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Utility Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Sterling Engineering Inc.

SR Design Engineer

Wheaton, IL · On-site +1

$135K - $160K/yr

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced electrical engineer who enjoys leading utility design projects, serving as a technical resource, mentoring junior engineers, and working directly ...

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Design Engineer (PE)

Wheaton, IL · On-site +1

$100K - $125K/yr

Interpret and apply utility standards, engineering specifications, and design criteria. * Prepare, review, and quality check engineering drawings and project deliverables. * Coordinate with utility ...

The AES Group

Electrical Design Engineer

Shorewood, IL · On-site

Electrical Design Engineer - Power Distribution & Utilities Location: Shorewood, Illinois Work Arrangement: Onsite initially, transitioning to a hybrid schedule after the first few months Type: Open ...

HBK Engineering, LLC

Engineering Specialist

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Proven experience working on utility or roadway design projects is required * Apply broad knowledge of engineering principles and practices to ensure design compliance with relevant specifications ...

Quanta Services

Utility Locator

Chicago, IL

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

HBK Engineering, LLC is a fully licensed, professional engineering design firm headquartered in ... HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support ...

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All JobsUtility Engineer JobsUtility Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Utility Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$33.9K

$93.8K

$161.8K

How much do utility engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for utility engineer in Illinois is $93,782.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,300.00 and $114,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a utility engineer?

Utility Engineers are professionals responsible for designing, maintaining, and overseeing the infrastructure systems that deliver essential services such as water, electricity, gas, and telecommunications. They ensure these utility systems operate efficiently, safely, and in compliance with regulations. Utility Engineers may work for utility companies, government agencies, or private consulting firms, and their roles often involve project management, system upgrades, troubleshooting, and field inspections. Their expertise is critical for supporting the infrastructure that communities and businesses rely on daily.

What does a utility engineer do?

A utility engineer is a civil engineer who works for a utility company, such as a water, gas, or electric company. Their job duties are to design, implement, and maintain utility infrastructures, such as water or gas mains, electrical grids, and other types of delivery systems. Qualifications for a utility engineer include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in civil engineering or a related field of engineering and experience. Professional certification is available. Problem-solving and leadership skills are important in this career.

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

To thrive as a Utility Engineer, you need a solid background in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering, often supported by a bachelor's degree and a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with CAD software, GIS systems, and utility-specific modeling tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving, project management, and teamwork skills help you excel in coordinating with stakeholders and addressing complex infrastructure challenges. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable utility systems that meet regulatory and community needs.

What are some common challenges utility engineers face when coordinating projects across multiple departments?

Utility Engineers often work on projects that require input and collaboration from various departments such as operations, maintenance, environmental compliance, and construction. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication and alignment of project goals, schedules, and regulatory requirements among these diverse teams. Utility Engineers must be proactive in facilitating meetings, managing documentation, and addressing any conflicts or misunderstandings that arise. Developing strong organizational and interpersonal skills is essential to successfully navigate these challenges and keep projects on track.

What is the difference between Utility Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectUtility EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, often with certifications in facilities or utility managementBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering; licensure may be preferred
Work EnvironmentFacilities, power plants, utility systems within industrial or commercial sitesDesign, manufacturing, or maintenance settings involving mechanical systems
Industry UsageCommon in utility companies, industrial plants, and large facilitiesWidespread across manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and HVAC industries

Utility Engineers focus on maintaining and optimizing utility systems like power, water, and HVAC within facilities, while Mechanical Engineers design and analyze mechanical systems across various industries. Both roles require engineering degrees, but their work environments and specific responsibilities differ significantly.

More about Utility Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Utility Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Utility Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Utility Engineer jobs in Illinois?

For Utility Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Utility Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Utility Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Utility Engineer jobs in IL?

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

Utility Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Utility Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,782 per year, or $45.1 per hour.

SR Design Engineer

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Wheaton, IL • On-site, Remote

$135K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Title: Senior Design Engineer – Electric Distribution
Location: Remote/Wheaton, IL
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Salary: $135K-$160K/YR
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401(k) with company match, generous PTO, paid holidays, paid volunteer time off, continuing education reimbursement, and additional comprehensive benefits

Sterling Engineering is looking for a Senior Design Engineer – Electric Distribution to join a growing engineering consulting firm supporting electric utility infrastructure projects. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced electrical engineer who enjoys leading utility design projects, serving as a technical resource, mentoring junior engineers, and working directly with utility clients on critical grid modernization and infrastructure initiatives.

Job Summary:
The Senior Design Engineer will lead the design, analysis, and technical execution of electric distribution projects while serving as a client-facing engineering lead. This role is responsible for overseeing engineering deliverables, performing advanced power system studies, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring projects are completed in accordance with utility standards, scope, schedule, and quality expectations.

Job Duties:
  • Lead the design of overhead and underground electric distribution systems (4kV–34kV).
  • Perform and review engineering studies including load flow, voltage drop, short circuit, and protection coordination analyses.
  • Serve as the technical lead for electric distribution infrastructure projects.
  • Interpret and apply utility standards, engineering specifications, and design criteria across multiple utility environments.
  • Support distribution planning, capacity analysis, reliability improvements, and infrastructure modernization initiatives.
  • Coordinate directly with utility clients, municipalities, field personnel, and internal engineering teams.
  • Review engineering drawings and project deliverables for quality, constructability, and compliance.
  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to engineering standards, best practices, and technical development.
  • Support continuous process improvements and technical excellence across the engineering team.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license required (Illinois preferred).
  • Minimum of 8 years of experience in electric utility, power delivery, or utility consulting.
  • Strong experience designing overhead and underground electric distribution systems.
  • Familiarity with utility engineering standards, particularly within Midwest investor-owned utility environments.
  • Experience using power system analysis software such as CYME, Synergi, ETAP, or similar platforms.
  • Proven client-facing experience with strong communication and relationship management skills.
  • Experience supporting investor-owned utilities is preferred.
  • Knowledge of distributed energy resources (DER), grid modernization initiatives, Illinois utility regulations, utility GIS systems, and work management platforms is a plus.
Additional Information:
  • Primarily remote role with occasional travel to the Wheaton office and project sites as needed.
  • Opportunity to lead high-profile electric distribution, grid modernization, and infrastructure improvement projects.
  • Strong opportunity for technical leadership, client interaction, and long-term career growth within a growing engineering consulting organization.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.