Principal Structural Engineer – Transmission Lines

Mesa Associates, Inc

. Lead structural analysis and design of steel poles, wood poles, lattice towers, guyed towers, and specialty structures .

Posted 9/21/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesLead💰 $149,184 - $179,932 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in structural analysis and design of transmission structures, including steel and wood poles, towers, and foundations. Proficient in utilizing advanced structural modeling tools and adhering to industry standards for structural integrity and compliance.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Structural Engineer (SE) License12–15+ Years Transmission Structural ExperienceProficiency with PLS-CADD and PLS-POLEStrong Understanding of ASCE StandardsRequired Professional Engineering (PE) Certification

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Structural AnalysisFoundation EngineeringTransmission DesignAdvanced Loading EvaluationsStructural ModelingDesign of Retaining WallsHistoric and Current Transmission MaterialsHigh-Performance Concrete DesignMicropile EngineeringJoint-Use Attachments

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsMentoring EngineersInfluencing ClientsProblem SolvingQuality Assurance

Tools & Technologies

PLS-CADDPLS-POLEL-PileMFADTOWER

Certifications & Qualifications

Structural Engineer (SE) License in CaliforniaStructural Engineer (SE) License in IllinoisProfessional Engineering (PE) Certification

Industry Keywords

Transmission StructuresNESCASCE 7ASCE 48ASCE 10Wildfire HardeningEmergency Response EngineeringLegacy Foundation SystemsComposite ReinforcementSoil Stabilization

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead structural analysis and design of steel poles, wood poles, lattice towers, guyed towers, and specialty structures
Apply expertise in historic and current transmission materials, including legacy wood, historic steel, modern high-strength steels, composites, and advanced coatings
Evaluate existing structures for upgrades, reconductoring, hardening, clearance improvements, and joint-use attachments
Perform advanced loading evaluations using NESC, ASCE 7, ASCE 48, ASCE 10, and utility-specific criteria
Conduct structural modeling using PLS-CADD, PLS-POLE, TOWER, and related tools
Review and approve structural packages prepared by others
Design bridges, access roads, and impacts of other underground utilities
Engineer transmission foundations including drilled shafts, spread footings, rock anchors, micropiles, and hybrid foundation systems
Design modern foundation systems using high-performance concrete, composite reinforcement, and advanced anchoring technologies
Review and approve foundation packages for accuracy, compliance, and constructability
Design retaining wall structures to mitigate soil erosion and stabilize soil
Serve as Engineer of Record for transmission structural and foundation packages across multiple states
Lead and mentor Senior Engineers, Engineers, and Engineering Associates
Establish and enforce structural QA/QC standards, calculation templates, and design methodologies
Identify quality issues, technical risks, and opportunities for improvement
Provide field support for construction issues and resolve concerns promptly
Present structural solutions to clients and stakeholders
Support project managers with scope development, schedule planning, and budget alignment
Participate in technical discussions, design reviews, and project strategy meetings

Requirements

What you’ll need

Structural Engineer (SE) License in California and Illinois (required)
Four-year ABET engineering degree (Civil or Structural strongly preferred)
Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering required
12–15+ years of progressively responsible transmission structural experience
Demonstrated expertise in transmission poles, towers, and foundation engineering
Deep understanding of historical and current transmission materials, including wood, steel, composites, and legacy foundation systems
Proficiency with PLS-CADD, PLS-POLE, L-Pile, MFAD, and other structural/foundation analysis tools
Strong understanding of ASCE 48, ASCE 10, ASCE 7, ASCE 11, NESC, TIA-222, MOP-74, MOP-160, MOP-161, and applicable state structural codes
SE licensure in additional states requiring SE for transmission structural work (preferred)
Familiarity with ASCE 113 for substation structures (preferred)
Experience with wildfire hardening, resiliency programs, and emergency response engineering
Strong communication skills and ability to influence clients and mentor engineers
Civil or Structural engineering education; Master's degree preferred
Required Structural Engineer / Professional Engineering (PE) certification

Benefits

Comp & perks

Paid Time Off
Holiday Pay – 10 Annually
Group Medical/Dental Insurance
Life Insurance (Company Paid)
Disability Insurance (Company Paid)
401(K) Retirement Savings Plan
401(K) Matching Contribution
Section 125 / Cafeteria Plan
Long Term Care Insurance
Tuition Reimbursement
Fitness Center Reimbursement
Annual Performance Bonus
FSA and HSA Options
9/80 Work Schedule
Professional development support
Opportunities to present at industry conferences and publish white papers
Remote/hybrid options with travel as needed