Underground Transmission Design Engineer

PTAG; Oakland (CA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits package

Flexible work environment

Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Job summary

A leading project management advisory firm is seeking an Underground Transmission Design Engineer in California. The ideal candidate must have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, a California PE license, and at least 13 years of experience in underground transmission project management. Responsibilities include managing complex projects, providing innovative engineering solutions, and mentoring junior engineers. Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive work environment are offered. Join to work on impactful infrastructure projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution.
• Current California Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• Minimum of 13 years experience in engineering and design of underground transmission systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex underground transmission and substation projects.
• Provide innovative solutions for technical issues related to underground systems.
• Mentor and lead engineering staff.

Skills

Engineering Design

Project Management

Problem Solving

Mentoring

Cost-effective Solutions

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

California Professional Engineer (PE) license

Tools

GIS/AIS Equipment

Job description

Underground Transmission Design Engineer

ID# 6399

Location: San Jose, Sacramento, or Oakland, CA

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Contract

Job function

Business Development

Industries

Staffing and Recruiting

The Opportunity

Are you ready to make an impact in the Power industry? Join PTAG, a leading Project Management Advisory & Services firm, recognized across North America for helping world‑class clients deliver major capital projects successfully.

About PTAG

At PTAG, we help our clients plan, manage, and execute their most challenging projects with innovation, integrity, and collaboration.

Our Mission

Our mission is to help our clients achieve successful delivery and efficient operation of their capital projects.

Our Vision

Our vision is to support global leaders in the selection, planning, and execution of their major initiatives.

Our Values

• Safety: The safety of our employees, suppliers, and clients is always the top priority.
• Collaboration: We build true partnerships with clients and service providers.
• Leadership: We elevate project performance through the application of best practices.
• Accountability: We take responsibility for every aspect of our engagements.
• Client Satisfaction: We strive for 100% satisfaction on every project.
• Integrity: We believe in open and transparent communication at all levels.

Role & Responsibilities

• Manage large, highly complex underground transmission and substation projects, performing detailed engineering analyses and developing conceptual and detailed designs.
• Provide innovative solutions for complex technical issues related to underground transmission systems.
• Lead root cause analyses and make recommendations for resolution of local and system‑wide technical issues.
• Serve as company representative, technical witness, and liaison with external stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
• Develop and implement technical policies, procedures, and standards, including construction documents and specifications.
• Support integration of underground cable systems with substations, including GIS and AIS equipment, grounding systems, and protection/control coordination.
• Mentor and provide technical leadership to engineering staff, fostering skill development and knowledge transfer.
• Coordinate closely with Asset Management, Standards, and Maintenance teams to ensure continuity across lifecycle phases.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed in this role, you bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited U.S. or international institution.
• Current California Professional Engineer (PE) license required; consideration may be given to candidates with out‑of‑state licensure and ability to obtain CA PE within 6 months.
• Minimum of 13 years cumulative experience in engineering and design of underground transmission and substation systems in electric utility settings.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple large‑scale underground transmission projects independently.
• Experience leading and mentoring engineering teams and overseeing design execution.
• Proven ability to develop cost‑effective engineering solutions and negotiate with internal and external stakeholders.

Expertise in Underground Transmission Cable Systems

• Cable System Design
• Pipe‑type and XLPE cable systems
• Systems rated 60kV, 115kV, 230kV and above
• Submarine cable systems and cathodic protection
• Sheath bonding systems
• Sequencing impedances of cable systems
• Pulling tension and ampacity calculations
• Construction & Material Coordination
• Resolution of construction conflicts with existing infrastructure
• Construction and material specifications
• Issuance of construction drawings and contract coordination
• Utility Coordination & Maintenance
• Emergency cable repair planning and execution
• Support to maintenance operations
• Coordination with Asset Management and Standards organizations
• Active participation in industry associations
• Substation Interface
• Integration with GIS and AIS switchgear
• Grounding systems design
• Protection and control coordination

Why Join PTAG?

At PTAG, you’ll be part of a dynamic, growing consulting firm that values professional development, collaboration, and innovation. Opportunity to work on major infrastructure and capital projects.

• Exposure to industry‑leading clients and partners.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.
• Flexible work environment and opportunities for advancement.
• Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP).
• A culture that values safety, accountability, and excellence.

PTAG is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

How To Apply

Ready to take the next step in your career? Apply now through PTAG’s careers portal or via LinkedIn to join our Powerteam in San Jose, Sacramento, or Oakland, CA.