Transmission Line Engineer

Lead Transmission Line Engineer

The Lead Transmission Line Engineer will drive the design and delivery of overhead transmission line projects across California and the Western United States. This role combines technical leadership, project management, client engagement, and mentorship to support critical grid modernization and power delivery initiatives. You will serve as the primary technical authority, guide multidisciplinary teams, and help shape the future of reliable energy transmission infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of overhead transmission line projects from concept through construction support.
• Serve as the primary technical lead and main point of contact for clients on transmission line assignments.
• Perform transmission line routing, structural analysis, foundation design, and detailed engineering calculations.
• Prepare, review, and approve PE-stamped reports, calculations, drawings, and complete construction packages.
• Utilize PLS-CADD, PLS-TOWER, PLS-POLE, MFAD, and L-Pile software to perform engineering analysis and design.
• Support project planning activities, including proposal development, cost estimating, and scheduling.
• Conduct QA/QC reviews to ensure technical accuracy, compliance with standards, and high-quality project deliverables.
• Coordinate effectively with utility clients, contractors, and internal engineering and design teams.
• Mentor junior engineers, provide technical guidance, and support their professional development.
• Participate in field visits, site assessments, and construction support activities as needed.
• Contribute to business growth by strengthening client relationships and identifying opportunities for expanded services.
• Engage in utility engineering and power delivery initiatives that enhance grid reliability and modernization.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Structural, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering.
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• 5+ years of experience in transmission line, structural, or power delivery engineering.
• Strong, demonstrated experience in overhead transmission line design.
• Proficiency with PLS-CADD and PLS-TOWER for transmission line design and analysis.
• Experience performing structural analysis and foundation design for transmission structures.
• Demonstrated experience leading engineering projects and acting as technical lead.
• Proven ability to perform thorough QA/QC reviews of engineering deliverables.
• Strong client-facing skills with the ability to manage expectations and build long-term relationships.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience working with high-voltage transmission projects and utility engineering environments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with PLS-POLE, MFAD, and L-Pile for detailed structural and foundation analysis is preferred.
• EIT certification in addition to PE licensure is beneficial.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks relevant to transmission projects, such as FERC-related considerations.
• Experience with grid modernization and power delivery initiatives.
• Ability to mentor and coach junior engineers and contribute to team technical development.
• Interest in building client partnerships and supporting business development activities.
• Comfort working directly with utility clients and industry leaders on complex projects.
• Willingness to travel for client and project site visits when required.

Work Environment

This role operates within a nationally recognized engineering and consulting organization that supports critical utility and infrastructure projects across North America. You will work in a flexible hybrid environment, with the possibility of fully remote arrangements depending on project needs. Time in a local office can be valuable for collaboration, and the position may include periodic visits to client and project sites for field assessments and construction support. The culture emphasizes technical excellence, mentorship, and strong partnerships with major utility clients, offering significant opportunities to lead complex transmission projects, grow the power delivery practice, and influence project delivery strategies. The organization provides a comprehensive benefits package that may include restricted stock units, performance-based bonuses, medical and dental coverage, PTO, 401(k), flexible time off, and robust professional development opportunities, supporting both career growth and work-life balance.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $125000.00 - $172000.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.