Risevoic
Senior Underground Transmission Line Engineer 2 - Grid
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Santa Ana, CA, 92705
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 12 January 2026
Description
This position will offer you the ability to apply and expand your knowledge of underground transmission line engineering, including routing, duct bank configurations, manhole placement and electrical principles to:
- Design underground transmission lines for voltages up to 500kV.
- Responsible for cost analyses, development of design criteria, siting and routing challenges, and placement of manholes for underground transmission lines.
- Responsible for physical design including duct bank layouts, development of trenchless designs, cable pulling calculations, development of drawing packages.
- Responsible for cable selection studies, determining bonding scheme, performing ampacity calculations.
- Develop riser structure configuration and structural loading.
- Develop specifications including cable procurement, duct bank installation, trenchless installation and general construction specifications.
- Work and coordinate with vendors and clients to specify transmission line components.
- Direct a small project team of other engineers, designers and drafters.
This role offers a hybrid work arrangement. You'll spend three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days. Dependent upon your location, this opportunity offers a generous relocation package.
Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
- This position requires a BS degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program.
- Proficiency with CYMCAP modeling
- Proficiency with cable tensioning calculations and/or software
- 7 or more years of experience as a member of a project team in observing project schedules and budget constraints on diverse underground transmission projects
- Design experience incorporating code requirements, EPRI recommendations, client requirements
- Experience in cost estimate development and schedule creation and coordination
- Experience with XLPE cable design
- Experience in the preparation of specifications for installation and procurement of underground transmission line materials and components
- Knowledge to verify/review right of way requirements, bonding schemes, underground transmission line plan and profile drawings and other construction documents
- Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of technical plans, drawings, and models
- Experience in writing and providing support documentation for engineering calculations
- Familiarity with design codes and standards such as NESC, EPRI Green Book, IEC, CSA, IEEE, ANSI, IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI 318
- Proficiency with MS Office applications
- Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
- Attention to detail
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- Have a current PE license or the ability to acquire one within one year
- Experience with High Pressure Gas Filled or High-Pressured Fluid Filled pipe type cable systems and associated equipment
- Experience with underground distribution or low voltage cable systems
Award-Winning Benefits
At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance- Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
- Life & Accident Insurance
- Disability Coverage
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Back-Up Daycare
- FSA & HSA
- 401(k)
- Pre-Tax Commuter Account
- Merit Scholarship Program
- Employee Discount Program
- Corporate Charitable Giving Program
- Tuition Assistance
- First Professional Licensure Bonus
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Paid Bereavement Leave
- Flexible Work Arrangements
Compensation Range
$95,840.00 - $147,870.00Transparency Statement
Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.Awards & Recognition
Equal Opportunity
Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.
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Frequently asked questions
An Underground Transmission Line Engineer 2 focuses intensely on designing and routing high-voltage underground lines, managing duct bank layouts, and coordinating cable pulling calculations. This contrasts with broader electrical roles by emphasizing subterranean infrastructure, trenchless technology, and strict adherence to transmission-specific codes like NESC and EPRI standards.
Proficiency with XLPE cables directly enhances design accuracy and longevity of underground transmission lines. It aids in selecting optimal cable types, performing ampacity calculations, and ensuring compliance with electrical standards, which are critical to maintaining grid reliability and reducing maintenance costs in high-voltage applications.
Santa Ana's urban density and seismic activity require careful routing to avoid existing utilities and mitigate earthquake risks. Engineers must navigate strict local permitting, environmental regulations, and balance cost-effective trenchless methods, making project planning and stakeholder coordination particularly complex in this region.
While a PE license is highly valued and sometimes required, California employers often prefer engineers familiar with state-specific codes and environmental compliance. Certifications related to electrical safety, trenchless technology, and project management can elevate a candidate's competitiveness in the Santa Ana job market.
Balancing three days onsite and two remote promotes direct team interactions essential for complex design reviews and vendor coordination while allowing focused remote work for modeling and documentation. This blend fosters efficiency without sacrificing the communication needed for managing multidisciplinary project teams.
Sargent & Lundy integrates rigorous cost analyses with advanced duct bank and trenchless designs, emphasizing compliance with multiple international standards. Their commitment to detailed specification development and hands-on project leadership creates a comprehensive engineering environment unique among grid-focused consultancies.
Yes, the company encourages professional growth by offering resources and incentives for engineers aiming to obtain or renew their PE license within one year, recognizing that licensed engineers enhance project credibility and client confidence in underground transmission line expertise.
The salary typically ranges from $95,840 to $147,870 annually, aligning with Santa Ana’s demand for senior grid engineers experienced in underground transmission. This range factors in skills like cable tensioning and project leadership, and it competes well with similar roles in California’s utility engineering sector.
Santa Ana’s growing infrastructure needs and proximity to major utilities create moderate to high demand for underground utility engineers. Candidates with specialized skills in transmission line routing and compliance with local regulations often experience favorable hiring prospects and accelerated career progression.
Mastery of cymcap modeling, cable pulling calculations, and trenchless installation methods are vital. Strong command of design codes such as NESC, IEEE, and EPRI guidelines, combined with project cost estimation and team leadership skills, distinguishes successful engineers progressing in this senior role.