Job Description

Engineer 1 – Utilities Industry

Location: Naperville, IL 60563
Contract- 1 Year
Client- Nicor Gas

The Engineer 1 role is an entry-level position within the electric utility and power generation industry, supporting the design, construction, and maintenance of power delivery systems. The position applies engineering processes, utility-specific design standards, and industry software tools to deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective infrastructure solutions. The Engineer 1 collaborates with internal departments, contractors, and vendors to ensure projects meet Southern Company and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply utility engineering principles and NESC-compliant design criteria to support new construction, system upgrades, and maintenance activities.

• Assist in preparing cost estimates, design packages, and construction specifications for transmission, distribution, and generation facilities

• Conduct design reviews and provide quality assurance oversight for contractors to ensure compliance with Southern Company Standards and federal regulations.

• Maintain a safety-first approach, ensuring all work meets OSHA requirements and industry best practices.

• Understand and support the full project lifecycle for power systems, including planning, permitting, design, procurement, construction, and commissioning.

• Utilize industry-standard engineering software (e.g., CAD/GIS, modeling tools) to produce and update project documentation.

• Support construction and maintenance crews during field work and outage response activities.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in design processes, standards, and project delivery methods.

Qualifications

Education & Certifications

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.

• Preferred: Degree in Civil, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering; Engineer in Training (EIT) Certification.

Experience

• Preferred: Internship or co-op experience in utilities, power generation, or energy infrastructure design

Skills & Knowledge

• Ability to read and interpret utility engineering plans, schematics, and system diagrams

• Strong communication skills for effective collaboration with field crews, plant personnel, and regulatory stakeholders

• Preferred:

  • Experience with CAD/GIS tools.

  • Knowledge of hydraulic analysis for utility systems.

  • Exposure to utility project management processes.