Underground Transmission Line Design Lead

About the Role

As the Underground Transmission Line Design Lead at Jacobs, you will work closely with regional and global underground transmission and cable experts to support and/or lead ongoing projects, business development, and proposal support for clients including renewable developers, transmission owner/developers, and utilities. This role combines technical leadership with formal line management responsibilities for a team of engineers, focusing on employee development, performance management, resource planning, mentoring, recruitment, and career growth within the Underground Transmission team.

The successful candidate will demonstrate expertise in underground transmission, cable engineering design, and installation, particularly for high voltage applications (69kV and above). Knowledge of electrical design/studies, functional/technical specifications, and commissioning (FAT/SAT) related to cable systems is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and direct line management for engineers working on underground transmission projects, including coaching, mentoring, performance evaluations, development planning, recruitment, onboarding, and training.
• Develop HV/EHV cabling systems specifications, concept/detailed design, design reviews, estimation, site supervision, and support as required.
• Provide technical support to the team on HV cable system engineering and design.
• Prepare power cable route specifications, technical specifications, reports, and progress reports.
• Ensure correct and accurate interface with other engineering functions involved in projects.
• Attend and conduct internal and external meetings with colleagues, clients, and subcontractors.
• Perform and/or review technical calculations, including cable sizing, rating calculations, electromechanical and thermomechanical forces, EMF calculations, sheath induced voltage calculations, and others.
• Perform design reviews and verification of design.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, performance reviews, and development discussions with direct reports.
• Support employee career progression through mentoring, training, and succession planning.
• Participate in workforce planning, resource allocation, and hiring activities to meet business needs.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team environment.
• Support compensation, promotion, performance improvement, and recognition processes in partnership with leadership and HR.
• Monitor team utilization, workload balancing, and professional development objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Civil, Mechanical, or related engineering discipline from a recognized institution.
• Minimum 10 years of engineering industry experience, with at least 5 years of direct experience in underground and/or subsea cable design and installation.
• Professional Engineer (PE or PEng) License or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Experience managing and developing multidisciplinary engineering teams in a consulting, utility, developer, or EPC environment.
• Ability to work with cable design software such as CYMCAP, Pull-Planner, etc.
• Knowledge of applicable industry standards such as IEC, IEEE, and CIGRE.
• Experience working with major global cable OEMs.
• Ability and willingness to travel within North America.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with HVDC and subsea cable technologies.
• Active/ongoing involvement in power cable-related working groups and standards committees such as ICC or CIGRE.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance.
• 401(k) plan with company stock purchase options at a discount.
• Eligibility for deferred compensation plans or the Executive Deferral Plan.
• Unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full-time salaried/exempt employees.
• Seven paid holidays and caregiver leave.
• Eligibility for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonuses, and stock for certain roles.

Pay

The base salary range for this position is $132,900.00 to $174,450.00. Individual pay within this range is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Job posted on August 17, 2026.