Transmission Line (TLine) Engineer/Manager

The Organization

Grid United is a mission driven company aiming to solve the largest barrier to a more reliable, resilient and affordable grid by developing new long haul electric transmission lines in the United States. Established in 2021 by proven industry leaders, Grid United is developing utility-scale electric multi-state transmission projects that will provide long-term economic benefits to communities across the country, provide Americans with improved grid resiliency for our homes and businesses, and cost savings for electricity consumers.

More information about the company can be found at www.gridunited.com

The Position

Grid United is a mission-driven company aiming to solve the largest barrier to a more reliable rid by developing new long-haul transmission lines in the United States. Many of the projects include transformational, grid-connecting lines that use high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology. Grid United has created a purpose-built team of motivated and entrepreneurial talent and is looking to expand its transmission line engineering team. This is an exciting opportunity to help Grid United manage project design from early-stage development through construction; this role will work on development projects, with exposure to early and late-stage development through detailed design. This role would report to the Vice President of Engineering.

The position is optionally remote or located in-office in Houston, TX. The expected travel for this position is up to 25%.

Please apply if you possess 70% or more of the required skills described below. The exact level, title, and responsibilities of the role may vary depending on the experience level of the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities & Outcomes:

• Lead design activities for major transmission line projects by collaborating with internal resources, managing external engineering consultants, and interfacing with various project stakeholders.
• Lead planning of project design activities, including engineering scope, budget, and schedule.
• Review detailed design submittals and studies to ensure robust technical standards, compliance with permitting and land requirements, customer/financing requirements, and needs of execution team, proposing optimization opportunities when possible.
• Manage transmission structure engineering and testing, geotechnical investigations, and designs for encroachments and utility crossing agreements.
• Provide engineering support to other disciplines as needed for project development, permit support, landowner coordination and risk mitigation.
• Participate in field visits to assess site/route suitability and constructability.
• Engage with landowners, community members, and other stakeholders to convey technical components of projects.
• Stay informed about technical capabilities and advances in HVDC and transmission industry, sharing knowledge throughout the engineering team and organization.
• Utilize internal tools and market outreach to prepare and update project CAPEX estimates.
• Provide technical due diligence support such as fatal flaw analyses for early-stage development prospects and potential acquisition opportunities.
• Propose and implement lessons learned to support continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Develop and manage Requests for Proposals (RFPs), including contract management and the drafting and administration of Master Service Agreements (MSAs) and Service Orders (SOs) related to engineering scopes of work.

Desired Experience and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (civil, electrical, mechanical, or environmental) from an ABET-accredited program.
• 5+ years' experience managing transmission line engineering design. 8+ years preferred.
• Knowledge of overall design and construction process for transmission projects.
• Strong ambition to learn the cutting edge of the power industry and transmission development.
• A passion for collaborative, team-based work with a hands-on entrepreneurial approach to project development.
• Ability to work independently under minimal supervision and lead external teams.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships and work professionals from different disciplines.
• Exceptional organizational skills, including the ability to multi-task efficiently with constant regard for accuracy and quality.
• Adaptability and flexibility to manage deadline pressure, ambiguity, and project changes.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and projects to meet deadlines.
• Hard work ethic, persistence, and an ability to quickly grasp and understand new concepts.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including ability to interface with landowners and other project stakeholders to convey technical information.
• Proficiency with the following software:
  • Microsoft Office suite products (Excel, PowerPoint) - required
  • PLS-CADD required
  • ArcGIS Online - preferred
• Exceptional organizational skills, including the ability to multi-task efficiently with constant regard for accuracy and quality.
• Articulate speaker with the ability to lead public presentations.
• Strong writing skills, including both technical and persuasive writing.
• Ability to read and digest large amounts of information rapidly.
• Deep curiosity for all functional areas of development including commercialization, engineering, land acquisition, public outreach, and US state and federal regulations.
• Adaptability and flexibility to manage deadline pressure, ambiguity and uncertainty, and project changes.
• Strong computer and data management skills, including Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a small, nonhierarchical organization.
• Proactive and open to embracing new challenges.
• Positive, professional, and energetic team-oriented attitude.
• Embodies Grid United's core values of ingenuity, tenacity, humility, and grace.

What the Right Candidate Will Love about this Opportunity

• An organization dedicated to solving the ever changing Rubik's cube of high voltage transmission development in a fast paced, dynamic and innovative culture
• Working with a core group of dedicated and thoughtful colleagues.
• Working on a day-to-day basis with highly experienced and proven industry leaders
• Being empowered to play a leading role in delivering a large scale project that will materially change the energy future of America
• Working in an organization committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and having a positive social impact
• Excellent financial backing from leading energy investor with long term commitment, passion for energy, and an understanding and appetite to tackle the challenges of transmission development

Grid United is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, military/veteran status, or any basis prohibited by applicable law.

Grid United offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a competitive base salary and bonus incentive plan, long term incentive plan, health benefits, 401(k), and more.