Freelance Transmission Line Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Transmission Line Designer

Job Description

This role supports key business objectives by designing overhead and underground transmission lines, developing and maintaining transmission line standards, and providing construction support for capital and maintenance projects. The Transmission Line Engineer collaborates closely with internal and external partners, including Substation Design, Planning, Asset Management, Operations, Legal & Real Estate, and Local Government & Community Affairs, to deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective transmission solutions across the service territory.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a key contributor on capital, competitive, and maintenance design projects by reviewing and checking designs submitted by contractors, issuing approved designs for construction, and participating in the development of conceptual transmission line designs and routing.
• Collaborate with and review designs created by other Engineers and Associate Engineers to ensure technical accuracy, constructability, and compliance with applicable standards and codes.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates, material requisitions, technical specifications, and engineering drawings for projects designed internally.
• Respond to inquiries from Planning and other departments regarding existing or future transmission line and substation projects within the company’s territory.
• Participate actively on a work team of Transmission Line Design Engineers to coordinate project work, share technical knowledge, and support common objectives.
• Contribute to work group policy development and implementation, including participating in discussions, negotiations, and resolution of technical and procedural issues.
• Collaborate with other engineers and departments on consulting assignments, project management activities, standards development, resource organization, and maintenance planning.
• Provide technical support and recommendations to field personnel and contractors for the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of transmission system components.
• Offer expertise to projects and committees on both technical and non-technical matters related to design engineering and transmission line standards.
• Generate internal and external reports on various aspects of the transmission system, including design, performance, and project status.
• Attend meetings and training sessions to maintain and enhance professional knowledge, technical skills, and understanding of industry standards and best practices.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Electrical Engineering, or relevant equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible experience as an Electric Transmission Line or Substation Design Engineer, or at least ten (10) years of experience as a Transmission Line Designer.
• Demonstrated experience in transmission line design, including overhead and underground lines, and familiarity with high-voltage applications.
• Knowledge of electric utility system operations, planning, protection, design, construction, and/or maintenance functions.
• Proficiency with design tools such as PLS-CADD and AutoCAD for transmission line and related civil or electrical design tasks.
• Experience in electrical or civil engineering as it relates to power distribution and transmission line design.
• Working knowledge of applicable codes and standards, including the National Electric Safety Code (NESC), American Concrete Institute (ACI), and American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) for civil engineering applications.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Access.
• Ability to quickly learn and effectively utilize job-specific engineering and design software.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to document findings and recommendations clearly.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for interaction with colleagues, leadership, contractors, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities while working under minimal supervision in a collaborative team environment.
• Authorization to work in the United States for any employer.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Power system coursework preferred for candidates with an electrical engineeringexperience.
• Structural and/or geotechnical coursework preferred for candidates with a civil engineering experience.
• Working knowledge of structural design principles and materials relevant to transmission line structures, including concrete and steel.
• Experience participating in policy development, implementation, and issue resolution within an engineering or utility environment.
• Experience providing technical support to field crews and contractors for installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of transmission assets.
• Ability to contribute to standards development and continuous improvement initiatives for transmission line design and construction.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license is not required, but the ability and intent to obtain licensure is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and with external partners.
• High level of attention to detail, organization, and documentation in project work and reporting.

Work Environment

This position offers a hybrid work schedule, with remote work typically available on Mondays and Fridays and in-office collaboration on other days. The primary office is located in Cedar Rapids, with an open layout that encourages communication and teamwork, and there is also the option to work from the Des Moines office. The environment promotes close collaboration among engineers, designers, and other departments, particularly on transmission line projects throughout Eastern Iowa. The dress code is business casual, and the culture emphasizes professional development, knowledge sharing, and active participation in meetings and training sessions to support ongoing growth within the electrical utility industry.

This is a Permanent position based out of Des Moines, IA.

The pay range for this position is $95000.00 - $130000.00/yr.

Annual bonus- Must start on or before September 30th to be eligible for the current year’s bonus on a prorated basis. Annual Incentive Plan payout is dependent upon company performance against annual targets set forth and approved by the Board of Directors. The payout is measured, approved, and paid out in the first quarter following the performance year. Actual average attainment for the last ten-year period is 95%. LTIP- Long-Term Incentive Plan for employees is composed of Service Based Units (50%) and Performance Based Units (50%). Service Based Units (SBUs) are paid out at target after a 'three-year' vest. Performance Based Units (PBUs) are dependent upon company performance against targets set forth and approved by the Board of Directors. Payout of PBUs, if any, can range from 25% to 200% of target and if realized, pay out after a 'three-year' vest and approval of results by the Board of Directors. If hired after January 1, first grant will be in 'HIRE YEAR +1' and potential payout will occur in 'HIRE YEAR + 4'. Employee Well-Being- $500.00 empower points 401K- Employer match contribution: 100% on the first 4% of pay contributed, 50% on the next 4% of pay contributed. If employee puts in 8% the company will match 6%. 100% vested day 1. Employee Share Purchase Plan- Employees can purchase common shares of company stock and can invest between 1% and 10% of their annual base pay. Company contributes 10% of the employee’s contribution. Retirement Plan- Employer funded cash balance defined benefit plan. Annual 7% compensation credit plus an annual interest credit based on 30-year treasury rate. Fully vested at 3-years of service. Phone and Internet- Company will provide a monthly payment to eligible employee: $90 for mobile voice and data services. $40 for home internet service. This will be split up into 2 pay periods per month. Blue Cross Blue Shield of MI- 2 options to select from, Premier PPO and PPO. Prescription drug included with medical plan. Delta Dental of MI- See benefits at a glance for more details. Vision Flexible Spending Account- FSA Short-Term, Long-Term Disability- Employer provided. Basic Life and AD&D

This is a hybrid position in Des Moines,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 11, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.