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Utility Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

The Will Group

Senior Design Engineer

Wheaton, IL

$130K - $165K/yr

The Will Group is seeking a Senior Design Engineer - Electrical Distribution to help lead utility engineering projects serving Commonwealth Edison and other Exelon operating companies. This is an ...

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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.

Electrical Engineer - Distribution Design

Hansoninc

Peotone, IL

$147K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Hanson Values

Integrity | Commitment | Quality | Relationships | Innovation

If you're looking for a firm that encourages innovative thinking and challenges you every day, with an opportunity to learn and advance, a career at Hanson is right for you. The belief in sustainability within our company's practices creates a focus on client success and partnerships that are important to our communities and our environment.

Electrical Engineer - Distribution Design


Position: Full-Time

Location: Any (Florida and Illinois preferred)
Licensing: Professional Engineer (PE) Required

About the Role

Hanson Professional Services Inc. is seeking an experienced Electrical Engineer specializing in Distribution System Design to support electric utility and power delivery projects. This senior-level role is ideal for a Professional Engineer with strong experience in utility distribution systems, including overhead and underground distribution, system upgrades, reliability improvements, and customer-driven projects.

The successful candidate will bring technical depth, leadership capability, and hands-on experience supporting transmission and distribution (T&D) utilities, municipal power providers, or utility engineering consultants.

Key Responsibilities

Distribution Engineering & Design

  • Lead the design of overhead and underground electrical distribution systems, typically ranging from 4 kV to 35 kV.

  • Develop design packages for:

  • New distribution lines and system expansions

  • System hardening and resiliency upgrades

  • Reconductoring and voltage conversion projects

  • Service extensions and customer interconnections

  • Prepare construction drawings, material lists, staking sheets, and technical specifications.

  • Perform system calculations including:

  • Voltage drop

  • Short-circuit analysis

  • Load analysis and feeder balancing

Utility Coordination & System Integration

  • Apply utility standards, specifications, and design criteria to distribution projects.

  • Coordinate designs with transmission, substation, protection, and civil teams.

  • Support integration of:

  • Distribution automation

  • Voltage regulation equipment

  • Protective devices (reclosers, sectionalizers, fuses)

  • Ensure compatibility with existing utility systems and operational practices.

Project Leadership & Technical Oversight

  • Serve as lead engineer or subject matter expert for distribution design efforts.

  • Provide technical guidance and QA/QC reviews for drawings, calculations, and design deliverables.

  • Support project managers with:

  • Scope development

  • Cost estimates

  • Schedule planning

  • Risk identification

  • Mentor junior engineers and designers.

Industry Tools & Standards

  • Design in accordance with applicable standards and codes, including:

  • NESC

  • IEEE

  • ANSI

  • NEC (as applicable)

  • Utility-specific distribution standards

  • Utilize commonly used software and tools:

  • CYME, Synergi, or WindMil (preferred)

  • SKM, ETAP, or EasyPower

  • AutoCAD or MicroStation

  • Maintain working knowledge of distribution construction practices and materials.

Client & Field Support

  • Work directly with electric utilities, municipalities, and power providers.

  • Support construction through:

  • Review of contractor submittals

  • Responses to RFIs

  • Site visits and field observations

  • Provide engineering support to resolve constructability or operational issues.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.

  • Professional Engineer (PE) license (required).

  • Minimum 8 years of experience in electric distribution engineering.

  • Prior experience working with:

  • Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs)

  • Public utilities or cooperatives

  • Utility engineering consulting firms

  • Strong understanding of distribution system operations and utility standards.

  • Proven ability to lead engineering tasks and collaborate across disciplines.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with storm hardening, grid modernization, or resiliency programs.

  • Familiarity with distribution automation and smart grid technologies.

  • Experience coordinating with joint-use utilities and right-of-way stakeholders.

  • Experience supporting proposals, cost estimating, and schedule development.

  • Experience mentoring junior engineers or serving as a technical lead.

Soft Skills & Competencies

  • Strong technical judgment and attention to detail

  • Ability to work independently and lead complex tasks

  • Client-focused and solutions-oriented mindset

  • Strong organizational and time-management skills

  • Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement

Working at Hanson

  • Employee-owned firm offering long-term career growth and stability

  • Collaborative environment across disciplines and offices

  • Willingness to support occasional field work and travel

  • Valid driver's license required

Salary Range: ($147,000-$175,000)

Benefits

Our focus on people means we offer a generous benefits program to help you create a solid foundation for health and security throughout your career, including:

  • Competitive compensation
  • Performance bonuses
  • 401(k) with matching contribution
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan
  • Comprehensive health & well-being plans
  • Financial wellness plans
  • Work-life balance programs

Want to know more? Visitour benefits pagefor all the details.

Culture

We understand that selecting a job is about more than the day-to-day tasks. It's important to feel like you belong and safe to grow and progress along your career path. You'll find that at Hanson. We have an inclusive, diverse workforce awaiting to connect with you and numerous opportunities to cultivate your career, including:

  • Monthly educational webinars
  • Leadership training
  • Lunch & learn development sessions
  • 24/7 access to thousands of skill-building courses
  • Mentorship opportunities
  • Award-winning internship program
  • Employee recognition
  • And so much more!

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EEO - EMPLOYER

We do not accept unsolicited resumesfrom recruiters or agencies/staffing firms.Resumesare only accepted from recruiters and agency/staffing firms if a signed agreement is in place at the inception of the recruiting effort and authorized for a specified position.

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