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Utility Planner Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Utility Planner information

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$34K

$71.7K

$116.4K

How much do utility planner jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for utility planner in Chicago, IL is $71,689.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,600.00 and $83,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a utility planner?

A Utility Planner is responsible for coordinating the planning, design, and maintenance of utility infrastructure, such as electrical, water, gas, or telecommunications systems. They assess utility needs, create work plans, ensure compliance with regulations, and collaborate with engineers, contractors, and government agencies. Utility Planners also analyze maps, permits, and project specifications to optimize resource allocation and minimize service disruptions. Their role is essential in maintaining and improving utility networks for residential, commercial, and industrial areas.

What are the typical challenges a utility planner faces in this role?

As a Utility Planner, you may encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple departments, balancing competing project timelines, and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. Managing unexpected field conditions or conflicting infrastructure data can also require quick problem-solving and adaptability. The role often involves liaising with engineers, construction teams, and local authorities to align plans with actual site conditions and project goals. Successfully handling these challenges is key to ensuring safe, cost-effective, and timely utility service delivery.

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

To thrive as a Utility Planner, you need strong analytical abilities, knowledge of utility systems, and a background in engineering, urban planning, or a related field. Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, and understanding of regulatory codes or utility mapping is frequently required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and organizational skills help coordinate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders. These competencies ensure precise utility planning, regulatory compliance, and smooth project execution.

How to become a utility planner?

To become a utility planner, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering, urban planning, or a related field. Gaining experience in utility operations, project management, or infrastructure design, along with developing skills in GIS software and understanding regulatory requirements, is also important. Professional certifications or licenses can enhance job prospects in this field.

What are popular job titles related to Utility Planner jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Utility Planner jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Utility Planner jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Utility Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Utility Planner job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,689 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Director, Grid Strategy & Utility Planning

Solar Landscape

Chicago, IL • Remote

$170K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

About Us
 
Solar Landscape is the leading commercial rooftop solar developer in the U.S. Only 4% of commercial rooftops host solar today — we’re changing that, fast. Commercial rooftop solar is the fastest, smartest way to build new clean power — delivering megawatts of generation in months, not years, and powering America’s energy and future right where it’s needed most. By turning rooftops into local power plants, we’re reshaping how — and how fast — energy gets built in the U.S.
 
Recognized as the #1 Distributed Generation Developer by New Project Media, the #1 National Commercial Rooftop Solar Developer by Solar Power World, and winner of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grand Prize for Clean Energy, Solar Landscape is defining the future of energy generation in America.
 
Headquartered in Asbury Park, New Jersey, Solar Landscape has offices in Chicago, Baltimore, and New York City and operates in over a dozen states nationwide.
 
We move fast, solve hard problems, and take our work seriously — but never ourselves. We value clear thinking, accountability, and execution. At the same time, we’re collaborative by default, and believe the best work happens when people enjoy working together. Our team is made up of smart, grounded people who show up for each other — whether that’s troubleshooting a system design or catching up over lunch.
 
If you’re looking to do meaningful work in a high-performance environment — and be part of the team reshaping how energy gets built in the U.S. — we’d love to meet you.
 
About The Role

Solar Landscape is building the next phase of distributed energy, and the grid needs to evolve to support it.
We are seeking a senior power systems professional with deep experience in utility transmission and distribution planning, grid modernization, and distributed energy resource integration to lead the company’s grid strategy efforts.
Reporting to the Director of Interconnection, this role will evaluate how utility planning frameworks, infrastructure investments, and evolving grid constraints affect distributed solar and battery energy storage deployment across U.S. markets. The position will work directly with utilities and internal teams to unlock hosting capacity, advance DER integration strategies, and develop pilot initiatives such as DERMS, dynamic hosting capacity, flexible interconnection, and non-wire alternatives.
Key Responsibilities
  • Engage utility planning and engineering teams to identify and advance opportunities to increase hosting capacity on constrained circuits.
  • Build strong relationships across utility planning, asset management, engineering, operations, regulatory, and innovation teams.
  • Develop technically credible, data-driven proposals that align distributed energy deployment with utility reliability and planning objectives.
  • Identify, develop, and advance DERMS, dynamic hosting capacity, flexible interconnection, non-wire alternative, and other grid-modernization pilot opportunities.
  • Analyze hosting-capacity maps, load forecasts, infrastructure plans, capital programs, and system-planning studies to inform market and siting strategy.
  • Interpret integrated distribution plans, integrated resource plans, long-range transmission plans, and other utility planning filings.
  • Monitor feeder and substation constraints, system-upgrade programs, load growth, electrification trends, and planned utility investments.
  • Identify circuits and substations where targeted operational changes, grid technologies, or infrastructure investments could unlock additional DER capacity.
  • Provide strategic guidance on integrating distributed solar and battery energy storage systems within utility distribution networks.
  • Evaluate how operating requirements, export controls, tariffs, system limitations, and utility planning assumptions affect DER deployment.
  • Support interpretation of feasibility studies, system-impact studies, facility studies, and related utility planning data.
  • Provide input on point-of-interconnection strategy and system-integration considerations.
  • Track emerging grid technologies, including ADMS, DERMS, advanced inverters, digital twins, VPPs, microgrids, and grid-enhancing technologies.
  • Participate in utility working groups, regulatory forums, industry organizations, and technical conferences related to grid modernization and DER integration.
  • Support development, interconnection, policy, and New Markets teams with early-stage grid intelligence and utility-planning insight.
  • Translate utility planning information into clear recommendations for leadership and cross-functional teams.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, or a related field.
  • 10+ years of experience in electric utility planning, transmission or distribution engineering, grid modernization, or DER integration.
  • Deep understanding of utility planning methodologies, system constraints, reliability, infrastructure development, and capital planning.
  • Experience with distributed energy resources, renewable energy, battery energy storage, or advanced grid technologies.
  • Strong familiarity with utility planning studies, hosting-capacity analysis, interconnection impacts, and grid-modernization initiatives.
  • Demonstrated ability to influence utility stakeholders and advance new technical or operational approaches.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex grid issues into actionable business recommendations.
  • Experience within a major electric utility, ISO/RTO, grid consulting firm, or adjacent energy organization strongly preferred.
  • Familiarity with PJM, NYISO, CAISO, ERCOT, MISO, or other major U.S. power markets preferred.
  • Experience advancing DERMS, dynamic hosting capacity, flexible interconnection, non-wire alternatives, or related pilots preferred.
  • Professional Engineer license or an advanced degree in power systems, energy policy, or a related discipline preferred.
Salary will vary depending on your location and job-related skills and experience. This is an incentive-based position with the potential to earn more. For part-time roles, your compensation will be adjusted to reflect your hours.
Benefits and Perks
 
We offer competitive compensation and benefits designed to support you inside and outside of work:
 
·       Training / Professional development opportunities
·       401(k) with 4% company match
·       Summer Fridays
·       Flexible remote/hybrid work options
·       Paid parental leave
·       Team lunches, events, and stocked kitchens
·       Modern, collaborative office spaces in Asbury Park, New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Baltimore
·       Medical, dental, and vision coverage
·       Company-paid life and long-term disability insurance
 
 
 
ADA Accommodation Statement
 
Solar Landscape is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact us at hr@solarlandscape.com.

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.