ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Substation Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

K&A Engineering, Inc.

Substation Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$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 · 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 ...

GFT.

Principal Substation Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$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 ...

GFT.

Sr. Substation Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $165K/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 ...

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 ...

MMC Group

Substation Engineer

Glen Ellyn, IL · On-site

$96K - $123K/yr

Summary Perform engineering and design duties, which require application of engineering principles and knowledge of Substation Design Duties & Responsibilities Employee may be called upon to perform ...

Dashiell

Supervising Substation Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120 - $215/hr

Primary Function The Supervising Substation Engineer has complete responsibility for the profitability, quality, and schedule performance of their engineering team(s). This role oversees resource ...

Dashiell

Supervising Substation Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$101K - $129K/yr

Primary Function The Supervising Substation Engineer has complete responsibility for the profitability, quality, and schedule performance of their engineering team(s). This role oversees resource ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsSubstation Engineer JobsSubstation Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Substation Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$64.4K

$117.1K

$154.1K

How much do substation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for substation engineer in Chicago, IL is $117,144.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,500.00 and $129,400.00 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 with opportunities for 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 engineers or those with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in regions with high demand for electrical infrastructure expertise.
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:

What are popular job titles related to Substation Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

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 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,144 per year, or $56.3 per hour.

Substation Engineer

Valdes Architecture & Engineering

Lombard, IL • On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Seasoned Substation Engineer with experience in single lines, site plans, electrical plans/sections, grounding, and equipment specifications. Knowledge of transformers, circuit breakers, disconnect switches, arresters, potential & current transformers, and control houses. This individual interfaces with client engineering representatives and other discipline engineers within the Valdes A&E organization.May visit job site as required for exchange of information.
Responsibilities
  • Solid Knowledge within the Electrical Engineering discipline with the capability and the initiative to perform the following tasks while supervising and mentoring junior staff members Assist staff with ensuring that engineering packages are completed on time and within budget
  • Ability to prepare design packages consisting of one-line diagram, site plan, electrical plans & sections, conduit plans/details, grounding plan/details, and bills of materials
  • Maintain positive business relationships with key client's contacts throughout the project lifecycle
  • Coordinate engineering details/drafting with multiple department designers to develop project drawings
  • On-site coordination with client engineering representatives and other discipline engineers
  • Coordinate physical design for high voltage substations
  • AC and DC load calculations
  • Familiarity with protection and controls design
  • Cable routing design
  • Utility interface design

Substation Duties
  • Physical design
  • Equipment selection and specifications
  • Bills of materials
  • Site plan, plans/sections, conduit, and grounding
  • Coordinate with other design disciplines
  • Control building and panel hardware specifications
  • Development of sequence of construction identifying pre-outage work

Technical Competencies
  • Ability to communicate complicated issues in a simple manner
  • Ability to multi-task and handle multiple priorities simultaneously
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Knowledgeable in SKM electrical modeling software

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering
  • 3+ years of experience working in substation design
  • Must possess exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills
  • Must be able to work in the US without sponsorship now or in the future

$85,000 - $125,000 a year
Salaries for all positions are based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, total years of experience in the industry, education, skills, and qualifications. Compensation may vary depending on the candidate's individual background and expertise. Salaries are subject to fluctuation outside of the given range. The indicated range is not a commitment and meant as a guideline. All compensation, exempt or non-exempt status, and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

Apply