Transmission Engineer Jobs in California
Transmission Engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in electric utilities, independent system operators, and large infrastructure firms, with openings at every level from entry-level protection and controls roles through senior grid planning positions. The largest hiring metros are Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Jose, where employers like Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison, and the California Independent System Operator have deep and ongoing needs. The most in-demand specialties right now are transmission planning, power systems protection, and grid interconnection engineering. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 33+ Transmission Engineer jobs
Description
The Senior Transmission Engineer will lead the design of complex transmission line projects. Responsibilities will include project technical oversight, providing technical expertise, and leading technical design staff. This position will be a recognized industry leader in transmission line design and provide best practices for related projects.
- Lead transmission design of projects from the conceptual phase through design completion for project needs and requirements that are set forth by the project managers, including EFM, Conductor Sizing, Induction, Impedance, Losses, and Voltage Drop design.
- Prepare transmission equipment: packaged equipment specifications and data sheets, Request for Qualifications (RFQ's), technical bid summaries, and purchase recommendations.
- Lead economic conductor selection studies, lightning performance, and grounding calculations/studies.
- Lead calculations for required electrical clearances based on NESC, California General Order 95, or other applicable codes and resources. Lead in the communication of the interpretation and application of necessary NERC, FERC, and regional requirements and standards.
- Review transmission equipment vendor drawings; data interface with suppliers, clients, other engineering disciplines, detailers, and designers.
- Participate in the development of project schedules, scope, budget, staffing planning, and construction planning. Responsible for the effective management of change orders.
- Apply expert knowledge of commonly used transmission concepts, practices, codes, and procedures within the transmission engineering services industry.
- Apply knowledge and experience to complex projects, finds non-standard design solutions.
- Quality review production drawings for a variety of projects and project-related data as required by the project managers to verify corrections are made within multiple CAD-related software.
- Quality review of the construction administration, including coordination with field personnel to resolve design-related installation issues, calculations, field inspections, and testing of transmission systems.
- Lead field inspections, installation, measurements, or calculations for public and private clients.
- Prepare and present technical reports for clients and industry publications.
- Build effective relationships with existing clients, customers, and contractors and develop new business opportunities. Responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction goals and expectations are met.
- Participate in sales and marketing efforts and identify key pursuits.
- Lead the development of cost proposals and qualification statements to achieve stated targets and standards for financial performance.
- Prepare and present project budgets and cost estimates. Report project performance.
- Provide leadership, guidance, and instruction to the transmission engineering practice. Mentor and guide less experienced engineers.
- Responsible for QA/QC process adherence.
- Responsible for effective communication with other engineering disciplines.
- Responsible for compliance with company and site safety policies.
- All other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or related degree from an ABET-accredited program and 7 years of transmission engineering experience required. EPC project experience preferred.
- Or Bachelor's Degree in Civil or related Engineering Technology from an ABET-accredited program, successful completion of Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and 7 years of transmission engineering experience required. EPC project experience preferred.
- Or Master's Degree in Engineering and 6 years of transmission engineering experience required. EPC project experience preferred.
- Expert knowledge in standard engineering techniques and procedures. Strong knowledge of transmission design codes and computer skills (e.g., AutoCAD, MicroStation, BIM (Revit), Civil 3D, PLS, PLS-CADD, RISA-3D, MathCADD), and/or hydraulic, hydrologic, pavement, transmission analysis programs. Strong attention to detail, facilitation, team building, collaboration, organization, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience with leading the discipline design for large projects and delegating work tasks to team members. Ability to lead the execution of work and resolve issues in a team environment.
- Demonstrated critical thinking skills, ability to work methodically and analytically in a quantitative problem-solving environment.
- Strong attention to detail, facilitation, team building, collaboration, organization, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to perform quality reviews for detailed engineering documents and specifications.
- Ability to travel.
- Professional Engineer (PE) License preferred.
Compensation
- Salary: $155,000.00-240,000.00 Yearly
The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.
Benefits
Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.
This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Job Electrical Engineering
Primary Location US-CA-Brea
Other Locations US-CA-San Diego, US-CA-Walnut Creek, US-CA-Los Angeles
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: Yes, 20 % of the Time
Req ID: 261655
Job Hire Type Experienced #LI-MG #T&D
Description
The Senior Transmission Engineer will lead the design of complex transmission line projects. Responsibilities will include project technical oversight, providing technical expertise, and leading technical design staff. This position will be a recognized industry leader in transmission line design and provide best practices for related projects.
- Lead transmission design of projects from the conceptual phase through design completion for project needs and requirements that are set forth by the project managers, including EFM, Conductor Sizing, Induction, Impedance, Losses, and Voltage Drop design.
- Prepare transmission equipment: packaged equipment specifications and data sheets, Request for Qualifications (RFQ's), technical bid summaries, and purchase recommendations.
- Lead economic conductor selection studies, lightning performance, and grounding calculations/studies.
- Lead calculations for required electrical clearances based on NESC, California General Order 95, or other applicable codes and resources. Lead in the communication of the interpretation and application of necessary NERC, FERC, and regional requirements and standards.
- Review transmission equipment vendor drawings; data interface with suppliers, clients, other engineering disciplines, detailers, and designers.
- Participate in the development of project schedules, scope, budget, staffing planning, and construction planning. Responsible for the effective management of change orders.
- Apply expert knowledge of commonly used transmission concepts, practices, codes, and procedures within the transmission engineering services industry.
- Apply knowledge and experience to complex projects, finds non-standard design solutions.
- Quality review production drawings for a variety of projects and project-related data as required by the project managers to verify corrections are made within multiple CAD-related software.
- Quality review of the construction administration, including coordination with field personnel to resolve design-related installation issues, calculations, field inspections, and testing of transmission systems.
- Lead field inspections, installation, measurements, or calculations for public and private clients.
- Prepare and present technical reports for clients and industry publications.
- Build effective relationships with existing clients, customers, and contractors and develop new business opportunities. Responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction goals and expectations are met.
- Participate in sales and marketing efforts and identify key pursuits.
- Lead the development of cost proposals and qualification statements to achieve stated targets and standards for financial performance.
- Prepare and present project budgets and cost estimates. Report project performance.
- Provide leadership, guidance, and instruction to the transmission engineering practice. Mentor and guide less experienced engineers.
- Responsible for QA/QC process adherence.
- Responsible for effective communication with other engineering disciplines.
- Responsible for compliance with company and site safety policies.
- All other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or related degree from an ABET-accredited program and 7 years of transmission engineering experience required. EPC project experience preferred.
- Or Bachelor's Degree in Civil or related Engineering Technology from an ABET-accredited program, successful completion of Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and 7 years of transmission engineering experience required. EPC project experience preferred.
- Or Master's Degree in Engineering and 6 years of transmission engineering experience required. EPC project experience preferred.
- Expert knowledge in standard engineering techniques and procedures. Strong knowledge of transmission design codes and computer skills (e.g., AutoCAD, MicroStation, BIM (Revit), Civil 3D, PLS, PLS-CADD, RISA-3D, MathCADD), and/or hydraulic, hydrologic, pavement, transmission analysis programs. Strong attention to detail, facilitation, team building, collaboration, organization, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience with leading the discipline design for large projects and delegating work tasks to team members. Ability to lead the execution of work and resolve issues in a team environment.
- Demonstrated critical thinking skills, ability to work methodically and analytically in a quantitative problem-solving environment.
- Strong attention to detail, facilitation, team building, collaboration, organization, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to perform quality reviews for detailed engineering documents and specifications.
- Ability to travel.
- Professional Engineer (PE) License preferred.
Compensation
- Salary: $155,000.00-240,000.00 Yearly
The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.
Benefits
Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.
This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Job Electrical Engineering
Primary Location US-CA-Brea
Other Locations US-CA-San Diego, US-CA-Walnut Creek, US-CA-Los Angeles
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: Yes, 20 % of the Time
Req ID: 261655
Job Hire Type Experienced #LI-MG #T&D
See All 33 Transmission Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Transmission Engineer JobsTransmission Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Transmission Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Burns & McDonnell10
- Gas Transmission Systems5
- Kiewit4
- California ISO3
- E2 Consulting Engineers3
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services14
- Construction & Real Estate6
- Transportation & Logistics4
- Technology & Software3
- Energy2
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in transmission engineer jobs across California.
- Professional Engineer license issued or recognized by the California Board for Professional Engineers
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a closely related power systems field
- Proficiency in power flow analysis software such as PSS/E, PowerWorld, or PSCAD
- Experience with NERC reliability standards and WECC regional transmission requirements
- Knowledge of California ISO interconnection procedures and generator study processes
- Strong background in transmission planning, protection design, or substation engineering
Transmission Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a transmission engineer in California?
A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering is the standard starting point, followed by obtaining a Professional Engineer license through the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists. The path runs from the Fundamentals of Engineering exam directly after graduation, then four years of qualifying experience, and finally the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam in electrical power. Employers in California's investor-owned utility and independent system operator sectors consistently require or strongly prefer that license.
Which companies hire transmission engineers in California?
Employers hiring transmission engineers in California right now include Burns & McDonnell, Gas Transmission Systems, and Kiewit, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's large investor-owned utilities, the California Independent System Operator, and major transmission development firms account for a consistent share of ongoing openings across the state.
Which California cities have the most transmission engineer jobs?
San Diego, Pasadena, and Brea hold the most transmission engineer openings in California. Los Angeles and San Jose draw demand from major utility headquarters and power systems consultancies concentrated in those metro areas, while Sacramento benefits from its proximity to CAISO's headquarters in Folsom and the state's grid planning institutions, making even smaller suburban locations in that corridor competitive hiring markets.
Are there remote transmission engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Transmission engineering is largely a site-intensive discipline involving substation inspections, field studies, and coordination with grid operators, which limits full remote arrangements. About 24% of transmission engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, with the remote portion concentrated in planning, modeling, and study roles where the work centers on software analysis rather than physical infrastructure.
How can I get hired as a transmission engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an associate or junior engineer role within a California investor-owned utility or transmission consultancy, where structured new-graduate programs exist at employers like Pacific Gas and Electric and Southern California Edison. Lateral moves from distribution engineering, power systems protection technician roles, or substation design give candidates hands-on grid exposure that transfers directly. Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam early and building PSS/E or PowerWorld proficiency through coursework or personal projects significantly improves competitiveness before a first full-time offer.
Where can I find and apply to transmission engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to transmission engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Search the available roles, find the ones that fit your background and location, and apply directly to each position.
See All 33 Transmission Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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