Principal Structural Engineer - Transmission Lines

Mesa Associates, Inc; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 149,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Holiday Pay – 10 Annually

Group Medical/Dental Insurance

Life Insurance (Company Paid)

401(K) Retirement Savings Plan

Tuition Reimbursement

Annual Performance Bonus

FSA and HSA Options

9/80 Work Schedule

Job summary

Mesa Associates, Inc. in Chicago, IL is seeking a Principal Transmission Structural Engineer to lead analysis and design of transmission poles, towers, and foundations. You will guide projects, mentor staff, and ensure safety and reliability across nationwide programs.

The role emphasizes deep knowledge of historic and modern materials, professional licensure in SE/CA-IL, and proficiency with PLS-CADD, AutoCAD, STAAD Pro, and related tools.

Qualifications

• 12–15+ years of transmission structural experience.
• SE licensure in CA/IL or other states preferred.
• Proficiency with PLS‑CADD, PLS‑POLE and related tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead analysis and design of transmission poles, towers, and foundations.
• Evaluate materials history and modern composites for structures.
• Serve as Engineer of Record for packages across multiple states.
• Mentor senior engineers and engineers; enforce QA/QC standards.
• Present solutions to clients; support scope, schedule, and budget.

Skills

Transmission structural engineering

Engineering leadership

Code compliance (ASCE/NESC)

Mentoring/technical leadership

Project engagement & client comms

Education

ABET Civil/Structural engineering degree

SE license in CA & IL

Tools

PLS-CADD

PLS-POLE

L-Pile

MFAD

STAAD Pro

RISA 3D

AutoCAD

Inventor

SolidWorks

Excel

MathCad

Job description

PDT - Structural / Power Delivery Transmission and Distribution

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We are seeking a Principal Transmission Structural Engineer with advanced expertise in the analysis, design, evaluation, and modification of transmission poles, towers, and foundations. This role requires mastery of both historical and modern materials, including legacy wood species, historic steel grades, early concrete mixes, and today’s high‑strength steels, composites, and advanced foundation systems.

You will serve as a senior technical authority, guiding complex structural work, mentoring engineers, and ensuring the highest standards of quality, reliability, and safety across transmission projects.

Key Responsibilities

Transmission Structures (Poles & Towers)

• Lead structural analysis and design of steel poles, wood poles, lattice towers, guyed towers, and specialty structures.
• Apply deep knowledge of historic and current materials, including:
• Legacy wood species, preservative treatments, and degradation patterns
• Historic steel grades, fabrication methods, weld types, and corrosion behavior
• Modern high‑strength steels, weathering steels, composite poles, and advanced coatings
• Evaluate existing structures for upgrades, reconductoring, hardening, clearance improvements, and joint‑use attachments.
• Perform advanced loading evaluations using NESC, ASCE 7, ASCE 48, ASCE 10, and utility‑specific criteria.
• Conduct structural modeling using PLS‑CADD, PLS‑POLE, TOWER, and related tools.
• Review and approve structural packages prepared by others.
• Knowledge of additional Design Software: STAAD Pro, RISA 3D, AutoCad, Inventor, Solidworks.
• Manual Calculation Packages: (Excel, MathCad)
• Design of bridges, access roads, and impacts of other underground utilities.

Transmission Foundations

• Engineer drilled shafts, spread footings, rock anchors, micropiles, and hybrid foundation systems.
• Apply expert understanding of historic foundation materials and construction methods, including early concrete mixes, legacy reinforcement practices, and timber foundations.
• Design modern foundation systems using high‑performance concrete, composite reinforcement, and advanced anchoring technologies. (Ensoft Suite, FAD Tools Suite)
• Review and approve foundation packages for accuracy, compliance, and constructability.
• Design of retaining wall structures to mitigate soil erosion/stabilization.

Technical Leadership & Quality

• Serve as Engineer of Record for transmission structural and foundation packages across multiple states.
• Lead and mentor Senior Engineers, Engineers, and Engineering Associates.
• Establish and enforce structural QA/QC standards, calculation templates, and design methodologies.
• Identify quality issues, technical risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Provide field support for construction issues and resolve concerns promptly.
• Opportunities to present at industry conferences and publish white papers.

Client & Project Engagement

• Present structural solutions to clients and stakeholders.
• Support project managers with scope development, schedule planning, and budget alignment.
• Participate in technical discussions, design reviews, and project strategy meetings.

Required Qualifications

• Structural Engineer (SE) License in California and Illinois (required).
• SE licensure in additional states requiring SE for transmission structural work (preferred).
• Four‑year ABET engineering degree (Civil or Structural strongly preferred).
• 12–15+ years of progressively responsible transmission structural experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in transmission poles, towers, and foundation engineering.
• Deep understanding of historical and current transmission materials, including wood, steel, composites, and legacy foundation systems.
• Proficiency with PLS‑CADD, PLS‑POLE, L‑Pile, MFAD, and other structural/foundation analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of:
• ASCE 48 – Steel transmission pole structures
• ASCE 10 – Lattice steel transmission structures
• ASCE 7 – Environmental loads and load combinations
• ASCE 11 – Steel transmission structures (historic and modern)
• NESC – Transmission line loading and safety
• TIA‑222 – Antenna supporting structures and attachments
• MOP‑74 – Transmission structure loading and reliability
• MOP‑160 – Wood pole behavior and inspection
• MOP‑161 – Steel pole behavior and inspection
• Applicable state structural codes
• Preferred: Familiarity with ASCE 113 for substation structures.

Preferred Attributes

• Recognized subject‑matter expertise in transmission structural engineering.
• Experience with wildfire hardening, resiliency programs, and emergency response engineering.
• Strong communication skills and ability to influence clients and mentor engineers.
• Desire to shape a growing practice and leave a lasting technical legacy.

Why Join Us

• High‑Impact Leadership: Direct influence on structural standards, innovation, and engineering culture.
• Complex, Meaningful Work: Engage in challenging transmission programs nationwide.
• Technical Excellence Culture: Work with engineers who value rigor, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Flexibility: Remote/hybrid options with travel as needed.
• Competitive Compensation: Industry‑leading salary, bonuses, 401(k) match, comprehensive benefits, and professional development support.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Pay – 10 Annually
• Group Medical/Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance (Company Paid)
• Disability Insurance (Company Paid)
• 401(K) Retirement Savings Plan
• 401(K) Matching Contribution
• Section 125 / Cafeteria Plan
• Long Term Care Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Fitness Center Reimbursement
• Annual Performance Bonus
• FSA and HSA Options
• 9/80 Work Schedule

Annual Salary Range

$149,184.17 - $179,932.39

The expected compensation is a range determined by factors including but not limited to education, experience, and qualifications of the candidate, internal equity, work location, and hiring department’s fiscal resources.

Notice to External Search Firms: Mesa Associates, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be obligated to pay a placement fee for unsolicited resumes. Mesa Associates, Inc. Talent Acquisition engages with approved search firms directly for specific hiring needs.