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Utility Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Underground Utility Locator (SUE)

Nashville, TN · Hybrid

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

HMB Professional Engineers is seeking an Underground Utility Locator to join our team and help us expand our SUE capabilities. The right candidate will have 5+ years of experience in locating ...

Project Engineer - Substation

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$89K - $114K/yr

Project Engineer - Substation Every moment of every day, people all over the world rely on ... Review projects to verify compliance with QISG and utility specifications and standards, including ...

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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 25, 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:
Infographic showing various Utility Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,839 per year, or $42.2 per hour.
Underground Utility Locator (SUE)

Underground Utility Locator (SUE)

Trilon

Nashville, TN • Hybrid

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

HMB Professional Engineers is seeking an Underground Utility Locator to join our team and help us expand our SUE capabilities. The right candidate will have 5+ years of experience in locating underground utilities using a variety of locating methods. This position will be part of our Utility Coordination Team and will be cross trained to develop other skills within the group.
  • Locate, identify, and map location and depths of utilities (underground and overhead)
  • Operate detection equipment to locate and mark underground facilities
  • Perform QA/QC checks
  • Perform assignments under the direction of the Utilities Group Manager and assists as needed 
  • Coordinate and work with survey field crews and other office staff
  • Additional duties as assigned

  • Experience with vLoc Series 2 Locator (or similar) or ground penetrating radar
  • 5+ years of experience in utility locating
  • Ability to read and interpret utility maps and prints to identify underground utilities
  • Familiar with 811 and contacts associated with utilities
  • Willing to be cross trained as a member of the Survey Field Team
  • The ability to stand and walk for long periods of time, to bend and stoop, and to lift heavy items is essential; it is also sometimes necessary to enter manholes
  • Available to travel as needed, Monday - Friday 
  • Occasional night work may be required
  • Willing and able to work outdoors in various weather conditions
  • Self-motivated with little or no supervision
  • Valid driver's license
  • High School Diploma, or G.E.D. equivalent
  • Successful completion of a criminal background check and drug screening

  • Excellent compensation package
  • Flexible work schedule
  • Ability to work hybrid work schedule
  • Competitive holiday and paid-time-off programs
  • 401(k) Plan and Match
  • Competitive health, vision and dental insurance premiums
  • Company-furnished life insurance
  • Short and Long-term Disability
  • Parental Leave
  • Variety of voluntary benefit options
  • Employee Assistant Program (EAP)
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • and More
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