Protection & Controls Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Nexus Engineering Group is employee-owned, full-service, and built by the people who do the work. As a Senior Substation Engineer – Protection & Controls, you’ll lead the protection, control, and wiring design that brings high-voltage substation projects to life.

You’ll lead the protection & control engineering and design work of high-voltage substation projects — single-line diagrams, schematics, wiring and control documentation, and the complete drawing packages that make a project constructible. Applying advanced technical standards, you’ll coordinate across disciplines, clients, and vendors; check and guide the work of other engineers and designers; and serve as a technical anchor the team and clients rely on.

Why Nexus

You’ll own a piece of what you build. Nexus is employee-owned through our ESOP, so the value you help create comes back to you — not just outside shareholders. We give senior engineers real ownership of the work and a voice in how it’s done.

What you can expect:

• Employee ownership (ESOP) — build equity in the firm as it grows
• Ownership of high-voltage substation P&C design, from single-line to constructible package
• A senior seat — lead design execution, check others’ work, and mentor engineers and designers
• Full-service EPCm exposure, from concept through startup, across a diverse client base
• Career paths that grow with you — toward technical leadership, project management, or discipline leadership
• Flexible work arrangements where business needs allow

What You’ll Do

• Lead the protection, control, and wiring design of substation projects of varying size and complexity — single-line diagrams, schematics, wiring diagrams, and supporting documentation in CAD.
• Develop and oversee protection and control deliverables: relay and control schematics, wiring documentation, cable and conduit schedules, nameplates, and related project documentation.
• Apply advanced-to-expert design standards and client-specific documentation requirements across your projects.
• Coordinate with drafters, designers, other disciplines, clients, vendors, and project managers to resolve design issues and deliver complete, constructible packages.
• Perform formal checking of small-to-medium project deliverables, applying client processes and standards to review others’ work.
• Provide input to project schedules and updates when acting in a lead capacity, accounting for cross-discipline interdependencies.
• Provide clear technical direction, mentoring, and guidance to less-experienced engineers and design staff.
• Strengthen client confidence through sound design decisions, responsive coordination, reliable execution, and reduced rework.

What We’re Looking ForRequired Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or a related discipline.
• 6+ years of substation, power delivery, protection and controls, or electrical design experience.
• Advanced knowledge of substation protection and controls design — single-line diagrams, schematics, wiring documentation, cable/conduit information, nameplates, and client-specific documentation.
• Strong working knowledge of IEEE, ANSI, NEC, and NESC standards.
• Proficiency with CAD, including AutoCAD and/or MicroStation.
• Demonstrated project leadership on substation projects.
• A valid driver’s license — driving to and between project and substation sites is an essential function of this role, and some sites are not accessible by public transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license, or the ability to obtain licensure in the near future.
• Experience leading protection and controls design for high-voltage utility, industrial, or EPC substation projects.
• Experience checking or reviewing substation protection and controls design packages.
• Familiarity with client-specific design standards, project documentation requirements, and construction-support processes.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

This position is performed in a combination of office and active project-site environments. This role may require:

• Frequent travel to project and substation sites, some not accessible by public transportation (a valid driver’s license is required)
• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer workstation, with or without reasonable accommodation
• Field visits that may involve exposure to weather, energized electrical equipment, noise, and heavy equipment; required PPE must be worn on site
• The ability to walk uneven terrain and access outdoor substation yards and elevated or confined areas, with or without reasonable accommodation

About Nexus Engineering Group

Nexus Engineering Group, a distinguished independent full-service engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCm) firm, provides comprehensive support to clients from concept through startup. With over a decade of demonstrated engineering and design success, Nexus stands out as the firm of choice for those valuing integrity and expertise.

At Nexus, you will be part of a talented and passionate team dedicated to excellence and innovation. We foster a collaborative and engaging work environment, making it a place where you’ll enjoy contributing to impactful projects. Joining Nexus means aligning with a firm renowned for its creativity, dedication, and relentless focus on achieving client goals.

Equal Opportunity Employer & Reasonable Accommodation

Nexus Engineering Group, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Nexus Engineering Group is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and hiring process. If you require an accommodation to participate in any part of the recruitment process, please contact us at careers@nexusegroup.com.

Sponsorship & Work Authorization

Nexus Engineering Group does not provide employment visa sponsorship of any kind, including CPT, OPT, or employment-based visas. Candidates must be currently authorized to work in the United States and must be able to maintain that authorization throughout employment without any action, filing, or sponsorship by the company. This requirement applies both at the time of hire and on a continuing basis for the duration of employment.

Third‑Party Agency Notice

Nexus Engineering Group does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from external recruiters or agencies. We only engage approved third‑party partners under a written agreement initiated by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Any resumes submitted without prior authorization or a current agreement will not be eligible for placement fees and will be considered the property of Nexus Engineering Group.