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Power Generation Engineering Jobs in Chicago, IL

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Power Generation Engineering information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$23.2K

$100.2K

$176.2K

How much do power generation engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for power generation engineering in Chicago, IL is $100,238.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $137,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Chicago, IL?

For Power Generation Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Power Generation Engineering job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,238 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

Staff Instrumentation & Controls Engineer - Power Generation

Black & Veatch

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Black & Veatch rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 447 rated engineering


Job description

Together, we own our company, our future, and our shared success.

As an employee-owned company, our people are Black & Veatch. We put them at the center of everything we do and empower them to grow, explore new possibilities and use their diverse talents and perspectives to solve humanity's biggest challenges in an ever-evolving world. With over 100 years of innovation in sustainable infrastructure and our expertise in engineering, procurement, consulting and construction, together we are building a world of difference.  

Company : Black & Veatch Corporation  

Req Id : 115827 

Opportunity Type : Staff 

Relocation eligible : Yes 

Full time/Part time : Full-Time  

Project Only Hire : No 

Visa Sponsorship Available: No 

Why Black & Veatch?

At Black & Veatch, you'll be part of work that matters-designing, creating, and building the infrastructure communities rely on every day, from concept through execution.

We care about how the work gets done as much as what we build. Safety is built into every decision, and people look out for each other-speaking up, collaborating, and doing the right thing because it affects real lives.

You'll work alongside teams solving complex challenges and turning ideas into solutions that perform in the real world-gaining hands-on experience across projects, technologies, and disciplines.

Ownership shows up in how we work. We take responsibility for outcomes, follow through on commitments, and take pride in what we deliver. As a 100% employee-owned company, employees share in the long-term success we build together.

With flexible ways of working and meaningful development opportunities, you'll build a career you can be proud to stand behind.

Why Black & Veatch

Black & Veatch allows you to lend your talent and perspective to humanity's biggest challenges in a flexible environment where you are empowered to grow and explore new possibilities. We offer competitive compensation; 401K match and benefits that start day 1.

Our hybrid environment allows you to balance your work and personal life. At Black & Veatch, you own your career with purpose and meaning. You are empowered to grow and explore new possibilities at every step of your career journey. Bring your big ideas knowing you are safe to be who you are and speak up with concerns or questions and put your diverse talents and perspectives to use.

The Opportunity

In this role, you will have the opportunity to:

  • Take a lead role on major power plant projects, guiding multidisciplinary I&C engineering teams through design, procurement, planning, and execution.
  • Drive technical studies and detailed design for power generation facilities, including Balance of Plant systems that support safe and reliable operations.
  • Integrate into established project teams, applying your expertise while taking on increasing responsibility as project needs evolve.
The Team

The Instrumentation & Control department is a global team specializing in instrumentation, control systems, wireless communications, networks, and cybersecurity for all BV Market Sectors and Solutions.  Our team provides a full range of services including consulting, master planning, assessments, conceptual design, detailed design, EPC, design-build, construction support, field services, testing, commissioning, resident engineering, staff augmentation, training, on-call services, and system implementation, configuration, and programing.

Black & Veatch's Power Providers focuses on the holistic demands for energy generation markets that include utilities, independent power producers and new non-traditional entrants adding to the much-needed supply of secure, clean power to our industries and communities. By joining our market sector, you will have the opportunity to put sustainable energy solutions into practice.  

Job Summary
Functions as a technical specialist or in a lead role. With minimal supervision, applies advanced engineering techniques and analyses. Continues building on knowledge to develop concepts and approach more complex engineering problems. May provide technical guidance over a group or supervise engineering staff on projects of low to medium complexity. May be responsible for developing, validating, and presenting specialist/technical output.
Key Responsibilities
  • Continues developing knowledge and may provide guidance and direction on design guides, standards, systems, applicable engineering codes and B&V policies. Provides technical guidance to others regarding projects and disciplines.
  • Independently applies knowledge and complies with B&V quality program relative to assigned tasks.  May be responsible for ensuring compliance with B&V quality program.  Provides related guidance and direction to others. Supports continuous improvement and change management efforts.
  • Prepares a variety of complex engineering deliverables for larger or multiple projects.  Performs complex research and develops recommendations for equipment and/or materials selection. May oversee collection, assimilation, and management of data for engineering work.  Prepares complex engineering calculations following standard methods and principles.  Manages assigned budget, schedule, and quality requirements. Independently applies advanced engineering techniques and analysis problems and methods. Actively delegates appropriate tasks to lower level team members to develop depth of project execution staff. Reviews lower level engineering work or assignments. Is responsible for one or more of the following:  leading production teams; coordinating multiple discipline activity; and serving as the responsible charge for a project.
  • Actively coordinates with all other internal/external team members on moderately complex projects.
  • Responsible for assisting with identification of key client interests and drivers on low to moderately complex projects. Communicates client interests and drivers to project team members and develops approaches to accommodate these concerns in the performance of the work on low to moderately complex projects. Provides support to business development or pursuit activities and may offer other services to clients.
  • Recognized as a technical specialist and has knowledge and skill set to provide consultation and guidance to project teams in a particular practice area. May design a complete project of moderately complex scope or support multiple projects on the complex technical challenges. Actively fosters knowledge management and provides mentoring. May develop and apply advanced engineering concepts and approaches to unique engineering problems
  • Typically assists with performance management process, mentoring, recognition, and any corrective actions required. May participate in career planning, and learning and development.  Actively mentors lower level professionals and identifies successors to train in the specifics of their role.
  • May assist with resource management strategy. May have responsibility of engineering resources for small groups of a single discipline. 

May be accountable for some administrative responsibilities that include but aren't limited to:

  • Ensuring policies, procedures and processes are effectively implemented and communicated for work group.
  • Ensuring adherence to corporate and division programs.
  • Approving timesheets and expense reports.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Previous I&C design experience for large scale power plants. 
  • Experience in developing control system network architecture diagrams, I/O list, instrument data sheets, control narratives, control logic diagrams, Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) for control and instrumentation, and procurement specifications for I&C equipment.
  • Experience in instrumentation and process automation systems applications and selection. 
  • Excellent writing, presentation, and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to be both an individual contributor and work effectively in teams.
  • Ability to accept both internal and external (client) feedback.
  • Willingness to learn processes and procedures specific to the power industry.
  • Maintain some flexibility in work hours, if required by the client or project. 
Minimum Qualifications
Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering from either a recognized accredited program in their home country or the country in which the professional is practicing. Minimum of 5 years related work experience. All applicants must be able to complete pre-employment onboarding requirements (if selected) which may include any/all of the following: criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle records search, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations.
Certifications
Work Environment/Physical Demands
Competencies
Salary Plan
ENG: Engineering
Job Grade
016

Black & Veatch endeavors to make www.bv.com/careers accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process because of a disability, please contact the Employee Relations Department at +1-913-359-1622 or via our accommodations request form. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only; you may not use this contact information to inquire about the status of applications. General inquiries about the status of applications will not be returned.

Black & Veatch is committed to being an employer of choice by creating a valuable work experience that keeps our people engaged, productive, safe and healthy.

Our comprehensive benefits portfolio is a key component of this commitment and offers an array of health care benefits including but not limited to medical, dental and vision insurances along with disability and a robust wellness program.

To support a healthy work-life balance, we offer flexible work schedules, paid vacation and holiday time, sick time, and dependent sick time.

A variety of additional benefits are available to our professionals, including a company-matched 401k plan, adoption reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, vendor discounts, an employment referral program, AD&D insurance, pre-taxed accounts, voluntary legal plan and the B&V Credit Union. Professionals may also be eligible for a performance-based bonus program.

We are proud to be a 100 percent ESOP-owned company. As employee-owners, our professionals are empowered to drive not only their personal growth, but the company's long-term achievements - and they share in the financial rewards of the success through stock ownership.

By valuing diverse voices and perspectives, we cultivate an authentically inclusive environment for professionals and are able to provide innovative and effective solutions for clients.

BVH, Inc., its subsidiaries and its affiliated companies, complies with all Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws and regulations. Black & Veatch does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender Identity and expression, disability, veteran status, pregnancy status or other status protected by law.

Notice to External Search Firms: Black & Veatch does not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be obligated to pay a placement fee for unsolicited resumes. Black & Veatch Talent Acquisition engages with search firms directly for hiring needs.


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About Black & Veatch

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Company: Black & Veatch Family of Companies Together, we own our company, our future, and our shared success. As an employee-owned company, our people are Black & Veatch. We put them at the center of everything we do and empower them to grow, explore new possibilities and use their diverse talents and perspectives to solve humanity's biggest challenges in an ever-evolving world. With over 100 years of innovation in sustainable infrastructure and our expertise in engineering, procurement, consulting and construction, together we are building a world of difference.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Overland Park, KS, US

Year founded

1915