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Overhead Transmission Line Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

As our Transmission Line Engineer III, you will support our growing Overhead (OH) Electric Transmission practice. You will be part of a team working on routing, design, and execution of high voltage ...

As our Transmission Line Engineer III, you will support our growing Overhead (OH) Electric Transmission practice. You will be part of a team working on routing, design, and execution of high voltage ...

As our Transmission Line Engineer III, you will support our growing Overhead (OH) Electric Transmission practice. You will be part of a team working on routing, design, and execution of high voltage ...

Transmission Line Engineer II

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

As our Transmission Line Engineer II, you will support our growing Overhead (OH) Electric Transmission practice. You will be part of a team working on routing, design, and execution of high voltage ...

As our Transmission Line Engineer II , you will support our growing Overhead (OH) Electric Transmission practice. You will be part of a team working on routing, design, and execution of high voltage ...

As our Transmission Line Engineer II, you will support our growing Overhead (OH) Electric Transmission practice. You will be part of a team working on routing, design, and execution of high voltage ...

As our Transmission Line Engineer II , you will support our growing Overhead (OH) Electric Transmission practice. You will be part of a team working on routing, design, and execution of high voltage ...

As our Transmission Line Engineer II , you will support our growing Overhead (OH) Electric Transmission practice. You will be part of a team working on routing, design, and execution of high voltage ...

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Showing results 1-20

Overhead Transmission Line information

See California salary details

$61.2K

$120.5K

$166.8K

How much do overhead transmission line jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for overhead transmission line in California is $120,533.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,300.00 and $151,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an overhead transmission line?

Overhead transmission lines are high-voltage power lines that transport electricity across long distances using conductors suspended above the ground by towers or poles. These lines are a critical part of the electrical grid, carrying electricity from power plants to substations and, eventually, to homes and businesses. They are designed to minimize energy loss and maximize efficiency while withstanding environmental factors such as wind, rain, and ice. Proper maintenance and monitoring are essential to ensure their safe and reliable operation.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in overhead transmission line roles?

Professionals in overhead transmission line roles often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, managing the physical demands of climbing and handling heavy equipment, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. Collaboration with engineers, project managers, and field teams is essential, as projects typically involve coordination across multiple departments. Additionally, troubleshooting unexpected issues—like equipment failures or environmental obstacles—requires quick problem-solving and effective communication skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an overhead transmission line engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Overhead Transmission Line Engineer, you need expertise in electrical engineering principles, knowledge of transmission line design, and a relevant engineering degree, often supported by a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with industry-standard design software such as PLS-CADD, AutoCAD, and GIS systems, along with safety certifications, is typically required. Strong problem-solving, project management, and clear communication skills help you collaborate effectively with teams and stakeholders. These competencies are essential to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient design and maintenance of high-voltage transmission systems.

What is the difference between Overhead Transmission Line vs Overhead Distribution Line?

AspectOverhead Transmission LineOverhead Distribution Line
Primary FunctionTransmit high-voltage electricity over long distancesDistribute lower-voltage electricity to consumers
Voltage LevelTypically 69 kV and aboveUsually below 69 kV
Work EnvironmentHigh-voltage towers, outdoor, remote areasUrban/suburban areas, closer to consumers
Common CertificationsLineworker certifications, OSHA safety trainingLineworker certifications, safety training

Overhead Transmission Lines and Overhead Distribution Lines both involve outdoor electrical infrastructure, but they differ mainly in voltage levels and purpose. Transmission lines carry high-voltage electricity over long distances, while distribution lines deliver lower-voltage power directly to consumers. Understanding these differences helps clarify their roles within the power grid.

What are the most commonly searched types of Overhead Transmission Line jobs in California?

The most popular types of Overhead Transmission Line jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Overhead Transmission Line jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Overhead Transmission Line jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Overhead Transmission Line job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,533 per year, or $57.9 per hour.

Principal Engineer - Overhead Transmission Line

Del Mar, CA • On-site, Remote


Qualus
501 - 1,000 employees

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 450 rated engineering

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Position Overview

Power your future with Qualus as a Principal Overhead Transmission Line Engineer on our Transmission Design team. In this role you'll be designing and creating construction drawings for overhead transmission design projects for high voltage applications.

Responsibilities
  • Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in transmission line design, construction practices, and emerging industry technologies.
  • Provide technical guidance and quality assurance reviews for engineering deliverables, drawings, specifications, calculations, and reports.
  • Act as Engineer of Record when required and provide final technical approval for engineering deliverables.
  • Design overhead transmission lines in the 69kV to 500kV range.
  • Perform structural analysis and design and foundation designs.
  • Prepare and review technical specifications and drawings.
  • Conduct engineering analysis and simulations for transmission line design.
  • Mentor and train lower-level engineers and team members.
  • Perform independent reviews of work performed by others, including calculations, drawings, specifications, and transmission line models. 
  • Provide support to the project team during construction and installation.
  • Collaborate with other engineers and project managers to ensure project goals are met.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and regulations.
  • Perform field work as required to support design, construction, and commissioning activities.
  • Interface with clients, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure project success.
  • Participate in project meetings and provide technical support as required.
  • Review vendor submittals.
Minimum Qualifications
  • BS Degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Civil or related field) from an ABET-accredited school 
  • 15+ years of experience in overhead transmission line design
  • PE license required
  • Great computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office product applications, PLS-CADD, AutoCAD, MFAD or similar
  • Extensive knowledge with industry codes and standards such as NESC, ASCE, ACI, RUS, IEC, and IEEE
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
  • Great communication skills and the ability to effectively discuss technical recommendations with customers
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze complex problems and developing effective solutions at both strategic and functional levels
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment with high attention to detail.
  • Dedication to fostering learning and professional growth through mentorship, training and leading the next generation of engineers
  • Ability to travel up to 15% of the time
  • Must possess valid driver's license
Benefits & Compensation

Qualus benefits offered include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short and Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays, for those who qualify.

The final salary awarded for this role may vary from the above range based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs. The salary range provided in this job posting may be subject to change for business purposes.

Company Overview

Qualus is a leading pure-play power solutions firm and innovator at the forefront of power infrastructure transformation, with differentiated capabilities across grid modernization, resiliency, security, and sustainability. The firm partners with utilities, commercial, industrial, data center, and government clients, and renewable and energy storage developers, offering comprehensive solutions through boutique and integrated advisory, planning, engineering, digital solutions, program management, energy efficiency and specialized field services. Qualus also provides software and technology enabled services and develops breakthrough solutions for critical power industry challenges such as distributed and variable resource integration, emergency management, and secure data exchange. The firm has over 2,000 professionals, with offices throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We are committed to providing an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on any grounds protected by applicable human rights legislation across Canada and the US.

We are committed to a secure and transparent hiring process. We do not request payment or sensitive personal information, such as Social Security numbers or banking details, during the application process. Please use caution and verify opportunities through our official channels.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME


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