Contract Physical Design Engineer Jobs in Delaware

This position will offer you the ability to apply and expand your knowledge of underground transmission line engineering, including routing, duct bank configurations, manhole placement and electrical principles to:

• Design of complex underground transmission lines for voltages up to 500kV
• Responsible for cost analyses, development of design criteria, siting and routing in complex environments, and placement of manholes for underground transmission lines
• Responsible for physical design including duct bank layouts, development of trenchless designs, cable pulling calculations, development of drawing packages
• Responsible for cable selection studies, determining bonding scheme, performing ampacity calculations
• Develop riser structure configuration and structural loading
• Develop specifications including cable procurement, duct bank installation, trenchless installation, and general construction specifications
• Work and coordinate with vendors and clients to specify transmission line components
• Direct project team of other engineers, designers, and drafters

This role offers a hybrid work arrangement. You'll spend three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days.

Dependent upon your location, this opportunity offers a generous relocation package.

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential skills and experience:

• This position requires a BS degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program.
• Have current PE License
• Proficiency with CYMCAP modeling
• Proficiency with cable tensioning calculations and software
• 12 or more years of experience of leading a design team in the development of complex underground transmission projects
• Design experience incorporating code requirements, EPRI recommendations, client requirements
• Experience in cost estimate development and schedule creation and coordination
• Experience with XLPE cable design
• Experience with the preparation of specifications for installation and procurement of underground transmission line materials and components
• Knowledge to verify/review right of way requirements, bonding schemes, underground transmission line plan and profile drawings and other construction documents
• Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principals involved in the production of technical plans, drawings, and models
• Experience in writing and providing support documentation for engineering calculations
• Familiarity with design codes and standards such as NESC, EPRI Green Book, IEC, CSA, IEEE, ANSI, IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI 318
• Proficiency with MS Office applications
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Attention to detail

Valued but not required skills and experience:

• Experience with High Pressure Gas Filled or High-Pressured Fluid Filled pipe type cable systems and associated equipment
• Experience with underground distribution or low voltage cable systems

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to lead others who use modern tools:

• You are expected to lead others in taking engineering problems from issue to solution by setting expectations for using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
• Leaders in these roles often direct automation and process-improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked.
• Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs, is valued but not required.
• We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that enables effective oversight of automation and agentic AI-enabled engineering workflows.

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

• Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life & Accident Insurance
• Disability Coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Back-Up Daycare
• FSA & HSA

• 401(k)
• Pre-Tax Commuter Account
• Merit Scholarship Program
• Employee Discount Program
• Corporate Charitable Giving Program
• Tuition Assistance
• First Professional Licensure Bonus
• Employee Referral Bonus

• Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Bereavement Leave
• Flexible Work Arrangements

Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.