Remote Utility Pole Inspector Jobs in California

E2 Consulting Engineers, LP (E2) is a professional services firm established in 1988 specializing in a full spectrum of engineering services including, project engineering and design, federal base operations and infrastructure support services, gas pipeline construction and inspection services, environmental consulting and remediation, and information technology services. At E2, we value safety, innovation and collaboration, and we are dedicated to excellence.

E2 is seeking a Pipeline / Instrumentation & Controls Principal Engineer to support natural gas utility and energy infrastructure projects throughout Southern California. This position will support the planning, design, execution, and commissioning of pipeline, distribution regulator station, gas control, automation, and remote monitoring projects. The engineer will work directly with clients, project managers, design teams, construction personnel, equipment vendors, and other stakeholders to develop practical engineering solutions that meet project requirements, applicable codes, client standards, and operational needs. The candidate will have experience in natural gas pipeline systems, pressure regulation, process and mechanical design, field instrumentation, control systems, SCADA integration, or related utility infrastructure.

• Coordinate directly with clients, project managers, operations personnel, and other stakeholders to identify project needs, define design requirements, and support successful project execution.
• Develop project scoping documents, design criteria, engineering work plans, technical memoranda, proposals, and cost and schedule estimates.
• Support the design and modernization of natural gas transmission and distribution facilities, including pipelines, distribution regulator stations, pressure control systems, metering facilities, and related infrastructure.
• Develop engineering designs for the installation of gas control, automation, and real-time remote monitoring equipment at existing and new facilities throughout Southern California.
• Prepare designs involving pressure, flow, and temperature transmitters; gas detection equipment; remote control valves; control valves; flow meters; pressure regulators; programmable logic controllers; remote terminal units; control panels; and communications equipment.
• Support the design of electrical power, conduit, cabling, grounding, communications, and control infrastructure associated with instrumentation and automation improvements.
• Develop and review pipeline routing, station layouts, piping modifications, equipment arrangements, valve configurations, tie-in details, and related mechanical design documents.
• Perform process and hydraulic calculations, pressure-drop evaluations, equipment sizing, valve sizing, relief-system evaluations, and other engineering calculations.
• Evaluate existing facility conditions and determine modifications required to accommodate new equipment, instrumentation, controls, piping, electrical systems, and communications infrastructure.
• Prepare and review engineering drawings and documents, including:
  • Process Flow Diagrams
  • Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams
  • Plot plans and equipment layouts
  • Pipeline alignment and profile drawings
  • Instrument loop diagrams
  • Control schematics and wiring diagrams
  • Cause-and-effect matrices
  • Control narratives and philosophies
  • Shutdown and alarm philosophies
  • Instrument indexes and I/O lists
  • Equipment, valve, and line lists
  • Demolition and construction drawings
• Prepare and review technical specifications and data sheets for instrumentation and mechanical equipment, including control valves, pressure safety valves, regulators, meters, transmitters, analyzers, separators, filters, pressure vessels, heat exchangers, pumps, and compressors.
• Develop control narratives, alarm setpoints, shutdown logic, interlocks, and operating sequences in coordination with operations, gas control, SCADA, and automation teams.
• Coordinate SCADA integration requirements, communications architecture, point mapping, alarm configuration, and data exchange between field equipment and remote monitoring systems.
• Support point-to-point verification, loop checks, functional testing, factory acceptance testing, site acceptance testing, startup, commissioning, and performance testing.
• Participate in field investigations, site walks, constructability reviews, design reviews, and project meetings.
• Review existing drawings, records, survey information, inspection reports, and field conditions to confirm design assumptions and identify potential project constraints.
• Coordinate with civil, structural, electrical, mechanical, pipeline, corrosion, survey, environmental, permitting, land, right-of-way, construction, and operations teams.
• Support cathodic protection, electrical isolation, grounding, bonding, and corrosion-control coordination where pipeline or instrumentation improvements may affect existing systems.
• Identify constructability concerns, operational impacts, outage requirements, temporary operating conditions, tie-in constraints, and commissioning needs.
• Prepare requests for quotation, evaluate vendor proposals, respond to technical clarifications, and prepare technical bid evaluations and equipment recommendations.
• Review vendor drawings, calculations, data sheets, specifications, test reports, and operation and maintenance documentation.
• Respond to requests for information, submittals, design comments, field questions, and technical issues arising during construction.
• Evaluate design changes and field conditions and prepare engineering revisions, technical recommendations, and change-order documentation as needed.
• Provide technical direction to designers, engineers, contractors, consultants, vendors, and other project team members.
• Prepare and maintain project budgets, schedules, forecasts, progress reports, and cost and schedule tracking documentation.
• Participate in project planning sessions, risk reviews, constructability reviews, and interdisciplinary design reviews.
• Perform quality assurance and quality control reviews of calculations, drawings, specifications, reports, and other engineering deliverables.
• Confirm that engineering deliverables comply with applicable client standards, project requirements, codes, regulations, and accepted engineering practices.
• Manage assigned engineering tasks and coordinate activities necessary to meet project scope, budget, schedule, and quality objectives.
• Maintain effective communication and professional relationships with clients, project teams, vendors, and construction personnel.
• Support proposal development, client presentations, business development activities, and the pursuit of new utility and energy infrastructure projects.
• Train, develop, and mentor junior engineers and designers, including preparing technical guidance and training materials.
• Promote a strong safety culture and incorporate operational and construction safety into engineering decisions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline from an accredited institution.
• 10+ years of engineering experience supporting natural gas utilities, pipelines, process facilities, instrumentation and controls, automation, or related energy infrastructure.
• California Professional Mechanical Engineer license required.
• Experience with natural gas transmission or distribution systems, regulator stations, metering facilities, process piping, or pipeline facility design.
• Experience preparing or reviewing engineering calculations, drawings, specifications, data sheets, and technical reports.
• Working knowledge of applicable codes and standards, which may include ASME B31.8, ASME B31.3, API, ANSI, ISA, NFPA, NEC, and applicable federal, state, and local pipeline safety requirements.
• Understanding of engineering design development from initial scoping and field investigation through detailed design, construction support, startup, and project closeout.
• Ability to interpret Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams, process flow diagrams, electrical schematics, control drawings, pipeline drawings, and vendor documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and coordinate work across several engineering disciplines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and other standard business applications.
• Ability to travel to project sites, client offices, and in-person meetings as dictated by project requirements.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting Southern California natural gas or electric utility projects.
• Experience with distribution regulator station automation, remote monitoring, gas control, or SCADA projects.
• Experience with RTUs, PLCs, HMIs, control panels, industrial communications, telemetry systems, and instrumentation.
• Experience with control valve sizing, regulator sizing, relief-device sizing, hydraulic calculations, or pipeline capacity evaluations.
• Experience developing control narratives, cause-and-effect matrices, shutdown logic, alarm setpoints, instrument indexes, and I/O lists.
• Experience with field startup, commissioning, point-to-point verification, loop checks, functional testing, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with AutoCAD, AutoCAD Plant 3D, Civil 3D, Bluebeam, or comparable design and document-review software.
• Experience with HYSYS, ProMax, Synergi Gas, PRO/II, or comparable process and hydraulic modeling software.
• Experience working for an engineering consulting firm, utility, or engineering, procurement, and construction organization.
• Experience managing engineering scope, budgets, schedules, forecasts, and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Experience preparing proposals, scopes of work, labor estimates, and change-order documentation.
• Experience coordinating with construction contractors, equipment vendors, operations personnel, and field technicians.
• Familiarity with Southern California utility infrastructure are preferred.

E2 Consulting Engineers, LP offers an excellent benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, 401(k) with employer match, paid time off.

Salary range for this position is $140,000 - $180,000/yr. The starting salary will be commensurate with skill, education, experience, and working environment.

Work Environment

This position operates in a professional office environment and may include a hybrid or remote work arrangement depending on project and client requirements. The role routinely uses standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and engineering software. The position also requires periodic work at active utility facilities, construction sites, industrial facilities, and other field locations. Field conditions may include uneven terrain, outdoor weather, noise, dust, operating equipment, and required personal protective equipment.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to sit/stand for up to 8 hours per day.
• Ability to move freely for up to 8 hours per day.

E2 Consulting Engineers, LP is a Drug Free Workplace. After accepting an offer of employment, applicants may be required to undergo background checks, drug testing, and/or fit-for-duty physical examination.  Drug screens will include, but not be limited to, Amphetamines, Cocaine Metabolites, Marijuana Metabolites (THC), Opiates, and Phencyclidine (PCP). As a federal contractor, E2 cannot permit employees in certain positions to use medical marijuana, even if prescribed by an authorized physician.

Please no solicitation of any kind from agencies, staffing, or recruiting firms.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.