Independent Contractor Telecom Structural Engineer Jobs in Alabama

We are seeking an experienced Structural Engineer II/III with 5–10 years of experience in structural engineering design for electric utility substations, transmission infrastructure, or related power delivery projects. The ideal candidate will have expertise in the design and analysis of substation foundations, structural steel support systems, equipment foundations, and site-related structural components supporting transmission and distribution facilities. Experience with utility industry standards, foundation design, and structural analysis software is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural engineering design and analysis for new and existing electric substations ranging from distribution through transmission voltage classes.
• Develop design calculations, engineering reports, technical specifications, and construction drawings for equipment foundations, transformer foundations, steel support structures, bus support structures, dead-end structures, control house and enclosure foundations, oil containment structures, elevated platforms, and miscellaneous steel.
• Design and analyze foundation systems such as drilled pier, spread footing, mat slab, deep foundation, and others based on geotechnical recommendations.
• Prepare foundation loading criteria and evaluate existing foundations and structures for modifications, upgrades, and equipment replacements.
• Conduct site visits, field investigations, and constructability reviews to gather design information and verify existing conditions.
• Coordinate with physical substation, civil, geotechnical, transmission line, protection & control, and construction teams throughout project execution.
• Develop material takeoffs, quantity estimates, and engineering hour estimates for project planning and budgeting.
• Provide construction support, respond to field questions, review contractor submittals, and evaluate field changes.
• Perform structural inspections and condition assessments of existing substation structures and foundations and prepare written engineering reports.
• Support multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining schedules, budgets, and quality requirements.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related engineering discipline from an accredited institution.
• 5–10 years of structural engineering experience supporting utility, substation, transmission, or infrastructure projects.
• Working knowledge of reinforced concrete and structural steel design.
• Experience designing foundations for substation equipment, steel structures, control buildings, transformers, circuit breakers, bus supports, and dead-end structures.
• Familiarity with utility industry codes and standards including AISC, ACI, ASCE, IBC, NESC, and applicable client standards.
• Experience performing structural analyses using software such as STAAD Pro, RISA, SAP2000, or similar engineering analysis tools.

• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience supporting substation projects from 34.5 kV through 500+ kV transmission systems.
• Familiarity with drilled shaft foundations, transformer foundations, grounding interfaces, retaining walls, and site civil/structural coordination.
• Experience with structural assessments, remediation recommendations, and life-extension projects for existing substations.
• Knowledge of utility client standards and engineering quality control processes.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent technical writing and communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary project teams.
• Effective project coordination and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced utility environment.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and client service.

This position will be onsite for 4 days in the office with flexibility to work the 5th day remotely.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Birmingham, AL.

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $45.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Birmingham,AL.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 17, 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.