Validation Engineer Entry Level Jobs in Chicago, IL

The Staff Engineer, Electrical Engineering will support the electrical engineering and construction of cutting-edge Thermal generation projects (natural gas combustion turbines, combined cycle power plants, etc.). You will be primarily responsible for supporting engineering activities internally or through the selected Engineering Firms in order to complete final detailed design packages for projects to be built. The electrical systems of Thermal projects utilize large turbine generators, isophase, medium voltage and low voltage auxiliary systems (switchgear, breakers, MCCs), Generator Step-Up Transformers, switchyard, and transmission line interconnections to the grid at high and extra high voltages. The Staff Engineer level includes a training period for engineers to develop into contributing team members.

Responsibilities:

• Electrical Engineering and Projects' Technical Responsibility

  • Assist in developing project specific construction, engineering, and equipment specifications

  • Assist in the development of new projects by analyzing conceptual designs that comply with all critical owner and interconnection requirements and support RFQ specifications

  • Prepare and validate electrical energy calculations

  • Conduct thorough design reviews of electrical drawings: Balance of Plant, switchyard, and transmission line

  • Define the scope of all required electrical system studies and review results for accuracy and compliance

  • Track design schedules, update all stakeholders, and ensure that critical dates related to electrical engineering tasks are met on time.

  • Support project close out by organizing and transferring all as-built documentation to final project owner including electrical drawings, schematics, bill of materials, electrical studies, and relay settings.

  • Coordinate with operations engineering to incorporate lessons learned into new design reviews and specifications to continuously improve quality

  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry technology through various training sessions and conferences

  • Coordinate information between equipment suppliers, construction contractors, and the engineer of record

• Procurement and Construction Support

  • Review competitive bids for owner procured electrical material. Support the purchasing of this equipment and manage suppliers throughout the engineering and commissioning process.

  • Monitor construction progress both remotely and via on-site inspections and support resolution of any field issues. Attend on-site meetings with electrical construction contractors and in person coordination meetings with interconnection utilities.

  • Perform factory/equipment inspection and witness factory acceptance testing for major materials.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Power Systems,

  or expected graduation in 2026 with Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Power Systems.

• Knowledge of power systems, ideally acquired through specific coursework, and internships.

• Understanding of HV/MV electrical infrastructure (substations/switchyards, distribution systems, transmission lines, transformers).

• General knowledge of interpreting and applying common electrical industry standards and codes.

• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Visio.

• Strong verbal and written communications skills.

• Some travel required (up to 25%).

• Valid driver's license.

• Eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Preferred Skills:

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems or related.

• Relevant work experience, including internships.

• EIT license.

• Familiarity with ETAP, CYMCAP, EasyPower or similar electrical modeling software.

• Familiarity with breaker-and-a-half or double-breaker-double-bus switchyards

• Ability to concurrently coordinate and manage multiple projects with various teams.

• Thermal energy experience (Natural Gas Peaker plants, combined cycle power plants, or similar), especially direct experience with the turbine-generator supplier.

• Experience with construction of infrastructure projects