Energy STEM OPT Jobs in North Carolina

Job Title:

Overhead Transmission Engineer

Location:

Charlotte, NC

Job Summary and Description:

Break Out of the Office. Prove the Science. Shape the Grid.

Are you ready to move beyond routine modeling and step into a role where fundamental engineering principles are tested, challenged, and proven in the real world?

At EPRI, our Overhead Transmission team isn't just following industry standards—we are defining them. We are an elite group of established subject matter experts (SMEs) dedicated to solving the power sector's most critical design and reliability questions through hands-on empirical testing and full-scale experimental evaluation.

If you thrive on creative problem-solving, curiosity, and practical discovery, this is where your expertise directly shapes the resilience, safety, and modernization of global energy infrastructure.

Why Join EPRI’s Overhead Transmission Team?

• Hands-On Empirical Science: Move past theoretical assumptions. We design creative, novel test methods to evaluate the real-world characteristics, mechanical limits, and thermal performance of transmission assets, conductors, and hardware.
• Deepen Your Engineering Core: Master fundamental mechanical and electrical engineering principles by observing physical systems under stress. You won’t just analyze data—you’ll architect the experiments that generate it.
• Unrivaled Network & Fast-Tracked SME Status: Build technical authority fast. Collaborate directly with a vast global network of utility leaders, world-class testing labs, manufacturers, and academic researchers.
• High-Visibility Industry Impact: Lead initiatives that directly influence grid reliability, emergency restoration strategies, advanced conductor adoption, and international design standards.

What You’ll Do

• Innovate & Solve Complex Challenges: Identify critical industry gaps and engineer creative solutions for grid reliability, asset degradation, extreme weather resilience, and grid modernization.
• Lead Applied Research: Execute empirical and applied research projects that translate complex physics into practical, actionable guidelines for utility engineers worldwide.
• Drive Technical Excellence: Apply advanced line design principles using PLS-CADD and state-of-the-art modeling tools to evaluate asset performance, new conductor technologies, and structural hardware.
• Manage High-Impact Projects: Direct multi-disciplinary technical initiatives—managing budgets, timelines, deliverables, and diverse stakeholder expectations.
• Engage the Energy Community: Present breakthrough findings at major industry conferences, publish technical papers, and lead workshops and webinars for EPRI member utilities.
• Mentor & Collaborate: Work alongside recognized industry authorities while guiding junior engineers, fostering a culture of technical rigor and continuous learning.
• Leverage AI & Modern Tools: Integrate artificial intelligence, machine learning, and LLM-assisted workflows to accelerate data analysis, optimize design evaluations, and streamline research outcomes.

What You Bring

• 4+ years of progressive experience in transmission engineering, utility operations, consulting, manufacturing, or applied research.
• Strong technical background in overhead transmission line design, conductors, structures, hardware, or line asset performance.
• Hands-on proficiency with PLS-CADD or equivalent transmission line design software.
• Proven track record of leading complex technical projects from conception to completion.
• Deep knowledge of transmission design practices, reliability standards, and asset management principles.
• Exceptional technical writing, presentation, and cross-functional communication skills.
• Driven by curiosity, creative experimentation, and a passion for solving hard engineering problems.
• Willingness to travel for member engagement, lab testing activities, and industry events.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting field failure investigations, physical lab testing, or empirical engineering research.
• Active involvement in industry working groups, standards committees (e.g., IEEE, CIGRE, ASCE), or professional societies.
• Advanced expertise in high-temperature low-sag (HTLS) conductors, dynamic line rating, or advanced asset health monitoring.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or related technical field) or equivalent practical experience required.

The salary range for this position is $0 USD to $0 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.