Transmission Line Engineer

Job Title: Transmission Line EngineerJob Description

This role focuses on the design and delivery of overhead transmission line and tower projects, typically ranging from 69 kV to 500 kV, from conceptual engineering through construction support. You will perform detailed engineering, lead and coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and provide technical leadership on assigned projects. Candidates with a civil or mechanical engineering background are preferred, though electrical engineers with relevant tower experience may be considered. Experience with California utilities and familiarity with California General Orders governing overhead electric line safety is highly desirable. Proficiency with the PLS software suite is essential, with a strong emphasis on transmission line design, structural analysis, and tower engineering.

Responsibilities

• Prepare comprehensive engineering calculations, specifications, drawings, and scope documents to support complete construction packages for transmission line and tower projects.

• Lead and coordinate design engineers and technical staff to deliver high‑quality transmission projects on schedule and within defined scope.

• Review, validate, and refine technical reports and engineering studies to ensure accuracy, compliance, and constructability.

• Coordinate closely with contractors, permitting agencies, and internal disciplines to align engineering deliverables with project requirements and regulatory expectations.

• Provide construction and field support as needed, including responding to technical inquiries, clarifying design intent, and resolving issues that arise during installation.

• Apply project management practices to maintain engineering quality, support safety objectives, and ensure effective project execution.

• Contribute engineering expertise across multiple power delivery projects simultaneously, balancing priorities and managing workloads.

• Develop and refine transmission line alignments, plan and profile drawings, and structure layouts using PLS‑CADD and related tools.

• Produce assembly, framing, loading, and detailed design drawings for wood, concrete, steel, FRP, and lattice structures, including lattice towers.

• Integrate survey and GIS data into PLS‑CADD models to support accurate route development, structure placement, and clearance verification.

• Interpret geotechnical data to support foundation design, including embedment calculations and structure stability assessments.

• Collaborate with electrical engineers on related studies such as EMF, grounding, fault current, contaminants, and clearance analysis to ensure safe and reliable designs.

• Communicate complex engineering concepts clearly to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders, supporting informed decision‑making throughout the project lifecycle.

Essential Skills

• 4–5+ years of experience in transmission line engineering, with a target range of 8–20 years of experience; candidates with approximately 3 years of experience may be considered depending on the depth and relevance of their experience.

• Professional background in civil or mechanical engineering, or closely related discipline, with a focus on structural or transmission line design.

• Demonstrated experience in high‑voltage transmission line design, typically in the 69 kV–500 kV range.

• Proficiency in transmission line design using the PLS software suite, including PLS‑CADD and PLS‑Pole, with experience in modeling, route alignment, plan and profile development, and structural analysis.

• Hands‑on experience with PLS‑Tower or strong interest and aptitude in developing tower design capabilities.

• Strong knowledge of conductors, hardware assemblies, structure detailing, and bills of material for transmission line systems.

• Experience developing assembly, framing, loading, and design drawings for wood, concrete, steel, FRP, and lattice structures, including lattice towers.

• Ability to interpret geotechnical data and apply it to foundation design and embedment calculations for transmission structures.

• Experience working with survey and GIS data and integrating these datasets into PLS‑CADD models.

• Proficiency with L‑Pile, MFAD, and Microsoft Office applications to support analysis, documentation, and reporting.

• Familiarity with industry standards and codes such as ASCE, ACI, IEEE, NESC, RUS, and California General Orders related to overhead line safety (including GO‑95).

• Self‑motivated with strong written and verbal communication skills, able to manage multiple priorities and deliverables.

• Proven ability to work effectively in team environments, manage workloads, and support stakeholder expectations.

• Strong technical communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex engineering solutions to technical and non‑technical audiences.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Engineer‑in‑Training (EIT) certification is highly desirable.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license is a strong plus.

• Experience working with major utilities, particularly in California, is preferred, though relevant transmission engineering experience with utilities elsewhere in the United States will be considered.

• Familiarity with California General Orders governing design, construction, operation, and maintenance of overhead electric lines and communication facilities.

• background in structural or civil engineering focused on transmission structures, including poles and towers.

• Experience with high‑voltage transmission line projects involving lattice towers and complex structural configurations.

• Demonstrated ability to contribute to multiple power delivery projects concurrently while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.

• Interest in long‑term career growth, including paths in technical specialization, project leadership, or cross‑discipline development within power delivery.

Work Environment

You will join a high‑caliber engineering team that emphasizes collaboration, knowledge sharing, and mutual support, particularly at the project level. The culture encourages open communication and close coordination among technical disciplines to deliver complex, large‑scale infrastructure projects across multiple markets. Engineers benefit from exposure to technically challenging, meaningful work rather than repetitive or narrowly defined tasks, providing both variety and depth in day‑to‑day responsibilities. The organization supports career longevity with multiple paths for advancement, whether you aspire to deepen technical expertise, take on project leadership roles, or explore new disciplines. Flexible work arrangements and a strong degree of trust and autonomy are common, especially for experienced professionals, enabling improved work‑life balance as engineers gain seniority and influence over how projects are executed. The environment is professional, technology‑driven, and oriented toward continuous learning, with modern engineering tools such as PLS‑CADD, PLS‑Pole, PLS‑Tower, L‑Pile, MFAD, and standard office software used routinely to deliver high‑quality transmission line and tower designs.

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 $52.00 - $80.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 23, 2026.

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.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.