Risevoic
Lead Underground Transmission Line Engineer 2 - Grid
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chicago, IL, 60603
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 30 December 2025
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 of complex underground transmission lines for voltages up to 500kV
- Responsible for cost analyses, development of design criteria, siting and routing in complex environments, 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 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.
- Have current PE License
- Proficiency with CYMCAP modeling
- Proficiency with cable tensioning calculations and software
- 12 or more years of experience of leading a design team in the development of complex 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 with 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 principals 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:
- 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
$131,960.00 - $205,330.00Transparency 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, possessing a Professional Engineer (PE) license is essential for underground transmission line roles. Additionally, familiarity with NESC standards and EPRI guidelines enhances credibility. Local utilities may also value knowledge of regional permitting and right-of-way regulations, boosting your competitiveness in this market.
Chicago's robust infrastructure and ongoing grid modernization projects create a strong demand for seasoned underground transmission engineers. Compared to smaller markets, the city offers more opportunities but also higher competition, especially for roles requiring leadership in complex 500kV transmission designs.
Expertise in duct bank layout design, trenchless installation methods, and cable pulling calculations are key. Mastery of ampacity analysis, bonding schemes, and riser structure configurations further separate senior engineers who lead complex underground transmission projects effectively.
Advancement often leads to senior engineering management or specialized technical roles, such as grid system design leads or project directors. Gaining proficiency in multidisciplinary coordination and vendor management supports progression beyond engineering into strategic grid infrastructure planning.
Unlike installers focused on physical cable placement, this role emphasizes design, cost estimation, and technical specification development for high-voltage underground systems up to 500kV. It requires advanced engineering judgment, leadership of design teams, and comprehensive knowledge of codes and standards.
Beyond competitive salaries, Sargent & Lundy provides award-winning healthcare plans, flexible hybrid work arrangements, and paid leave options. Their merit scholarship and professional licensure bonuses also encourage continuous professional growth aligned with industry standards.
The company’s emphasis on work-life balance and employee well-being fosters a supportive environment. Recognition through consecutive top workplace awards reflects a culture valuing collaboration, detailed engineering excellence, and ongoing personal development among grid engineering professionals.
The position offers a salary range approximately between $131,960 and $205,330 annually, reflecting experience and expertise in underground transmission design. This competitive compensation aligns with Chicago’s engineering market for senior grid infrastructure roles.
Considering Chicago’s traffic and transit options, the hybrid setup of three office days balances in-person collaboration with remote work flexibility. This approach reduces commute strain while ensuring effective team leadership and onsite coordination for complex engineering projects.
Chicago hosts numerous infrastructure initiatives increasing demand for underground utility experts. However, lead engineering positions require extensive experience and licensure, making the competition stiff but favorable for highly qualified professionals with strong project leadership backgrounds.