Senior Underground Transmission Line Engineer 2 - Grid
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chicago, IL, 60603
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
Chicago's dense urban infrastructure demands intricate underground transmission line designs, emphasizing duct bank configurations and manhole placements unique to the area. Engineers here often navigate complex routing challenges alongside stringent local regulations, making their experience distinct from counterparts in less congested regions.
Expertise in cable tensioning calculations, cymcap modeling, and ampacity computations is critical. Additionally, proficiency in developing trenchless designs and understanding bonding schemes ensures effective handling of high-voltage underground systems, aligning with industry standards like NESC and IEEE.
Progression often involves acquiring a PE license, mastering advanced design software, and leading project teams. Gaining experience in cost estimation and specifications development further positions engineers for senior roles or managerial responsibilities within utility companies.
At Sargent & Lundy, this role involves directing small multidisciplinary teams, coordinating closely with clients and vendors, and managing project schedules and budgets. The position fosters leadership growth while emphasizing collaboration on complex underground transmission projects.
The company offers tuition assistance, merit scholarships, and a first professional licensure bonus, encouraging continuous learning. Hybrid work arrangements and a competitive benefits package further create an environment conducive to both personal and career development.
Compensation typically falls between $95,840 and $147,870 annually, reflecting the seniority and specialized skills required. This range aligns with market standards for underground utility engineering positions in the Chicago area, supplemented by performance bonuses and comprehensive benefits.
While not always mandatory, a Professional Engineer (PE) license is highly regarded and often pursued within a year of employment. Familiarity with regional codes such as NESC and EPRI standards also enhances employability in the Chicago utility sector.
Chicago's infrastructure modernization efforts drive steady demand for underground utility engineers. Candidates with extensive experience in high-voltage line design and cost estimation enjoy a competitive edge amid a moderate pool of skilled professionals.
Daily tasks include designing duct bank layouts, performing cable pulling and tensioning calculations, developing technical drawings, and coordinating with vendors for component specifications. Engineers also address routing challenges and ensure compliance with electrical design codes.
Beyond standard healthcare and retirement plans, Sargent & Lundy provides flexible hybrid work schedules, back-up daycare, employee discount programs, and a culture recognized by multiple Top Workplaces awards, emphasizing employee well-being and work-life balance.