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Substation Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Nexus Engineering Group

Substation Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

As a Substation Engineer, you'll help design, analyze, and deliver electrical substation projects for utility, industrial, and power delivery clients - with exposure across the full breadth of ...

Nexus Engineering Group

Substation Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site +1

$75K - $85K/yr

As a Substation Engineer, you'll help design, analyze, and deliver electrical substation projects for utility, industrial, and power delivery clients -- with exposure across the full breadth of ...

New

Dashiell Corportaion

Substation Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$101K - $129K/yr

Substation Engineer ID: 8638 Department: Engineering Location: Chicago, IL Description Dashiell is a leading national provider of technical services to the electric utility, power generation ...

Nexus Engineering Group

Substation Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site +1

$75K - $85K/yr

As a Substation Engineer, you'll help design, analyze, and deliver electrical substation projects for utility, industrial, and power delivery clients - with exposure across the full breadth of ...

MetaOption, LLC

Substation Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$101K - $129K/yr

Substation Engineer Chicago, Illinois, USA Openings also in Houston, Dallas, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Austin, Atlanta, Chicago, Boston and Chattanooga This role is for a Substation Engineer who will ...

MetaOption, LLC

Substation Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$101K - $129K/yr

Substation Engineer Chicago, Illinois, USA Openings also in Houston, Dallas, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Austin, Atlanta, Chicago, Boston and Chattanooga This role is for a Substation Engineer who will ...

MetaOption LLC

Substation Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$101K - $129K/yr

Substation Engineer Chicago, Illinois, USA Openings also in Houston, Dallas, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Austin, Atlanta, Chicago, Boston and Chattanooga This role is for a Substation Engineer who will ...

KDM ENGINEERING LLC

Substation Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $125K/yr

Substation Engineer KDM Engineering is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Substation Engineer to join our growing team. In this role, you will support the engineering, design, and implementation ...

KDM Engineering

Substation Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $125K/yr

Substation Engineer KDM Engineering is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Substation Engineer to join our growing team. In this role, you will support the engineering, design, and implementation ...

Dashiell

Substation Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$101K - $129K/yr

The Substation Engineer performs engineering work with a focus on substation engineering design including both physical and protection & control practices. Requires knowledge of substation systems ...

Dashiell

Substation Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$101K - $129K/yr

The Substation Engineer performs engineering work with a focus on substation engineering design including both physical and protection & control practices. Requires knowledge of substation systems ...

GFT.

Principal Substation Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$147K - $175K/yr

As a substation engineer, you will lead or support utility and power substation projects and clients. If you are in Chicago, IL, Phoenix, AZ, Charlotte, NC, St. Louis, MO, Marlton, NJ, Roanoke, VA ...

K&A Engineering, Inc.

Substation Engineer

Oak Brook, IL

$90K - $145K/yr

We provide comprehensive consulting, engineering and design, program and project management, construction management, and EPC services, specializing in substation, transmission, distribution, and ...

GFT.

Principal Substation Engineer

Chicago, IL

$147K - $175K/yr

As a substation engineer, you will lead or support utility and power substation projects and clients. If you are in Chicago, IL, Phoenix, AZ, Charlotte, NC, St. Louis, MO, Marlton, NJ, Roanoke, VA ...

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All JobsSubstation Engineer JobsSubstation Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Substation Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$64.4K

$117K

$154K

How much do substation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for substation engineer in Chicago, IL is $117,030.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,400.00 and $129,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a substation engineer do?

Substation engineers create design plans for power substations and collaborate with the project team and other stakeholders to finalize schematics. As a substation engineer, your job duties include generating design drawings and documents, determining the appropriate size and type of cables and conduits for each substation, facilitating tasks using engineering application software, and coordinating efforts with team members. The qualifications for a career as a substation engineer are a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, several years of experience in electrical engineering jobs, and excellent problem-solving skills.

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

To thrive as a Substation Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering principles, power systems, and a relevant engineering degree, often with a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with software like AutoCAD, ETAP, and SCADA systems, as well as knowledge of national electrical codes and safety standards, is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help engineers manage complex projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure safe, reliable, and efficient design, operation, and maintenance of electrical substations critical to power delivery.

What are some common challenges faced by substation engineers in coordinating with multiple project stakeholders?

Substation Engineers often collaborate with project managers, utility companies, contractors, and regulatory bodies. A frequent challenge is ensuring clear communication and alignment among all stakeholders, especially when project timelines or design specifications change. Managing documentation, adhering to safety standards, and addressing unforeseen technical issues require effective coordination. Building strong relationships and using project management tools can help Substation Engineers navigate these complexities and keep projects on track.

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

AspectSubstation EngineerPower Systems Engineer
CertificationsPE license, IEEE certificationsPE license, IEEE certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, construction, and maintenance of substationsPower system analysis, planning, and optimization
Industry UsageElectric utilities, transmission companiesUtilities, consulting firms, manufacturers
Common Search IntentDesign and operation of substationsPower system analysis and planning

Substation Engineers focus on the design, construction, and maintenance of electrical substations, ensuring reliable power delivery. Power Systems Engineers work on analyzing and optimizing entire electrical networks, often involving system-wide planning. While both roles require similar credentials and work within the electric utility industry, their specific responsibilities differ, with Substation Engineers concentrating on physical infrastructure and Power Systems Engineers on system performance and analysis.

How much does a substation engineer make?

A substation engineer's salary typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills can earn higher wages, often supplemented by overtime and project bonuses.

How much money do substation engineers make?

Substation engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Senior or specialized engineers with additional skills in power systems or project management can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000 annually.
More about Substation Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Substation Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Substation Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

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For Substation Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Substation Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Substation Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Substation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substation Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 74% In-person, 13% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,030 per year, or $56.3 per hour.

Substation Engineer

Nexus Engineering Group

Oak Brook, IL • On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Nexus Engineering Group is employee-owned, full-service, and built by the people who do the work. As a Substation Engineer, you'll help design, analyze, and deliver electrical substation projects for utility, industrial, and power delivery clients - with exposure across the full breadth of substation engineering.
You'll support the design, analysis, and execution of substation projects from planning through construction, contributing across disciplines - physical design, protection and control, engineering studies, technical documentation, field investigations, and construction support. It's a broad, hands-on role for a collaborative problem-solver who wants to grow across complex infrastructure projects while delivering high-quality engineering.
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 invest in early-career engineers and give them real work from the start.
What you can expect:
  • Employee ownership (ESOP) - build equity in the firm as it grows
  • Broad exposure across substation disciplines - physical design, P&C, studies, and field work - to help you find your path
  • Mentorship from senior engineers who review your work and help you grow
  • 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
  • Develop and revise engineering deliverables - drawings, calculations, specifications, reports, and technical documentation.
  • Support the design and execution of substation projects from planning through construction.
  • Apply industry, client, utility, and company standards to your engineering work products.
  • Coordinate with multidisciplinary project teams - engineers, designers, project managers, clients, vendors, and contractors.
  • Participate in site visits, field investigations, design reviews, and construction-support activities.
  • Assist with equipment selection, design development, engineering analyses, and technical problem-solving.
  • Communicate project status, technical issues, and design recommendations to project stakeholders.
  • Deliver quality work within established schedules and budgets, and contribute to the Substation group's technical standards and best practices.

What We're Looking For
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or a related engineering discipline.
  • 1+ years of relevant engineering experience - utility, power delivery, electrical infrastructure, or substation engineering, including internship or co-op experience.
  • Understanding of electrical engineering fundamentals and engineering design principles.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, standards, and equipment documentation.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting utility, power delivery, industrial, or substation engineering projects.
  • Familiarity with engineering software such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, ETAP, SKM, CYME, CDEGS, Inventor, or similar design and analysis tools.
  • Experience preparing engineering calculations, drawings, specifications, and technical reports.
  • Field, construction, commissioning, utility operations, internship, or co-op experience.
  • Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification, or progress toward professional licensure.

Work Environment & Physical Demands
Work is performed in a hybrid environment that includes office, remote, and active project-site settings. This role may require:
  • Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer workstation, with or without reasonable accommodation
  • Periodic travel to substations, construction sites, client facilities, and project locations
  • Site visits that may involve exposure to outdoor weather, energized electrical equipment, noise, heavy equipment, and active construction environments; appropriate PPE must be worn
  • The ability to walk uneven terrain, navigate outdoor substation yards, climb stairs, and access project-site areas, with or without reasonable accommodation

$75,000 - $85,000 a year
The posted salary range represents the anticipated base pay for this position in accordance with applicable pay-transparency requirements and may vary based on experience, qualifications, skills, certifications, work location, and market conditions.
In addition to base pay, eligible employees may receive:
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - an ownership stake and a share in the long-term success of Nexus
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus life and disability insurance
  • 401(k) with company match and discretionary bonus opportunities
  • Paid time off, holidays, and paid parental leave
  • Professional development and career advancement - training, certifications, licensure support, tuition assistance, and mentorship
  • Wellness benefits and a flexible schedule where business needs allow

We may use AI tools to help our recruitment team review and organize applications. These tools support - but never replace - human judgment, and final hiring decisions are made by people. If you'd like to know more about how your data is handled, contact us at [email protected].

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