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Utility Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

The Utilities Engineer will oversee project management by developing and executing short- and ... This role will drive plant utility efficiency and sustainability efforts by managing and providing ...

The engineer provides support to six operating units (water plant, wastewater plant, water ... Prepares plans, contracts, and/or specifications for various Utility projects under the supervision ...

Utility Locator

Nashville, TN · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Experience with Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) is preferred * Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) experience required * Must have a valid driver's license and be insurable Physical ...

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Utility Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$31.8K

$87.8K

$151.6K

How much do utility engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for utility engineer in Tennessee is $87,839.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,900.00 and $107,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Utility Engineer Do?

A utility engineer is a civil engineer who works for a utility company, such as a water, gas, or electric company. Their job duties are to design, implement, and maintain utility infrastructures, such as water or gas mains, electrical grids, and other types of delivery systems. Qualifications for a utility engineer include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in civil engineering or a related field of engineering and experience. Professional certification is available. Problem-solving and leadership skills are important in this career.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. High-level roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes professional certifications or advanced degrees.

What are Utility Engineers?

Utility Engineers are professionals responsible for designing, maintaining, and overseeing the infrastructure systems that deliver essential services such as water, electricity, gas, and telecommunications. They ensure these utility systems operate efficiently, safely, and in compliance with regulations. Utility Engineers may work for utility companies, government agencies, or private consulting firms, and their roles often involve project management, system upgrades, troubleshooting, and field inspections. Their expertise is critical for supporting the infrastructure that communities and businesses rely on daily.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Utility Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Utility Engineer, you need a solid background in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering, often supported by a bachelor's degree and a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with CAD software, GIS systems, and utility-specific modeling tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving, project management, and teamwork skills help you excel in coordinating with stakeholders and addressing complex infrastructure challenges. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable utility systems that meet regulatory and community needs.

Is 40 too late to be an engineer?

Utility engineering is a field open to individuals of various ages, and starting a career at 40 is possible with relevant skills, certifications, and experience. Many engineers successfully transition into the profession later in life, often bringing valuable perspectives and expertise. Continuous learning and gaining industry-specific knowledge can help establish a successful career regardless of age.

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

Utility engineers and electrical engineers typically earn salaries below $500,000 annually, with top executives or specialized consultants sometimes reaching higher income levels. Achieving such a salary usually requires advanced roles, extensive experience, or working in high-paying industries or locations, often supplemented by bonuses or profit sharing.

What do utility engineers do?

Utility engineers design, maintain, and optimize systems that provide essential services such as water, electricity, and gas. They analyze infrastructure, troubleshoot issues, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards, often using tools like CAD software and requiring technical certifications. Their work environment typically involves field inspections and office planning, with schedules that may include shifts or on-call duties.

What is the difference between Utility Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectUtility EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, often with certifications in facilities or utility managementBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering; licensure may be preferred
Work EnvironmentFacilities, power plants, utility systems within industrial or commercial sitesDesign, manufacturing, or maintenance settings involving mechanical systems
Industry UsageCommon in utility companies, industrial plants, and large facilitiesWidespread across manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and HVAC industries

Utility Engineers focus on maintaining and optimizing utility systems like power, water, and HVAC within facilities, while Mechanical Engineers design and analyze mechanical systems across various industries. Both roles require engineering degrees, but their work environments and specific responsibilities differ significantly.

What are some common challenges Utility Engineers face when coordinating projects across multiple departments?

Utility Engineers often work on projects that require input and collaboration from various departments such as operations, maintenance, environmental compliance, and construction. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication and alignment of project goals, schedules, and regulatory requirements among these diverse teams. Utility Engineers must be proactive in facilitating meetings, managing documentation, and addressing any conflicts or misunderstandings that arise. Developing strong organizational and interpersonal skills is essential to successfully navigate these challenges and keep projects on track.
What are the most commonly searched types of Utility Engineer jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Utility Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Utility Engineer jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Utility Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Utility Engineer jobs in TN? For Utility Engineer jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Electrical Utility Engineer - Energy & Utility Infrastructure

Electrical Utility Engineer - Energy & Utility Infrastructure

Gresham Smith

Knoxville, TN

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

About Us

At Gresham Smith, we call it Genuine Ingenuity. Our culture is the cornerstone of who we are, and our people are at the heart of everything we do. United by our Core Purpose—to plan, design, and consult to create healthy and thriving communities—we deliver innovative solutions for life’s essential infrastructure and institutions.

What sets us apart is our dedication to care for our people, our clients, and the places we call home. We are more than a team of professionals—we’re a community built on commitment, integrity, respect, and teamwork.

Why Gresham Smith?

When you join Gresham Smith, you’re joining a place where you can connect and thrive. Our employees consistently recognize us as a Best Place to Work because we go above and beyond to ensure that you feel valued, supported, and empowered.

About You

We’re looking for someone who has:

  • Detailed knowledge of National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) requirements
  • Experience with power utilization equipment including switchgear, protective relays, breakers, transformers, motors, and generators
  • Familiarity with DOT plans production and procedures
  • Computer-Aided Drafting experience; proficiency with MicroStation and/or Open Roads Designer is a plus
  • A bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE), Mechanical Engineering (BSME), or a related field from an accredited four-year college or university
  • 5 to 10 years of experience in high voltage overhead and underground electrical utility distribution (13 kV to 46 kV), and transmission (69 kV to 161 kV) line design
  • Registered Professional Engineer (PE) license, or ability to become registered within 12 months; willingness to pursue licensure in other states
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Experience working in the utility industry

Most importantly, you bring genuine curiosity, creativity, and a collaborative spirit—someone who wants to do great work with great people.

About the Role

As an Electric Utility Engineer, you will:

  • Perform distribution and transmission line engineering, including detailed design for high voltage line projects up to 161 kV
  • Prepare, review, and provide guidance on engineering deliverables for electric distribution and transmission projects, including line routing, structure selection and design, plan and profile drawings, hardware and conductor selection, equipment and construction specifications, and related calculations
  • Design utility relocation plans for highway construction projects, including those funded by State DOTs
  • Support other electrical design efforts, such as substation design and studies (Arc Flash, system, capacitor, grounding), and provide design support for electrical power supply elements in street lighting and traffic signal projects

Your work will directly contribute to shaping environments where people live, work, and thrive, all while growing your career within a supportive, people-first culture.

Join Us

If you’re excited to bring your talents to a collaborative, people-first environment where you can make an impact while growing your career, we’d love to hear from you.

Here’s what you can expect:

Professional Growth: In-house Learning, Tuition Reimbursement, Licensure Support, Professional Organization Engagement.

Culture that Cares: 93% of employees say they feel cared for, and 96% are confident in our future success.

Competitive Benefits:

  • Flexible Schedules & Generous PTO
  • Healthcare (Medical, Dental, Vision, Wellness Programs)
  • 401(k) with Company Match
  • Short- & Long-term Disability, Paid Life & AD&D
  • Supplemental, Critical Care, Pet, Legal & ID Theft Insurance
  • Family Planning and Parental Leave
  • Mass/Public Transit Program
  • Telemedicine and Employee Assistance Program

Gresham Smith is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate. Everyone is invited to apply!

GRESHAM SMITH does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, headhunters, search firms, or agencies. No referral or recruiter fees will be paid without a fully executed GRESHAM PLACEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT (PSA) in advance. Submissions made without a PSA may be recruited and hired by GRESHAM SMITH with no financial obligation to the submitting party. Any such unsolicited resumes or candidate information sent to hiring managers or any employee becomes the property of GRESHAM SMITH.