The Senior Underground Transmission Engineer will be a senior member of the electric transmission design team, responsible for leading multi-disciplinary project teams in the engineering and design of underground transmission projects ranging from small, quick-turnaround assignments to large, complex transmission line designs spanning 34.5kV to 500kV. This role offers an experienced transmission professional the opportunity to apply both deep technical expertise and proven leadership capability to drive the successful delivery of a diverse project portfolio.
This role serves as a key interface between the Transmission Engineering group and cross-functional stakeholders including project planning, environmental, permitting, and construction management, and carries meaningful responsibility for team development, client stewardship, and continuous improvement of engineering practices.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lead technical staff in the preparation of utility engineering designs, cost estimates, and customer billing documentation across a portfolio of transmission projects.
- Manage the engineering aspects of multiple concurrent projects ranging from 34.5kV to 500kV, ensuring technical quality, schedule performance, and client satisfaction.
- Participate in developing project schedules and defining technical staffing needs for projects and daily work assignments.
- Mentor and develop technical staff through instruction in engineering principles, governing electrical and safety codes, and applied transmission design practices.
- Collaborate with other departments and divisions on company-wide initiatives and cross-functional project efforts.
- Maintain strong, trust-based relationships with existing clients while identifying and actively pursuing opportunities to expand the firm's footprint with prospective clients.
Skills and Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Civil, or related engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in underground transmission, underground distribution, cable systems, power delivery, or underground utility design.
- A proven ability to work with limited supervision and guidance to execute and meet multiple project commitments.
- Prior experience leading an engineering team, with demonstrated proficiency in resource management, task delegation, and performance oversight.
- Experience providing technical direction for a department or organization within a relevant field of expertise.
- Experience with transmission systems rated 69kV or higher.
- Experience with CYMCAP and cable-pulling software such as Pull Planner or Cable 3D.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple assignments and work with limited supervision.
For Preferred Consideration (Not Required):
- Active Professional Engineering (PE) licensure in the United States.
- Experience with BoreAid or trenchless installation design.
- Experience supporting cable procurement, construction, testing, or commissioning.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise a project team of engineers and engineering technicians while maintaining work product quality, consistency, accuracy, and reliability.
- Professional demeanor with an open-minded, collaborative approach to project planning, team leadership, and execution.
Competencies Required:
Design Excellence: Develops functional, constructible, and innovative design solutions that balance client vision, budget, and regulatory requirements.
Constructability & Construction Administration: Understands how design decisions impact construction can verify construction is in compliance with plans and requirements.
Quality Assurance & Control: Takes ownership of deliverable accuracy and completeness through disciplined review processes and adherence to Westwood's QA/QC standards.
Scope, Budget & Fee Management: Manages project budgets with discipline, tracking financial performance and addressing scope changes proactively.
Subconsultant & Team Coordination: Coordinates effectively with subconsultants, contractors, and agencies to produce integrated, conflict-free deliverables.
Client Relationship Management: Builds trusted, long-term client relationships by serving as a reliable advisor who anticipates needs and exceeds expectations.
Team Leadership & Motivation: Leads project and functional teams with clarity, accountability, and a commitment to creating environments where people thrive.
Communication & Presentation: Communicates clearly in written, verbal, and visual formats — translating technical content effectively for any audience.
Collaboration & Teamwork: Works generously and constructively with colleagues across disciplines, offices, and organizations to achieve shared goals.
Problem Solving & Decision Making: Approaches complex problems analytically, balances competing priorities, and makes sound, timely decisions under uncertainty.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
About Westwood Professional Services, Inc. (Westwood)
At Westwood, our purpose is to create a better world for people through our work. We transform the energy grid, design resilient infrastructure, and develop communities that will flourish today and for future generations. With over 50 years of experience and a legacy of innovation, we stand at the forefront of our industry, dedicated to understanding the unique needs of the markets we serve.
Our approach revolves around people. We are committed to building a culture that attracts, retains, and develops high performers. Our team values relationships, innovation, dedication, initiative, and growth. We believe fostering a collaborative “One Team” mentality yields superior outcomes in everything we do.
We customize our technical capabilities and geographic reach to meet our clients where they are and help them realize their vision. We are partners in our clients’ success, driving to provide solutions that make a lasting difference. Safety, sustainability, and operational excellence are not just facets of our work; they are intrinsic to our identity, guiding every decision we make.
We are deeply invested in the communities we serve. Through our projects and giving-back initiatives, we enrich the lives of those we serve, engage others within our industry, and create a lasting impact on communities around the world. To us, success transcends the completion of projects; it is reflected in the lives we have positively impacted by our work.
Join us in creating a better world.
In 2025, Westwood was recognized as #77 on the ENR Top 500 Design Firms. Additionally, Westwood was ranked #5 for ENR's Top Design Firm for Solar, #6 for Battery Storage, and #3 for Wind (2025). The firm consistently ranks on the industry's top 25 lists and receives recognition for its involvement in award-winning projects nationwide.
Westwood provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diverse backgrounds strengthen our business. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.