ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Utility Project Engineer Jobs in Thornton, IL (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Lead Substation Project Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$101K - $129K/yr

Project Management Professional (PMP) * Professional Engineer (PE) License * Formal Mentorship ... Utilities and mobile operators rely on our Power Delivery Services Team for reliable power and ...

Solar Landscape

Solar Project Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$80K - $110K/yr

Recognized as the #1 Distributed Generation Developer by New Project Media, the #1 National ... Work with appropriate electric utilities to prepare and process interconnection paperwork. * Review ...

Solar Landscape

Solar Project Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$80K - $110K/yr

Recognized as the #1 Distributed Generation Developer by New Project Media, the #1 National ... Work with appropriate electric utilities to prepare and process interconnection paperwork. * Review ...

Gotion, Inc.

Construction project engineer

Manteno, IL · On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

Ensure the project complies with design standards, schedule requirements, and safety regulations ... Drive the construction of utilities: water supply and drainage, fire protection, power, HVAC, ...

MacKay

Civil Project Engineer - Transportation

Chicago, IL · On-site

$87K - $116K/yr

In this role, you'll design and deliver land development, public works, utilities, and ... Prepare engineering calculations and analysis reports to support design decisions. * Ensure project ...

MacKay

Civil Project Engineer - Transportation

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$87K - $116K/yr

In this role, you'll design and deliver land development, public works, utilities, and ... Prepare engineering calculations and analysis reports to support design decisions. * Ensure project ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsUtility Project Engineer JobsUtility Project Engineer Jobs in Thornton, IL

Utility Project Engineer information

See Thornton, IL salary details

$32.3K

$89.4K

$154.2K

How much do utility project engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for utility project engineer in Thornton, IL is $89,388.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,000.00 and $109,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Utility Project Engineer vs Utility Construction Manager?

AspectUtility Project EngineerUtility Construction Manager
CredentialsBachelor's in engineering, PE license often preferredBachelor's in engineering or construction management, PE license advantageous
Work EnvironmentDesign, planning, project coordinationOn-site supervision, construction oversight
Employer & Industry UsageUtility companies, engineering firmsUtility companies, construction contractors

Utility Project Engineers focus on planning, design, and project coordination, while Utility Construction Managers oversee on-site construction activities. Both roles require engineering credentials and work within utility industries, but their primary responsibilities differ between planning and execution.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Utility Project Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Utility Project Engineer, you need strong project management abilities, a solid background in civil or electrical engineering, and a relevant engineering degree, often accompanied by a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with industry-standard software like AutoCAD, GIS platforms, and project management tools, as well as knowledge of utility regulations, is crucial. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills help coordinate with stakeholders and manage project challenges effectively. These competencies are vital to ensure safe, timely, and cost-effective delivery of utility infrastructure projects.

How does a Utility Project Engineer typically collaborate with other departments during large infrastructure projects?

Utility Project Engineers work closely with a variety of departments such as design, construction, environmental compliance, and procurement. Collaboration often involves coordinating project schedules, ensuring regulatory requirements are met, and resolving technical challenges as they arise. Effective communication and teamwork are essential for integrating the efforts of multiple stakeholders, including contractors, utility companies, and local authorities. This cross-functional interaction helps ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and according to safety and quality standards.

What are Utility Project Engineers?

Utility Project Engineers are professionals who plan, design, and manage construction or improvement projects related to utilities such as water, electricity, gas, and telecommunications. They coordinate with various stakeholders to ensure that utility systems are safely and efficiently integrated into infrastructure projects. Their responsibilities include overseeing project timelines, budgets, regulatory compliance, and technical specifications to ensure successful project completion.
What job categories do people searching Utility Project Engineer jobs in Thornton, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Utility Project Engineer jobs in Thornton, IL are:
What cities near Thornton, IL are hiring for Utility Project Engineer jobs? Cities near Thornton, IL with the most Utility Project Engineer job openings:
Utility Project Engineer jobs near you
Lead Substation Project Engineer

Lead Substation Project Engineer

Leidos

Chicago, IL • On-site

$101K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 149 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 451 rated business services

Job description

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?
At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.
Your greatest work is ahead!
We are looking for a Lead Substation Project Engineer to join our team.
*This position is located in Chicago, IL with occasional client travel.
*Candidates must be located in the United States
At Leidos, you can look forward to a fast-paced, diverse work environment and flexible work hours/work arrangements, as well as managers who will encourage career development and growth opportunities, including:
  • Project Management Professional (PMP)
  • Professional Engineer (PE) License
  • Formal Mentorship programs
  • Developmental Leadership Training
  • Technical Upskilling Opportunities
  • Continuing Education & Learning Resources

The Challenge:
  • Experience in executing both substation physical and P&C projects
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to interact with the internal team and clients to meet project needs.
  • Performing quality control checks on substation physical and P&C design projects.
  • Expected to read and design substation design drawings such as one-line drawings, three-line drawings, schematics, wiring, plan-section drawings, conduit and grounding drawings.
  • Create and check bill of materials for substation physical and P&C
  • Create and check estimates and schedules for various projects
  • Complete project lifecycle support from scoping to final design and energization.
  • Working with client standards to implement design.
  • Working with a designer/drafter to create the required drawings for each project.
  • Providing engineering support during construction.

Successful candidates must comply with quality control and safe work practices and maintain compliance with project scope, schedule, and budget. This position will be a member of a design team comprised of engineers, designers, and CAD technicians and will work with client standards to implement design.
What Sets You Apart:
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, or related degree with six (6+) or more years of related substation design experience.
  • Demonstrate Excellent communication skills and ability to interact with the internal team and clients to meet project needs.
  • Ability to meet deadlines under pressure situations.
  • Collaborator and leader who can work effectively in team environment.
  • Self-starter who works independently with minimal direction.
  • Strong analytical skills and proven problem solver in both team and independent environments.
  • Experience supervising a team of engineers, designers, or drafters.
  • Experience collaborating with EPC firms or other project developers.

You Might Also have:
  • Engineer Intern ("EI" or "EIT") professional certification.
  • Professional Engineer ("PE") License.
  • Experience with bus calculation
  • Experience with relay settings
  • Experience with grounding studies/lightning protection and lighting studies.
  • Experience with AC and DC calculations
  • Experience with WinIGS or CDEGS
  • Experience working on CAD tools.
  • Master's degree in related field.
  • Field testing/commissioning experience.

WHAT WE DO
Leidos is a trusted and technology-focused solutions provider. Utilities and mobile operators rely on our Power Delivery Services Team for reliable power and telecommunication expertise, as reflected through our work with more than 50 investor-owned utilities, more than 160 municipals/cooperatives, as well as a growing number of mobile operators, local utility providers and private developers. In addition to providing engineering and project management services, Leidos works with an established group of industry-leading construction partners delivering meaningful Energy Delivery Solutions. Our recognition as an industry leader is confirmed by the latest national rankings by Engineering News-Record (ENR) ranking Leidos within the Top 10 T&D Firms, and Top 10 Power Firms. To explore and learn more, click here!
At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.
We take care of our employees. Leidos seeks the best and the brightest, and in return, we invest in you, with an eye on your future, through career advancement, growth opportunities and continuous improvement via mentoring, formal and informal project management training and assistance with obtaining pertinent certifications. We challenge you to help solve some of the world's toughest problems, and reward you with a welcoming culture that recognizes the importance of a strong work/life balance, as well as competitive compensation and benefits. We believe that diversity and inclusion make us all better and offer the chance to have fun and make a difference.
PDSSUBSTATION
PowerDelivery
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
June 24, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

What Leidos employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Leidos logo

About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Leidos Jobs

Apply