Underground Transmission Technical Leader

EPRI; Charlotte (NC); On-site; CAD 166,000 - 177,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Incentive program

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401k

Paid time off

Life and accident insurance

Job summary

EPRI is seeking an Underground Transmission Technical Leader to guide research on underground cable systems and related technologies. You will collaborate with utilities, manufacturers, and laboratories to define research directions, deliver actionable guidance, and drive cross-functional teams across the lifecycle of underground transmission assets.

The role requires 7–10+ years in power transmission with strong technical breadth, independence, and excellent communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering required; master’s degree or PhD preferred.
• 7–10+ years in power transmission with underground transmission experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of cable systems, diagnostics, aging, and end-of-life planning.
• Experience collaborating with utilities, manufacturers, and research organizations.
• Ability to translate technical data into actionable guidance for utility decision-makers.

Responsibilities

• Lead applied research projects on underground transmission systems and accessories.
• Provide technical direction to project teams and ensure high-quality outputs.
• Develop reports, summaries, and guidance documents for member utilities.
• Engage with EPRI members and industry stakeholders to identify research needs.
• Support planning, budgeting, and milestone tracking for research activities.
• Monitor industry standards and integrate findings into research strategy.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Project management

Analytical thinking

Industry standards awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Master’s degree

PhD

Job description

Job Title:

Underground Transmission Technical Leader

Location:

Charlotte, NC

Job Summary and Description:

EPRI’s Underground Transmission Programassistsutilities in resolving complex challenges related to the design, construction, installation, operation, inspection, maintenance, and lifecycle management of underground transmission systems. Cross-cutting research addresses topics such as design calculations, cable ratings, construction and installation methods, inspection technologies, forensic analyses, and technical guidance for utility stakeholders.

Position Summary:

The Underground Transmission Technical Leader will provide subject matterexpertiseand technical leadership for EPRI research focused on extruded and laminar dielectric cables and accessories across the full asset lifecycle, including design, operation, maintenance, aging, diagnostics, reliability, and end-of-life considerations.

This role is intended for an experienced underground transmission professional who can independently lead technical work, shape research direction, engage member utilities and industry partners, and translate complex technical findings into actionable guidance for the electric power industry.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and contribute to applied research projects addressing underground transmission cable systems, accessories, ratings, installation practices, condition assessment, aging mechanisms, and reliability performance.

• Provide technical direction to project teams, contractors, and collaborating researchers to ensure research activities are technically sound, aligned with member needs, and delivered with high-quality outputs.

• Develop and review technical reports, research summaries, presentations, specifications, guidance documents, and member-facing deliverables related to underground transmission assets.

• Analyze technical data, field experience, inspection results, testing outcomes, and forensic findings toidentifypractical insights and recommendations for utilities.

• Engage directly with EPRI members, utilities, manufacturers, laboratories, and other industry stakeholders toidentifyresearch needs, communicate results, and supportadoptionof research outcomes.

• Serve as a recognized technical resource within EPRI for underground transmission topics and support knowledge transfer to internal staff, early-career engineers, and external stakeholders.

• Support project planning, scoping, proposal development, budget inputs, milestone tracking, and technical quality review for underground transmission research activities.

• Monitor industry developments, standards, emerging technologies, and utility practices relevant to underground transmission cable systems and incorporate findings into EPRI researchstrategy.

Education, Experience & Technical Knowledge:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical fieldrequired; master’s degree or Ph.D. preferred.

• 7-10+ years of relevant experience in power transmission, withdemonstratedexperience in underground transmission cable systems strongly preferred.

• Strong technical understanding of underground transmission cable design, installation, operation, maintenance, diagnostics, condition assessment, aging, failure analysis, and/or end-of-life planning.

• Experience working with utilities, manufacturers, laboratories, consultants, or research organizations on underground transmission or related high-voltage infrastructure topics.

• Demonstrated ability to analyze technical information, interpret data, synthesize industry practices, and develop clear written recommendations.

• Strong communicationskills, including the ability to present technical information to technical and non-technical audiences,facilitatemember discussions, and represent EPRI in industry forums.

• Experience leading or managing technical projects, coordinating cross-functional contributors, and delivering research outputs against definedobjectivesand timelines preferred.

Ideal Candidate:

• Experienced underground transmission professional with practical knowledge of cable systems and the ability to connect field challenges with research-based solutions.

• Comfortable serving as a technical lead rather than an entry-level contributor, with the ability to work independently and guide others.

• Credible with utility members and industry stakeholders, with strong judgment, collaboration skills, and a service-oriented approach to research delivery.

• Able to translate complex technical details into concise reports, presentations, recommendations, and guidance that can inform real-world utility decisions.

• Curious, collaborative, and proactive inidentifyingemerging research needs and advancing EPRI’s leadership in underground transmission systems.

Additional Information:

This position offers the opportunity to influence industry research and technical guidance for underground transmission systems used by utilities, manufacturers, and grid stakeholders worldwide. The role is well suited for an experienced technical professional who can bring underground transmissionexpertise, research leadership, and member-facing credibility to EPRI’s applied research portfolio.

The salary range for this position is $120,000 USD to $127,500 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 and paid family leave, life and accident insurance, paid time off (flexible vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay).

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.

EPRI is an equal opportunity employer. EEO/AA/M/F/VETS/Disabled

Together . . . Shaping the Future of Energy.

www.epri.com