Underground Transmission Technical Leader

Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 127,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

medical

dental

vision

401k

STD/LTD and paid family leave

life and accident insurance

paid time off (flexible vacation, sick

Job summary

Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. in Charlotte, NC seeks an Underground Transmission Technical Leader to guide research on underground cable systems throughout their lifecycle, from design to end-of-life planning.

You will lead project teams, translate technical findings into practical guidance for utilities, and engage member utilities and industry partners to shape research direction and deliver high-quality outputs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field required.
• Master’s degree or Ph.D. preferred.
• 7-10+ years of relevant experience in power transmission, with demonstrated experience 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 communication skills, including the ability to present technical information to technical and non-technical audiences, facilitate member discussions, and represent EPRI in industry forums.
• Experience leading or managing technical projects, coordinating cross-functional contributors, and delivering research outputs against defined objectives and timelines preferred.

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 to identify practical insights and recommendations for utilities.
• Engage directly with EPRI members, utilities, manufacturers, laboratories, and other industry stakeholders to identify research needs, communicate results, and support adoption of 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 research strategy.

Skills

Underground transmission

Cable systems

Project leadership

Utilities experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field

Master’s degree or Ph.D. preferred

Job description

Job Title: Underground Transmission Technical Leader

Location: Charlotte, NC

Job Summary and Description

EPRI’s Underground Transmission Program assists utilities 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 matter expertise and 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 to identify practical insights and recommendations for utilities.
• Engage directly with EPRI members, utilities, manufacturers, laboratories, and other industry stakeholders to identify research needs, communicate results, and support adoption of 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 research strategy.

Education, Experience & Technical Knowledge

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field required;
• master’s degree or Ph.D. preferred.
• 7-10+ years of relevant experience in power transmission, with demonstrated experience 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 communication skills, including the ability to present technical information to technical and non-technical audiences, facilitate member discussions, and represent EPRI in industry forums.
• Experience leading or managing technical projects, coordinating cross-functional contributors, and delivering research outputs against defined objectives and 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 in identifying emerging 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 transmission expertise, 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.

Benefits

• 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 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.