Transmission Engineer Jobs in Tennessee
Transmission Engineer jobs in Tennessee are consistently active, with demand concentrated in electric utility infrastructure, grid modernization, and energy distribution across the state's major corridors from Memphis through Nashville to Knoxville. Most hiring is centered in Nashville, Memphis, and Chattanooga, where employers such as Tennessee Valley Authority, Eaton, and Quanta Services maintain substantial operations. Substation design, high-voltage line engineering, and SCADA systems integration are the specialties drawing the most consistent openings, with roles available from entry-level associates through senior project engineers. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 14+ Transmission Engineer jobs
PDT - Structural / Power Delivery Transmission and Distribution
Disclaimer: Be cautious and only respond to emails from our “mesainc.com” domain. We will never ask for sensitive information, such as bank account details, SSN, etc., via email. If you receive any communication asking for such information, it is not from Mesa. For any concerns, or to verify the authenticity of a message, please contact us through our official channels.
We’ve got the power to energize Your career and spark YOUR Work/Life Balance through professional development and exceptional benefits. Don’t delay, plug in today for an inclusive meaningful career in power, distribution, transmission, engineering, design, technology, or innovation at Mesa Associates, Inc.
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.
Experience
Required- 12 year(s): Progressively responsible transmission structural experience.
Education
Required- Bachelors or better in Civil Engineering
- Masters or better in Civil Engineering
Licenses & Certifications
Required- Structural Engineer
- Prof Engineering (PE)
Behaviors
Required- Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
- Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them
Motivations
Required- Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
PDT - Structural / Power Delivery Transmission and Distribution
Disclaimer: Be cautious and only respond to emails from our “mesainc.com” domain. We will never ask for sensitive information, such as bank account details, SSN, etc., via email. If you receive any communication asking for such information, it is not from Mesa. For any concerns, or to verify the authenticity of a message, please contact us through our official channels.
We’ve got the power to energize Your career and spark YOUR Work/Life Balance through professional development and exceptional benefits. Don’t delay, plug in today for an inclusive meaningful career in power, distribution, transmission, engineering, design, technology, or innovation at Mesa Associates, Inc.
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.
Experience
Required- 12 year(s): Progressively responsible transmission structural experience.
Education
Required- Bachelors or better in Civil Engineering
- Masters or better in Civil Engineering
Licenses & Certifications
Required- Structural Engineer
- Prof Engineering (PE)
Behaviors
Required- Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
- Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them
Motivations
Required- Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
See All 14 Transmission Engineer Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Transmission Engineer JobsTransmission Engineer Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Transmission Engineer Job Market in Tennessee
A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Construction & Real Estate
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Tennessee Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in transmission engineer jobs across Tennessee.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a closely related engineering discipline
- Professional Engineer license issued or recognized in Tennessee for senior and project roles
- Experience with high-voltage transmission systems, substation design, or grid infrastructure
- Proficiency in power systems analysis software such as PSS/E, PSCAD, or ETAP
- Familiarity with NERC reliability standards and applicable FERC transmission regulations
- Strong project coordination skills and ability to collaborate with field crews and utilities
Transmission Engineer Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a transmission engineer in Tennessee?
You become a transmission engineer in Tennessee by earning a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, then pursuing licensure through the Tennessee State Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners. The path involves passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, gaining qualifying work experience, and then passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam to become a licensed Professional Engineer in the state. Larger utilities and contractors frequently require or prefer that PE credential for engineers working on transmission-level infrastructure.
Which companies hire transmission engineers in Tennessee?
Employers hiring transmission engineers in Tennessee right now include Burns & McDonnell, SpaceXAI, and Quanta Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Tennessee's electric utility sector, anchored by the Tennessee Valley Authority and its network of local power companies, creates steady demand for transmission engineers throughout the state.
Which Tennessee cities have the most transmission engineer jobs?
Chattanooga, Memphis, and Nashville are the Tennessee cities with the most transmission engineer openings. Nashville and Memphis drive volume through large utility operations and engineering contractors, while Chattanooga benefits from its proximity to TVA facilities and a growing cluster of power infrastructure firms operating throughout the Tennessee River corridor.
Are there remote transmission engineer jobs in Tennessee?
Yes, but they're rare. About 33% of transmission engineer openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting how much of the role involves field coordination, substation site visits, and hands-on infrastructure work. The portions of the role most likely to allow remote flexibility are grid planning, power flow modeling, and protection coordination studies that can be performed through desktop analysis tools.
How can I get hired as a transmission engineer in Tennessee with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for an entry-level or associate engineer role at a Tennessee utility or engineering contractor. The Tennessee Valley Authority runs a structured new-graduate engineering program that places candidates into transmission and grid operations teams, and engineering services firms like Quanta Services and Burns and McDonnell hire junior engineers for field support and design assistance roles. Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam before or shortly after graduation significantly strengthens an application, and experience with power systems coursework, AutoCAD, or SCADA platforms gives candidates a measurable edge.
Where can I find and apply to transmission engineer jobs in Tennessee?
You can find and apply to transmission engineer jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to the state. Search the available roles, find the ones that fit your experience and location, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 14 Transmission Engineer Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Transmission Engineer Jobs