Senior Electrical Engineer
Job Description
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
- 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.
- 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.
Meet Your Recruiter
Erik Butzen
Technical Recruiter
Erik Butzen is a skilled and compassionate Senior Recruiter passionate about empowering individuals to advance in their careers. With two years of dedicated service at Sterling, Erik has already significantly impacted the organization's talent acquisition efforts.
Having honed his expertise over five years in the field of recruiting, Erik possesses a deep understanding of the industry's intricacies. His journey began with the desire to assist individuals in finding opportunities that would propel their professional growth forward.
As a Senior Recruiter, Erik takes great pride in his ability to help people make meaningful advancements in their careers. Whether it's guiding a candidate through the interview process, providing valuable insights into the job market, or matching the right talent with the perfect role, Erik is committed to positively impacting the lives of those he interacts with.
One of Erik's most valuable pieces of advice to both hiring managers and fellow recruiters is to ask a lot of questions. Understanding the needs and expectations of both candidates and employers is essential to finding the best fit for both parties.