About this opportunity
Mesa Associates, Inc. lists this Principal Structural Engineer - Transmission Lines opportunity in chattanooga, Tennessee. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
PDT - Structural / Power Delivery Transmission and Distribution
Disclaimer : Be cautious and only respond to emails from our “mesainc.com” domain. We will never ask for sensitive information, such as bank account details, SSN, etc., via email. If you receive any communication asking for such information, it is not from Mesa. For any concerns, or to verify the authenticity of a message, please contact us through our official channels.
We’ve got the power to energize Your career and spark YOUR Work/Life Balance through professional development and exceptional benefits. Don’t delay, plug in today for an inclusive meaningful career in power, distribution, transmission, engineering, design, technology, or innovation at Mesa Associates, Inc.
We are seeking a Principal Transmission Structural Engineer with advanced expertise in the analysis, design, evaluation, and modification of transmission poles, towers, and foundations. This role requires mastery of both historical and modern materials, including legacy wood species, historic steel grades, early concrete mixes, and today’s high‑strength steels, composites, and advanced foundation systems.
You will serve as a senior technical authority, guiding complex structural work, mentoring engineers, and ensuring the highest standards of quality, reliability, and safety across transmission projects.
Key Responsibilities
Lead structural analysis and design of steel poles, wood poles, lattice towers, guyed towers, and specialty structures .
Apply deep knowledge of historic and current materials , including:
Legacy wood species, preservative treatments, and degradation patterns
Historic steel grades, fabrication methods, weld types, and corrosion behavior
Modern high‑strength steels, weathering steels, composite poles, 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.
Knowledge of additional Design Software: STAAD Pro, RISA 3D, AutoCad, Inventor, Solidworks.
Manual Calculation Packages: (Excel, MathCad)
Design of bridges, access roads, and impacts of other underground utilities.
Transmission Foundations
Engineer drilled shafts, spread footings, rock anchors, micropiles, and hybrid foundation systems .
Apply expert understanding of historic foundation materials and construction methods , including early concrete mixes, legacy reinforcement practices, and timber foundations.
Design modern foundation systems using high‑performance concrete, composite reinforcement, and advanced anchoring technologies. (Ensoft Suite, FAD Tools Suite)
Review and approve foundation packages for accuracy, compliance, and constructability.
Design of retaining wall structures to mitigate soil erosion/stabilization.
Technical Leadership & Quality
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.
Opportunities to present at industry conferences and publish white papers.
Client & Project Engagement
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.
Required Qualifications
Structural Engineer (SE) License in California and Illinois (required).
SE licensure in additional states requiring SE for transmission structural work (preferred).
Four‑year ABET engineering degree (Civil or Structural strongly preferred).
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 7 – Environmental loads and load combinations
ASCE 11 – Steel transmission structures (historic and modern)
NESC – Transmission line loading and safety
TIA‑222 – Antenna supporting structures and attachments
MOP‑74 – Transmission structure loading and reliability
MOP‑160 – Wood pole behavior and inspection
MOP‑161 – Steel pole behavior and inspection
Applicable state structural codes
Preferred: Familiarity with ASCE 113 for substation structures.
Preferred Attributes
Recognized subject‑matter expertise in transmission structural engineering.
Experience with wildfire hardening, resiliency programs, and emergency response engineering.
Strong communication skills and ability to influence clients and mentor engineers.
Desire to shape a growing practice and leave a lasting technical legacy.
Why Join Us
High‑Impact Leadership: Direct influence on structural standards, innovation, and engineering culture.
Complex, Meaningful Work: Engage in challenging transmission programs nationwide.
Technical Excellence Culture: Work with engineers who value rigor, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Flexibility: Remote/hybrid options with travel as needed.
Competitive Compensation: Industry‑leading salary, bonuses, 401(k) match, comprehensive benefits, and professional development support.
Paid Time Off
Holiday Pay – 10 Annually
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
Annual Salary Range:
$149,184.17 - $179,932.39
The expected compensation is a range determined by factors including but not limited to education, experience, and qualifications of the candidate, internal equity, work location, and hiring department’s fiscal resources.
Notice to External Search Firms: Mesa Associates, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be obligated to pay a placement fee for unsolicited resumes. Mesa Associates, Inc. Talent Acquisition engages with approved search firms directly for specific hiring needs.
Licenses & Certifications
Prof Engineering (PE)
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Worksite address
chattanooga, TN, 37450, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.