Under general direction, this role independently performs advanced engineering work and provides technical leadership to ensure electrical facilities are designed, constructed, maintained, and operated in accordance with industry standards and sound engineering principles.
The Engineer II/Senior Engineer leads complex engineering projects across transmission, distribution, generation, and substation systems, while supporting system planning, regulatory compliance, and operational reliability.
Key Responsibilities
Engineering Design & Technical Leadership
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Lead the design of electric transmission and substation facilities in compliance with PPI standards and NESC requirements.
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Develop equipment, installation, and maintenance specifications.
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Coordinate and review work of engineering consultants and collaborate with Operations personnel and contractors.
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Review and approve engineering drawings and submittals for completeness and accuracy.
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Develop and maintain substation and transmission line equipment ratings, fault studies, relay reviews/settings, and line clearance/operating orders.
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Evaluate and improve electric system design, construction, maintenance standards, and specifications.
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Recommend establishment or adjustments to equipment maintenance schedules.
System Planning & Analysis
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Prepare system planning and operational studies, including:
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Construction Work Plans
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Long-Range Plans
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Sectionalizing Studies
- Maintain and update electric system models for engineering analyses such as:
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Voltage drop
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Fault current
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Protective device coordination
- Analyze SCADA data, relay reports, substation readings, and system simulations to identify reliability issues and recommend improvements.
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Download and manage event and load data from protective relays and recloser controls; maintain related databases.
Compliance & Reliability
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Ensure construction, operation, and maintenance activities align with:
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Cooperative Safety Handbook
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Good engineering practices
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NESC and NEC requirements
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NERC reliability standards
- Serve as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for assigned NERC standards; may also serve as Area Manager (AM) for compliance areas.
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Collaborate with the Reliability Compliance Officer and leadership to implement Environmental and Reliability Standards.
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Review proposed Reliability Standards and provide recommendations affecting the Cooperative.
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Ensure compliance with approved procedures and report suspected violations appropriately.
Collaboration & Operational Support
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Assist in response to outages and system emergencies.
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Partner cross-functionally to support safe, efficient system operations.
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Mentor less-experienced engineers and contribute to team development.
Safety
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Maintain and promote a high degree of safety in all work performed.
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Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering required.
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Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Illinois required.
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Equivalent professional experience may be considered where applicable.
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Typically 3–10+ years of progressive engineering experience.
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Strong preference for electric utility industry background.
Core Competencies
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Advanced knowledge of transmission, distribution, and generation systems.
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Strong technical expertise in engineering studies, system modeling, and reliability analysis.
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Ability to independently manage moderately complex projects.
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Sound judgment and decision-making under occasional time pressure.
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Strong analytical and organizational skills.
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Effective communication skills with ability to translate technical concepts to diverse audiences.
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Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
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Mentorship and team development capabilities.
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Ability to balance technical analysis with sound business decision-making.
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High level of discretion when handling confidential or sensitive matters.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office and engineering software (PowerWorld, Aspen, GIS, AutoCAD, etc.).
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Strong customer service orientation and professionalism.
We are seeking a Licensed Professional Engineer to lead advanced engineering projects supporting transmission, distribution, and substation systems. This role combines technical expertise, system planning, reliability analysis, and regulatory compliance leadership.
If you enjoy solving complex power system challenges and mentoring emerging engineers, this is an opportunity to make a measurable impact.
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Lead design of transmission and substation facilities
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Conduct advanced system studies and planning analyses
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Develop equipment ratings, fault studies, and relay settings
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Oversee consultant designs and coordinate with operations teams
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Analyze SCADA, relay, and load data to improve reliability
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Contribute to long-range system planning and capital work plans
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Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering
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Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Illinois
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3–10+ years of progressive engineering experience
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Strong utility or power systems background preferred
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Proven ability to manage moderately complex projects independently
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Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
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Commitment to safety, compliance, and professional excellence
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Competitive compensation and benefits
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Strong safety and reliability culture
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Collaborative cross-functional environment
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Meaningful work serving electric cooperative members
