Senior Engineer – Power Distribution & System Design Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid Schedule | Relocation Assistance Provided) Salary: $125,000–$150,000 + 10% Annual Incentive Plan (Compensation Flexible Based on Experience) Industry: Electric Utilities Benefits: Employee Ownership | 10-Day Paid Holiday Shutdown | Sponsorship Available We’re partnering with a long-time, employee-owned client of Sterling Engineering—a company with over a 100-year history in the Chicagoland area known for manufacturing innovative electric utility products. This organization has earned a strong reputation for offering meaningful career growth, an outstanding workplace culture, impactful engineering projects, and an impressive benefits package. Due to continued growth, they are seeking a Senior Engineer to join their team. This role will focus on power distribution, system protection design, and product development strategy. It’s a great opportunity for an experienced engineer to contribute to an organization that blends legacy industry leadership with cutting-edge technology.

Key Responsibilities: Act as a voice for the end user when defining software requirements for protective systems, working closely with developers to ensure functionality aligns with field needs. Validate protection algorithms using real-time hardware-in-the-loop simulation tools to confirm reliability and performance. Spearhead the development and internal promotion of innovative protection strategies, building support across departments and with external clients. Contribute to the broader engineering community by writing technical papers and presenting at major conferences. Actively participate in professional associations, including technical working groups such as IEEE PSRC and CIGRE. Stay ahead of industry trends and future customer needs through ongoing research, industry events, and collaboration with peers and stakeholders. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering required; Master’s degree or Ph.D. strongly preferred. Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in the utility or power systems sector (post-Bachelor’s). At least 2 years of hands-on experience with distribution system protection planning. Familiarity with programming (any language) and a comfort level working across disciplines. Deep knowledge of system protection concepts, including time-current coordination, fuse-saving techniques, ground/negative sequence protection, and coordination between fuses and reclosers. Experience using protection software such as CYMDIST, CYMTCC, or Synergi Electric.