Transmission & Distribution Engineer 1 (Entry-Level) - Grid
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Warrenville, IL, 60555
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 10 January 2026
Description
This position will offer you the ability to directly apply your knowledge of transmission line & distribution engineering including conductors, hardware, insulation, structures, foundations and electrical principles to:
- Design transmission lines in the 69kV to 765kV range.
- Prepare construction sketches for overhead and underground network services (4 KV through 34 KV).
- Perform structural analysis and design of pole, lattice, framed, and guyed structures.
- Perform foundation designs.
- Perform conductor selection studies, shielding, grounding and induction studies.
- Develop cost estimates and schedules and prepare specifications for the procurement of transmission line & distribution materials and construction.
- Specify transmission & distribution components.
- Model transmission lines in PLS-CADD, determine right of way requirements, calculate conductor sags, and develop transmission line plan and profile drawings.
- Review vendor submittals.
This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, with the expectation of spending 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:
- A Bachelor of Science or Master of Science in Civil, Structural, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering preferred.
- Will also consider other degrees with coursework in civil, geotechnical, strength of materials, statics, and electrical power.
- Related engineering, internship, or co-op work experience.
- Proficiency with PLS-CADD, PLS-POLE, AutoCAD, PoleForeman, and ArcGIS.
- Knowledge of the practical application of engineering principles including basic transmission line engineering and physical distribution design methods.
- Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principals involved in the production of technical plans, drawings, and models.
- Proficiency with MS Office applications.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- BS or MS from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program.
- Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and designation as an Engineer in Training.
- Proficiency with any of the following programs: PLS-TOWER, SAG10, LPILE, MFAD, ArcGIS, CDEGS, AutoCAD, Microstation, or GIS software.
- Experience in writing and providing support documentation for engineering calculations.
- Experience in utility distribution inspections and/or construction.
- Familiarity with design codes and standards such as NESC, IEC, CSA, IEEE, ANSI, IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI 318.
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
$60,660.00 - $87,090.00Transparency 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
Warrenville's growing infrastructure projects increase demand for entry-level transmission engineers. While competition remains moderate due to specialized skills like PLS-CADD proficiency, candidates with hands-on internship experience and familiarity with local electrical codes have a distinct advantage.
Engineers must navigate regional weather impacts and comply with Illinois-specific standards such as NESC and IEEE codes. Balancing design efficiency with reliability in diverse terrain and urban-rural interfaces adds complexity to transmission line and distribution system planning.
Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is highly valued locally, establishing a foundation for eventual Professional Engineer licensure. Familiarity with ABET-accredited programs and knowledge of regional codes like ANSI and ASCE 7 also improve candidacy in Warrenville and nearby.
Day-to-day tasks include designing transmission lines between 69kV-765kV, performing structural analyses of poles and towers, and preparing detailed construction sketches for overhead and underground networks. Collaboration with vendors and cost estimation also play key roles.
Sargent & Lundy fosters skill advancement through exposure to advanced modeling tools like PLS-CADD and ArcGIS, mentorship from senior engineers, and encouragement to pursue FE certification. Their award-winning work culture emphasizes continuous learning and career pathway clarity.
Yes, mastery of PLS-CADD, AutoCAD, and ArcGIS is essential, enabling precise line modeling and design. Additional familiarity with PLS-Pole and PoleForeman enhances field application insights, streamlining project workflows and vendor coordination.
The hybrid setup requires on-site presence three days weekly to facilitate team collaboration and hands-on design reviews, while allowing remote work flexibility for focused tasks like modeling and documentation, balancing productivity with personal convenience.
Entry-level engineers can expect compensation between $60,660 and $87,090 annually, reflecting regional market rates and the complexity of grid-related engineering duties. This range includes base pay plus potential bonuses aligned with performance.
Their comprehensive package covers medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, alongside paid leave and flexible schedules. Recognition as a top workplace for benefits underscores their commitment to employee well-being and career-life balance.
Sargent & Lundy integrates cutting-edge technologies like PLS-CADD with a hybrid work model and offers relocation support. Their focus on high-voltage line design and structural engineering within a collaborative culture sets them apart in the region.