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Subsurface Utility Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

TERRACON

Engineering Technician I

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) experience * Minimum 3-5 years of utility locating experience ... Certification in field of expertise based on state specific requirements. * Valid driver's license ...

TERRACON

Engineering Technician I

Chattanooga, TN

Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) experience * Minimum 3-5 years of utility locating experience ... Certification in field of expertise based on state specific requirements. * Valid driver's license ...

HDR

Freight Rail Utility Coordinator

Memphis, TN · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

... Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) investigations, schedule, and submittals. * Perform utility records research, obtaining project utility company contacts, existing maps and plans, preparing ...

HDR

Freight Rail Utility Coordinator

Memphis, TN

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

... Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) investigations, schedule, and submittals. * Perform utility records research, obtaining project utility company contacts, existing maps and plans, preparing ...

Accura Engineering

SUE Technician

Nashville, TN · On-site

$19.25 - $26.25/hr

Perform subsurface utility investigations using ground-penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic ... Work closely with project managers, engineers, and other field staff to ensure accurate reporting ...

Accura Engineering

SUE Technician

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$19 - $26/hr

Perform subsurface utility investigations using ground-penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic ... Work closely with project managers, engineers, and other field staff to ensure accurate reporting ...

Accura Engineering

SUE Technician

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$18.25 - $24.75/hr

Perform subsurface utility investigations using ground-penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic ... Work closely with project managers, engineers, and other field staff to ensure accurate reporting ...

AECOM

SUE Field Supervisor

Nashville, TN

We offer a comprehensive suite of Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE), private utility locating, and services to our diverse customer base comprised of Engineering, Environmental, Utility, Surveying ...

AECOM

SUE Field Supervisor

Nashville, TN · On-site

We offer a comprehensive suite of Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE), private utility locating, and services to our diverse customer base comprised of Engineering, Environmental, Utility, Surveying ...

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Subsurface Utility Engineer information

How much do subsurface utility engineers make?

Subsurface Utility Engineers typically earn a median annual salary between $60,000 and $90,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in regions with high infrastructure development activity.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most subsurface utility engineers earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, highly experienced professionals with advanced certifications, extensive project management responsibilities, or working in senior leadership roles can potentially earn $500,000 or more per year. Such compensation is typically associated with senior-level positions in large firms or specialized consulting roles in the engineering industry.

What is a Subsurface Utility Engineer job?

A Subsurface Utility Engineer (SUE) is responsible for locating, mapping, and assessing underground utilities such as water, gas, electricity, and telecommunications. They use technologies like ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic detection to identify buried infrastructure and prevent conflicts with construction projects. SUEs help reduce risks, improve project efficiency, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Their work is essential in urban planning, civil engineering, and infrastructure development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Subsurface Utility Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Subsurface Utility Engineer, you need a strong background in civil engineering or surveying, a degree in a related field, and knowledge of underground utility location and mapping methods. Familiarity with geophysical surveying tools, GPS/GIS systems, utility designation standards, and certifications such as ASCE's UESI utility engineering credential are often required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective verbal and written communication distinguish top performers in this role. These capabilities are essential to ensure accurate utility mapping, minimize project risks, and facilitate collaboration with multidisciplinary project teams.

What are the typical challenges faced by Subsurface Utility Engineers in their daily work?

Subsurface Utility Engineers frequently encounter challenges such as interpreting incomplete or outdated utility records, working in congested urban environments, and addressing unforeseen underground conditions during excavation or construction planning. They must closely collaborate with utility owners, municipal agencies, and construction teams to gather accurate data and resolve conflicts. This role often requires adaptability and quick problem-solving, as unexpected situations can affect project timelines and safety. Successfully navigating these challenges ensures smoother project delivery and minimizes costly utility conflicts or service disruptions.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior subsurface utility engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in utility mapping, and certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) can earn $200,000 or more annually. High salaries are often associated with leadership roles, large project management, or working in high-cost-of-living areas.

What does a subsurface utility engineer do?

A subsurface utility engineer (SUE) identifies, maps, and manages underground utility lines to prevent conflicts during construction projects. They use specialized tools like ground-penetrating radar and utility locating equipment, and often hold certifications such as the ASCE SUE certification. Their work involves detailed data analysis and coordination with construction teams to ensure safety and project efficiency.
What are popular job titles related to Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs in Tennessee? For Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:
Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Subsurface Utility Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Subsurface Utility Engineering Party Chief

Subsurface Utility Engineering Party Chief

Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, Inc.

Knoxville, TN

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 hours ago

Job description

Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson is a dynamic, 100% employee-owned consulting firm with more than 2,800 professionals, providing a full range of multidisciplinary engineering, architecture, information technology, and related services to public agencies and private clients throughout the United States. JMT is currently ranked #45 on Engineering News-Record’s list of the Top 500 Design Firms.

Position Summary:  JMT is currently looking for an experienced SUE Party Chief to join the Underground Utilities, Land Surveying, and Mapping team in Knoxville, Tennessee!  

Immigration sponsorship or support (e.g. H1B, F-1 CPT/OPT/STEM OPT) is not available for this position, except for qualified candidates eligible for the TN visa classification.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

  • Participates in pre-survey planning meetings with project managers, engineers, and contractor representatives
  • Assigns and monitors work, and provides input for evaluation of members of field survey crew
  • Instructs and trains survey crew in survey and mapping methods, use of equipment, and field safety procedures
  • Completes daily report cards and field note sketches
  • Provides time estimates for specific tasks
  • Performs complex surveying calculations using calculator, computer, and coordinate geometry software such as AutoCAD

Nonessential Functions and Responsibilities

  • Perform other related duties as assigned

Required Skills
  • Must successfully complete and pass JMT's Motor Vehicle screening
  • Valid Driver’s License Required
  • Able to pass Background Check
  • Ability to lead project assignments
  • Team Attitude / Mindset
  • Must be able to fully comprehend and interpret roadway and utility construction plans, and utility record drawings
  • Use of multiple types of utility designating equipment
  • Good organizational, written, and verbal communications skills.
  • Knowledge of Vacuum Excavation and Ground Penetrating Radar equipment/procedures
  • Able to work outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Able to bend, kneel, lift and carry up to 50lbs as needed
  • Able to work 7:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday – Friday (Minimum)
  • Ability to travel required

Required Experience
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Minimum of five (5) years of experience in the successful application of multiple types of utility designating and locating equipment, with demonstrated ability to lead project assignments and supervise multiple crews
  • Land Surveying experience a plus

Working Conditions

Work is performed in the field 90% of the time. Ability to extensively perform bending, kneeling, standing, shoveling, and lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 50 lbs as needed. Work may be conducted outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions.

Work is performed within a general office environment 10% of the time. Office work is generally sedentary in nature, but may require occasional standing and walking. Lighting and temperature are adequate and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc. within the office environment.

Some travel required.

Some night shift work required.

Benefits

JMT offers outstanding opportunities for career and professional growth. We are 100% employee-owned (ESOP) and offer outstanding health care coverage and other benefits, including:

  • Affordable Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Company paid Life and Disability Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Caregiver Leave Program
  • 401K Retirement Plan (Traditional and Roth options)
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Career Development Programs
  • And more…
  • Benefits | JMT

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. 

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