Senior Transmission Line Engineer 1 - Grid
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chicago, IL, 60603
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 31 December 2025
Description
This position allows for a hybrid work schedule with a mix of work spent in office and working remote from home.
This position will offer you the ability to apply and expand your knowledge of transmission line engineering including, conductors, hardware, insulation, structures, foundations and electrical principles to:
- Design transmission lines in the 69kV to 500kV range.
- Responsibility for cost analyses, development of design criteria, routing and siting of transmission lines.
- Responsibility for conductor selection studies, shielding, grounding and induction studies.
- Work with vendors and clients to specify transmission line components.
- Direct a small project team.
The position will also offer you the opportunity to:
- Work with experienced engineers and mentor less experienced staff.
- Work with a diverse client base and interact with the client and other project teams.
- Occasional travel for site visits and client meetings.
- Develop proposals and cost estimates for new work.
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 PLS-CADD software to able to review transmission line models.
- 5 or more years of experience as a member of a project team in observing project schedules and budget constraints on diverse transmission assignments that have included the following: transmission line design incorporating code requirements, cost estimate development, schedule creation and coordination, the preparation of specifications for procurement of transmission line materials and construction, and liaising with construction and installation.
- Knowledge to verify/review right of way requirements, conductor sags/tensions, transmission line plan and profile drawings and 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, IEC, CSA, IEEE, ANSI, IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI 318.
- Proficiency with MS Office applications.
- Excellent written and verbal 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 in developing engineering proposals and cost estimates.
- Experience with scheduling.
- Proficiency with any of the following programs: PLS-TOWER, SAG10, LPILE, MFAD, ArcGIS, CDEGS, AutoCAD, MicroStation.
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
$82,380.00 - $125,860.00Transparency 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
In Chicago, credentials like the Professional Engineer (PE) license significantly enhance credibility for Transmission Line Engineers. Familiarity with regional standards such as NESC and IEEE codes is also highly valued, reflecting compliance with local grid safety and design regulations.
Chicago's demand for skilled transmission engineers is growing due to infrastructure upgrades, but competition remains tight among candidates with advanced knowledge of PLS-CADD and grounding studies. Networking and experience with local utility codes can provide a crucial advantage.
Daily tasks often include designing 69kV to 500kV transmission lines, performing cost analysis, and conducting conductor selection studies. Coordination with vendors and mentoring junior engineers are common, ensuring projects meet schedule and budget requirements.
Senior engineers lead small project teams, oversee complex design criteria, and handle client communications. They bring extensive experience in cost estimation and compliance reviews, whereas entry-level roles focus more on supporting design tasks and learning industry standards.
Advancement often involves gaining a PE license, mastering software like PLS-CADD, and expanding expertise in regional codes. Progression can lead to senior engineering roles, project management, or specialized positions in transmission planning and grid reliability.
Sargent & Lundy’s hybrid schedule blends remote and office work, enabling engineers to balance focused design tasks with collaborative client interactions and team leadership, enhancing productivity and work-life integration within grid infrastructure projects.
The company emphasizes mentorship, diverse client exposure, and involvement in proposal development, fostering professional growth. Their award-winning benefits package and commitment to work-life balance distinguish them in the competitive Chicago engineering market.
Salaries typically range from $82,380 to $125,860 annually, influenced by factors such as experience, PE licensure, proficiency with tools like PLS-CADD, and project complexity. Chicago's cost of living and demand for specialized grid engineers also impact pay scales.
Professionals in this role must be adept with NESC, IEEE, IEC, and ASCE 7 standards, reflecting regional and national safety and performance requirements vital for high-voltage transmission line design in the Chicago area.
Challenges include navigating urban infrastructure constraints, seasonal weather impacts on fieldwork, and coordinating with diverse stakeholders. Effective communication and local regulatory knowledge are essential to manage these complexities efficiently.