Senior Underground Transmission Line Engineer 2 - Grid
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chattanooga, TN, 37402
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 position is based on a hybrid work schedule and will require in-office work 3 days per week.
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
Professional credentials like the PE license, especially relevant in Tennessee, can significantly boost your expertise and job prospects. Certifications related to underground utilities, cable design, and safety standards recognized locally further demonstrate proficiency and align with regional employer preferences.
Chattanooga's expanding infrastructure and grid modernization efforts have increased need for skilled underground transmission engineers. While national demand remains steady, local utilities and projects create a competitive yet promising market for engineers with specialized grid and underground system experience.
Managing complex duct bank layouts, calculating cable tensions, and ensuring compliance with design codes like NESC and IEEE are routine hurdles. Balancing cost estimates with technical specs and coordinating multidisciplinary teams also demand strong problem-solving and communication skills.
Progressing from hands-on design roles to leadership positions, senior engineers often evolve into project managers or specialists in high-voltage underground technologies. Developing expertise in emerging grid solutions and obtaining PE licensure opens doors to strategic roles within electric utility engineering.
Sargent & Lundy's emphasis on hybrid work, award-winning benefits, and involvement in high-voltage up to 500kV projects offers a unique blend of technical depth and work-life balance. The company's recognition for compensation and culture further sets this role apart in the engineering sector.
Beyond technical proficiency, Sargent & Lundy values leadership in directing project teams, vendor collaboration, and meticulous documentation. Senior engineers are expected to align designs with diverse client requirements while contributing to a culture of innovation and safety.
Compensation typically spans from $95,840 to $147,870 annually, reflecting experience, expertise in underground transmission systems, and project management skills. This range aligns competitively with industry standards in Tennessee's electrical engineering sector.
Engineers must navigate right-of-way restrictions, local codes, and environmental impacts when routing and siting manholes or duct banks. Incorporating standards like EPRI guidelines ensures designs meet safety, sustainability, and compliance goals throughout project phases.
Proficiency in specialized tools such as Cymcap, alongside standard engineering software, is crucial for accurate modeling of cable stresses and thermal ratings. These applications streamline design workflows and support adherence to technical specifications.
The hybrid schedule fosters in-person teamwork three days weekly, enhancing direct communication and coordination on complex transmission projects. Remote days allow focused design work, balancing flexibility with effective stakeholder engagement across teams.