Operations Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Operations Engineer jobs in Illinois are in strong demand, concentrated in manufacturing, logistics, energy, and technology infrastructure, with openings at every level from entry-level associates through senior principal engineers. Chicago anchors the market, while Rockford and Peoria round out the key hiring centers, supported by major employers like Caterpillar, Abbott Laboratories, and Exelon that maintain large and lasting operations footprints across the state. Process optimization, supply chain operations, and reliability engineering are the most sought-after specialties in current Illinois postings. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Invenergy is North America’s largest privately held developer, owner, and operator of power infrastructure. With 25 years of trusted execution, we deliver reliable, affordable energy through a diverse portfolio that includes natural gas, solar, land-based wind, energy storage, transmission, and domestic manufacturing. Headquartered in Chicago, we develop, own, and operate large scale projects that power communities and support the energy future.
Invenergy follows a hybrid schedule, working in office Monday through Thursday and remotely on Fridays if work permits.
This position will be open for application for at least 3 calendar days from the posting date. This position will remain open for application based on business need, which may be before or after the 3-day posting window.
Job Description
Responsibilities:
- Provide engineering support for the day-to-day operations of the Invenergy utility-scale solar fleet
- Collaborate with cross functional teams, including the Generation Control Center, SCADA, field technicians, EHS, and other engineers to troubleshoot and resolve operational issues.
- Identify, evaluate, and resolve equipment reliability and performance issues to maximize site energy production by analyzing parts usage, inspection results, and SCADA data to gain operational insights.
- Work with with equipment manufacturers to resolve technical issues and implement best operating practices.
- Develop procedures and technical documentation regarding the safe and efficient operation of solar facilities.
- Evaluate electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering drawings and studies associated with photovoltaic systems and their applications for operations
- Participate in regular site operation calls and work with field personnel to investigate equipment issues and maximize performance
- Lead pilot projects to evaluate new equipment, tools, or processes
- Onboard new solar projects into the operating fleet
- Support the end-of-warranty inspection process at facilities
- Work with Invenergy’s performance analytics team to develop new monitoring strategies and predictive analytics for solar facilities.
- Some travel is required (<20%) and moderate field work may be required
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline, graduating between December 2026 and August 2027.
- Understanding of electrical systems and ability to interpret electrical drawings and schematics
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills
- Interest in renewable energy, power generation, and asset operations
- Experience with Microsoft Office tools
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a team environment.
- Eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer visa sponsorship now or in the future.
- Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record
Preferred Skills:
- Internship, co-op, research, or project experience in renewable energy, power systems, utilities, or industrial operations.
- Coursework in Power Systems or Renewable Energy Systems
- Familiarity with photovoltaic (PV) systems and solar energy concepts
- Understanding of electrical safety principles and industry standards
- Experience analyzing data using tools such as Excel, PowerBI, Python, MATLAB, Databricks, or similar software.
- Demonstrated curiosity, initiative, and desire to learn in a fast-paced environment.
Base Pay
$70,000.00 - $95,000.00 USD Annual
Bonus: 15%
The base pay range reflects the minimum and maximum target salary for the position. Invenergy considers a number of factors when determining base pay offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education and skills.
In addition to base pay, the total annual compensation package may also include eligibility to participate in our bonus program(s) which are designed to reward individual and company performance. Your recruiter can share more about bonus eligibility for this position during the hiring process.
Invenergy offers a variety of other benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401k, paid time off, etc.
Invenergy LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or disability.
See All 37 Operations Engineer Jobs in Illinois
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Find Operations Engineer JobsOperations Engineer Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Operations Engineer Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Retail
- Technology & Software
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in operations engineer jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in industrial, mechanical, or systems engineering from an accredited institution
- Professional Engineer license issued or recognized by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation preferred for senior roles
- Proven experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies in a manufacturing or logistics environment
- Proficiency with ERP platforms such as SAP or Oracle and operational data analysis tools
- Ability to develop and monitor KPIs, process documentation, and standard operating procedures
- Strong cross-functional collaboration skills for working with production, supply chain, and quality teams
Operations Engineer Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a operations engineer in Illinois?
Most operations engineer roles in Illinois require a bachelor's degree in industrial, mechanical, or systems engineering. Senior and government-adjacent positions may require licensure as a Professional Engineer through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, which involves passing the Fundamentals of Engineering and Principles and Practice of Engineering exams. Many candidates also strengthen their profile with a Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification, which Illinois manufacturers and logistics firms value consistently.
Which companies hire operations engineers in Illinois?
Employers hiring operations engineers in Illinois right now include Invenergy, Northrop Grumman, and State of Illinois, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's deep manufacturing base and its concentration of logistics hubs near Chicago O'Hare and along the I-80 corridor mean that both large multinationals and regional firms post operations engineer openings year-round.
Which Illinois cities have the most operations engineer jobs?
Chicago, Northbrook, and Bolingbrook are the cities with the most operations engineer openings in Illinois. Chicago dominates because of its density of corporate headquarters, major distribution centers, and technology operations firms, while Rockford and Peoria are driven by large manufacturing employers such as Caterpillar and the aerospace and precision-parts suppliers clustered in those regions.
Are there remote operations engineer jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're limited. Operations engineering is largely a hands-on, plant-floor or facility-based discipline, which keeps most roles on-site. About 93% of operations engineer openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those positions tend to concentrate in process improvement analysis, systems integration oversight, and operational reporting functions that can be performed off-site.
How can I get hired as a operations engineer in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a manufacturing or operations rotational program at one of Illinois's large employers. Caterpillar runs a well-known Operations Leadership Development Program, and Abbott Laboratories offers engineering associate tracks that accept recent graduates. Candidates who have worked as production technicians, quality analysts, or logistics coordinators frequently transition into junior operations engineer roles. Completing a Lean Six Sigma White or Yellow Belt certification gives applicants in Illinois a concrete credential that stands out against other entry-level candidates.
Where can I find and apply to operations engineer jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to operations engineer jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across industries and experience levels. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 37 Operations Engineer Jobs in Illinois
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