrating renewable energy sources with traditional power systems. Staying updated with technological advancements and participating in ongoing training can help address these issues. Additionally, effective teamwork with operations, maintenance, and environmental teams is crucial for resolving operational problems and ensuring compliance.

What is power generation engineering?

Power generation engineering is a branch of engineering focused on the design, operation, and maintenance of systems and equipment that produce electricity. Professionals in this field work with various energy sources, including fossil fuels, nuclear, hydroelectric, solar, and wind power, to ensure reliable and efficient electricity generation. They are involved in tasks such as plant design, performance analysis, troubleshooting, and implementing new technologies to improve energy efficiency and sustainability. Power generation engineers play a critical role in meeting the world’s energy needs while addressing environmental and regulatory challenges.

What is the difference between Power Generation Engineering vs Power Plant Operations?

AspectPower Generation EngineeringPower Plant Operations
Primary FocusDesign, development, and optimization of power generation systemsDay-to-day running and maintenance of power plants
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Power Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) often preferredTechnical training, certifications in plant operation, and hands-on experience
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, engineering offices, project sitesPower plants, control rooms, maintenance facilities
Industry UsageDesigning new plants, improving existing systemsOperating and maintaining existing power plants

Power Generation Engineering focuses on designing and improving power systems, while Power Plant Operations involves managing the daily functions of power plants. Both roles are essential in the energy sector but differ in responsibilities and work environments.

What are popular job titles related to Power Generation Engineering jobs in Illinois? For Power Generation Engineering jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Power Generation Engineering jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Power Generation Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Power Generation Engineering job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Senior Staff Engineer, Thermal Engineering

Invenergy

Chicago, IL • On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Invenergy rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 9 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

Position Overview

The Senior Staff Engineer, Thermal, reporting to the Senior Director of Thermal Engineering, will support Invenergy's efforts to develop, permit, engineer, construct and commission new geothermal and thermal (simple and combined cycle combustion turbine and reciprocating engine) power generation projects throughout North America. This role will encompass the full project life cycle of project development from siting and origination through commercial operation of the project and will assist managing third party engineering consultants and contractors; preparing permit applications; specifying project configurations; specifying project performance, creating project specifications; preparing bids; evaluating bids; managing major equipment manufacturers supplying combustion turbines, steam turbines, heat recovery steam generators, injection pumps, Organic Rankine Cycle systems,; reviewing detailed engineering; construction monitoring and commissioning efforts. A strong background in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and combustion turbine performance is desired.

Responsibilities

  • Perform and review basic and detail design for power generation projects.

  • Advise on the feasibility of projects based on available geothermal technologies and project constraints.

  • Lead technical efforts during the development phase and collaborate with other engineering and geophysicists during the reservoir modelling and detailed design process.

  • Perform and review thermal heat balances for thermal power generation projects.

  • Support technical efforts for project development work such as site selection, general arrangement development, site surveying, environmental studies, permit applications, geotechnical investigations and others.

  • Interface with equipment vendors to explain technical requirements and receive technical proposals.

  • Support and lead technical efforts with OEMs.

  • Review technical deliverables like P&ID, heat and mass balances, project design documents, equipment specifications and drawings, layouts, and electrical one-line drawings.

  • Provide engineering oversight during project design and construction.

  • Interface with contractors for resolution of technical issues.

  • Assist oversight of power plant commissioning activities.

  • Coordinate with internal teams to align project development and execution with financial and commercial objectives, including coordination of internal administrative workload with the Project Management team for the technical interface of the project, i.e., purchase orders, service orders, MSAs and ESA agreements for consultants.

  • Establish relationships with various technical experts among stakeholders, utilities, RTO/ISOs.

  • Understand project interfaces across multiple contractors and work packages and monitor performance, ensuring adherence to project requirements, budget and schedule.

Minimum Qualifications

  • BS in mechanical, electrical, civil, petroleum, chemical or related engineering discipline.

  • 2+ years' experience in project engineering management of large capital projects with a focus on geothermal power generation, thermal power generation or transferable energy sector work.

  • Familiarity with regulatory, siting, and environmental permitting processes for large-scale industrial projects.

  • Knowledge and experience with project design and configuration.

  • Experience with geothermal production facilities with focus on translating subsurface energy into usable power, emphasizing facility design, heat exchange, gathering systems, reinjection systems and fluid mechanics will have an advantage.

  • Spreadsheet modeling using Microsoft Excel.

  • Eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer visa sponsorship now or in the future.

  • Must have a valid US driving license.

  • Ability to travel up to 25%.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in engineering or Professional Engineering License

  • Experience with ORCs, steam turbines for geothermal applications, production and injection pumps, and other heavy duty industrial rotatory equipment.

  • Experience in the power generation industry, specifically thermal energy, with a focus on utility-scale project development.

  • Oil & Gas project or reservoir engineering experience relevant to geothermal or conventional thermal projects.

  • Proficiency in spreadsheet modeling using Microsoft Excel.

  • Excellent verbal and written communications skills

Base Pay

$85,000.00 - $108,000.00 USD Annual
Bonus: 15%

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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