Overhead Transmission Engineer

Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.; Charlotte, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. (EPRI) invites an Overhead Transmission Engineer to advance practical design and reliability through hands-on testing and full-scale experiments in Charlotte, NC.

You’ll apply fundamental engineering to solve grid challenges, lead applied research, and mentor junior engineers while collaborating with global utility partners. You’ll also use PLS-CADD and modern modeling tools, present findings at conferences, and contribute to industry standards and testing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering required.
• 4+ years of experience in transmission engineering or related field.
• Hands-on proficiency with PLS-CADD or equivalent software.
• Proven track record leading technical projects from concept to completion.
• Excellent technical writing and cross-functional communication.

Responsibilities

• Innovate & solve complex grid reliability challenges.
• Lead applied research translating physics into practical guidelines.
• Drive technical excellence using PLS-CADD and modeling tools.
• Manage high-impact multi-disciplinary projects with budgets and timelines.
• Present findings at conferences and publish technical papers.
• Mentor junior engineers and collaborate across teams.
• Leverage AI and modern tools to accelerate data analysis.

Skills

4+ years experience

Overhead transmission line design

PLS-CADD proficiency

Project leadership

Technical writing

Travel willingness

Industry groups involvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

PLS-CADD

Job description

Job Title: Overhead Transmission Engineer

Location: Charlotte, NC

Break Out of the Office. Prove the Science. Shape the Grid. Are you ready to move beyond routine modeling and step into a role where fundamental engineering principles are tested, challenged, and proven in the real world? At EPRI, our Overhead Transmission team isn't just following industry standards—we are defining them. We are an elite group of established subject matter experts (SMEs) dedicated to solving the power sector's most critical design and reliability questions through hands‑on empirical testing and full‑scale experimental evaluation. If you thrive on creative problem‑solving, curiosity, and practical discovery, this is where your expertise directly shapes the resilience, safety, and modernization of global energy infrastructure.

Why Join EPRI's Overhead Transmission Team?

• Hands‑On Empirical Science: Move past theoretical assumptions. We design creative, novel test methods to evaluate the real‑world characteristics, mechanical limits, and thermal performance of transmission assets, conductors, and hardware.
• Deepen Your Engineering Core: Master fundamental mechanical and electrical engineering principles by observing physical systems under stress. You won’t just analyze data—you’ll architect the experiments that generate it.
• Unrivaled Network & Fast‑Tracked SME Status: Build technical authority fast. Collaborate directly with a vast global network of utility leaders, world‑class testing labs, manufacturers, and academic researchers.
• High‑Visibility Industry Impact: Lead initiatives that directly influence grid reliability, emergency restoration strategies, advanced conductor adoption, and international design standards.

What You'll Do

• Innovate & Solve Complex Challenges: Identify critical industry gaps and engineer creative solutions for grid reliability, asset degradation, extreme weather resilience, and grid modernization.
• Lead Applied Research: Execute empirical and applied research projects that translate complex physics into practical, actionable guidelines for utility engineers worldwide.
• Drive Technical Excellence: Apply advanced line design principles using PLS‑CADD and state‑of‑the‑art modeling tools to evaluate asset performance, new conductor technologies, and structural hardware.
• Manage High‑Impact Projects: Direct multi‑disciplinary technical initiatives—managing budgets, timelines, deliverables, and diverse stakeholder expectations.
• Engage the Energy Community: Present breakthrough findings at major industry conferences, publish technical papers, and lead workshops and webinars for EPRI member utilities.
• Mentor & Collaborate: Work alongside recognized industry authorities while guiding junior engineers, fostering a culture of technical rigor and continuous learning.
• Leverage AI & Modern Tools: Integrate artificial intelligence, machine learning, and LLM‑assisted workflows to accelerate data analysis, optimize design evaluations, and streamline research outcomes.

What You Bring

• 4+ years of progressive experience in transmission engineering, utility operations, consulting, manufacturing, or applied research.
• Strong technical background in overhead transmission line design, conductors, structures, hardware, or line asset performance.
• Hands‑on proficiency with PLS‑CADD or equivalent transmission line design software.
• Proven track record of leading complex technical projects from conception to completion.
• Deep knowledge of transmission design practices, reliability standards, and asset management principles.
• Exceptional technical writing, presentation, and cross‑functional communication skills.
• Driven by curiosity, creative experimentation, and a passion for solving hard engineering problems.
• Willingness to travel for member engagement, lab testing activities, and industry events.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting field failure investigations, physical lab testing, or empirical engineering research.
• Active involvement in industry working groups, standards committees (e.g., IEEE, CIGRE, ASCE), or professional societies.
• Advanced expertise in high‑temperature low‑sag (HTLS) conductors, dynamic line rating, or advanced asset health monitoring.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or related technical field) or equivalent practical experience required.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $0 USD to $0 USD annually. This salary range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on various factors, including without limitation applicant's education, experience, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. The salary may also be adjusted based on applicant's geographic location. This role is eligible to participate in EPRI’s annual incentive program. The amount of incentive varies and is subject to the terms and conditions of the plan. This role is eligible to participate in EPRI’s standard employee benefit programs, which currently include the following:

• medical
• dental
• vision
• 401k
• STD/LTD
• paid family leave
• life and accident insurance
• paid time off (flexible vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay)

E‑Verify

EPRI participates in E‑Verify, an online system operated jointly by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration (SSA). EPRI uses the system to check the work status of new hires by comparing information from the employee's I-9 form against SSA and Department of Homeland Security databases.

Equal Opportunity & Diversity

EPRI is an equal opportunity employer. EEO/AA/M/F/VETS/Disabled Together . . . Shaping the Future of Energy.

About EPRI

www.epri.com Together Shaping the Future of Energy

EPRI provides thought leadership, industry expertise, and collaborative value to help the electricity sector identify issues, technology gaps, and broader needs that can be addressed through effective research and development programs for the benefit of society.