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Power Systems Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a motivated Entry-Level Electrical Engineer with an emphasis in power systems to join our team. This is an excellent opportunity for recent graduates to gain hands-on experience ...

We are seeking a motivated Entry-Level Electrical Engineer with an emphasis in power systems to join our team. This is an excellent opportunity for recent graduates to gain hands-on experience ...

Power Electronics Engineer

Rockton, IL ยท On-site

$109K - $129K/yr

Power control Systems Engineer Rockton, Illinois (Fully Onsite) "Knowledge of thermal management and fault protection strategies. Hands-on experience with compliance testing and certification ...

Grid Integration Engineer II

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$90 - $110/hr

The Power Systems Engineer - Grid Integration Engineering will support Invenergy's grid integration, advanced modeling, and interconnection engineering activities across generation, transmission, and ...

Grid Integration Engineer II

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Position Overview The Power Systems Engineer - Grid Integration Engineering will support Invenergy's grid integration, advanced modeling, and interconnection engineering activities across generation ...

Position Overview The Power Systems Engineer - Grid Integration Engineering will support Invenergy's grid integration, advanced modeling, and interconnection engineering activities across generation ...

Position Overview The Power Systems Engineer - Grid Integration Engineering will support Invenergy's grid integration, advanced modeling, and interconnection engineering activities across generation ...

The System Engineer is responsible for taking CNC machine tools from initial power-up through full production readiness. This role serves as the technical lead during commissioning by troubleshooting ...

Showing results 21-40

Power Systems Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$54.3K

$114.1K

$173.9K

How much do power systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for power systems engineer in Illinois is $114,056.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,000.00 and $129,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges power systems engineers face when working on grid modernization projects?

Power Systems Engineers involved in grid modernization often grapple with integrating renewable energy sources, ensuring grid reliability, and managing rapidly evolving technologies. Balancing traditional infrastructure with new smart grid components can be complex, requiring close collaboration with utility operators, IT specialists, and regulatory bodies. Additionally, adapting to changing industry standards and ensuring compliance with safety and efficiency regulations are ongoing challenges that demand strong problem-solving and communication skills.

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

AspectPower Systems EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, PE license often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, PE license optional
Work EnvironmentFocus on power generation, transmission, and distribution systemsBroader scope including electronics, control systems, and general electrical design
Industry UsagePrimarily in utilities, power generation, and transmission companiesWider range including manufacturing, electronics, and construction
Common Search/ComparisonYesNo

Power Systems Engineers specialize in designing, analyzing, and maintaining electrical power systems, often working within utilities and energy sectors. Electrical Engineers have a broader scope, covering various electrical systems and electronics across multiple industries. While both roles require similar credentials, Power Systems Engineers focus specifically on power infrastructure, making them the ideal comparison for those interested in the energy sector.

What is a power systems engineer?

A power systems engineer works in the energy industry. In this career, your job is to design, evaluate, and oversee the electrical power distribution system for a utility company or substations, perform electric metering, or work for a wind power company to evaluate transmission viability. You generally work on all parts of a power system to increase its efficiency and help the company for which you work to achieve their goals as assigned. You also have duties and responsibilities in project development, as you help the project manager determine the best locations for new utility projects like wind turbines or substations. As a power systems engineer, you also determine the best places within these locations for controls.

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

To thrive as a Power Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, power systems analysis, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering. Familiarity with power system simulation tools (such as ETAP, PSS/E, or MATLAB) and relevant industry standards or certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure is important. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are soft skills that distinguish top performers in this role. These abilities are crucial for designing reliable power systems, ensuring safety, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to support infrastructure and energy needs.
What are the most commonly searched types of Power Systems Engineer jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Power Systems Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What job categories do people searching Power Systems Engineer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Power Systems Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Power Systems Engineer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Power Systems Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Power Systems Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,056 per year, or $54.8 per hour.

Electrical Engineer - Power Systems

Ghafari Associates LLC

Chicago, IL โ€ข Hybrid

$100K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Job Description:

General Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Electrical Engineering or senior staff, the Electrical Engineer - Power Systems will specialize in performing and documenting power system studies, including short circuit analysis, protective device coordination, and arc flash hazard studies. The engineer will provide detailed engineering analysis for industrial, commercial, educational, governmental, and healthcare facilities, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. This role requires proficiency in power system modeling software, field data collection, and collaboration with project teams to deliver high-quality, reliable electrical engineering solutions.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Perform short circuit analysis to evaluate fault currents and ensure proper short-circuit current ratings of electrical equipment.
  • Conduct overcurrent protection device coordination studies to determine overcurrent protective device settings for selective tripping and ensure system reliability.
  • Evaluate systems for selective coordination where required per NFPA 70 and recommend solutions to comply with NFPA 70.
  • Perform comprehensive arc flash hazard analysis per IEEE 1584 and NFPA 70E to determine the arc flash boundaries, incident energy, and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
  • Evaluate and recommend arc flash mitigation strategies to reduce incident energy levels.
  • Create arc flash labels in accordance with NFPA 70E and client standards.
  • Conduct site visits to apply arc flash labels.
  • Ensure proper application of arc flash labels when installed by the contractor.
  • Conduct motor-starting studies to assess the impact of starting large motors on electrical power systems.
  • Utilize power system software tools such as SKM, ETAP, or EasyPower for power systems modeling and analysis.
  • Maintain organized project file containing project calculations, schedules, correspondence, appropriate reference materials, etc.
  • Conduct site visits to gather field data and verify existing conditions to support accurate study results.
  • Collaborate with project teams, including the Project Manager, Electrical Engineer, and client, to define project scope, budget, and design approach.
  • Adhere to project quality, budget, and schedule.
  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to team technical development
  • Edit and draft project specifications.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

Employment Qualifications:

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited university
  • Professional Engineer's License is required

Experience:

  • 10+ years related and progressively more responsible experience in electrical engineering field.
  • 5+ years experience performing short-circuit analysis, protective device coordination and arc flash hazard analysis studies.

Skills/Competencies:

  • Proficiency short-circuit analysis, protective device coordination and arc flash hazard software (SKM, ETAP, or EasyPower)
  • Proficiency in Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD
  • Bluebeam
  • BIM 360 and Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC)
  • Excellent written and verbal communication
  • Strong attention to detail

Benefits:

At Ghafari, we offer a robust benefits package designed to support your overall wellbeing. In addition to a competitive salary, eligible employees receive Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Teladoc, Employee Assistance Program, Professional License Reimbursement, Educational Assistance, Voluntary Pet Insurance, Parental Leave, Paid Time Off, and 8 Paid Holidays. The annual base salary range for this position is $100,000.00 to $120,000.00. Individual pay is based on factors such as relevant experience, job-related skills, education, and training.

Since 1982, Ghafari Associates has taken a personal approach to highly technical projects in complex markets including: aviation, manufacturing, healthcare, retail, hospitality, K-12 and higher education. As a global team of engineers, architects, process designers, and consultants we blend insight with technological innovation helping clients elevate their efficiency, sustainability, and impact.

Continuously rated aTop Workplace to Work, Crain'sCool Place to Work, and aBest and Brightestcompany to work for in the US, Ghafari has made a name for itself through our culture, employee benefits, andportfolio of projects.

Over a quarter of Ghafari employees have diverse identities that are championed by our growing approach to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Ghafari supports hybrid and in-office work environments.

Through career mapping, Ghafari employees are encouraged to seek licensure, coached for knowledge growth, and provided opportunities for management and mentorship roles if interested. Our robust internship program recognizes undergraduate and graduate students from across the world, having an over 90% success rate of hiring our interns after graduation.

Join our team and work on forward-thinking projects all around the world. Ghafari's global reach creates an environment where individuals can build professional relationships while building sustainable and cutting-edge facilities. Are you ready to take that leap? Apply Now!

Ghafari Associates, LLC is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in the employment application process. If you need an accommodation due to a disability in order to use our online system to apply for a position at Ghafari Associates, LLC, you may apply for positions in the following ways:

Connect to our job portal (https://ghafari.jobs)
By fax at 313.436.8624; Attn: Human Resources
By mail at 17101 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48126; Attn: Human Resources
In person at 17101 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48126.
By email at hr@ghafari.com
If there are any questions or additional accommodations that are required, please contact 313.441.3000 for assistance.

It is Ghafari Associates, LLC's policy not to discriminate in its employment and personnel practices because of a person's race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, weight, height, marital, pregnancy or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, status as a qualified individual with a disability or a protected veteran, or any other classification protected by federal, state or local law or ordinance.