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Lead Transmission Line Engineer

Leidos · Chicago, IL · $92,300–$166,850 a year · Full time

Posted May 4, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a team of engineers you directed on a transmission project. How did you check their work?

What they are checking: Whether they can lead and review a team's output, not just do the work themselves.

Tell me about a time a design problem showed up during construction. How did you resolve it?

What they are checking: Whether they support construction effectively and learn from field issues.

What would you do

A utility client moves the in-service date up by three months. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they can re-plan scope, staffing and risk and communicate honestly as a technical project manager.

A junior engineer's structure loading calculation looks off but they insist it's right. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can resolve technical disagreements by checking assumptions together and teaching.

How do you coordinate with environmental and permitting teams so routing decisions don't cause delays later?

What they are checking: Whether they integrate permitting constraints early across project phases.

About the work

Walk me through how you build and check a PLS-CADD model for a new 345 kV line.

What they are checking: Whether they can lead detailed line modeling and know the checks that catch modeling errors.

How do you apply NESC loading districts and clearance rules in transmission design?

What they are checking: Whether they know the code requirements that drive structure loads and safe clearances.

When would you use MFAD versus LPILE for a foundation design?

What they are checking: Whether they understand which foundation tool fits drilled piers under different loading conditions.

How do you design differently for an underground transmission project than an overhead one?

What they are checking: Whether they have breadth across both overhead and underground systems as the posting requires.

How have you used automation or digital tools to speed up transmission design?

What they are checking: Whether they can help apply AI, automation and digital platforms as the posting describes.

How do you prepare a bill of materials and procurement package so long-lead items don't delay the project?

What they are checking: Whether they plan around material lead times, a major risk on transmission projects.

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The full job description

As published by Leidos.

About Leidos Leidos is a Fortune 500™ company aimed at embracing and solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Through science and technology, Leidos makes the world safer, healthier and more efficient. Get familiar with Leidos Life , our program for employees to balance work & life. Job Description We are seeking a Lead Transmission Line Engineer who will manage a collaborative and dynamic team working in a fast- paced environment, solving challenging problems involved with electric transmission. The successful candidate will serve as a Lead Engineer and Project Manager on electric transmission line design projects of overhead and underground systems for some of the largest utilities in the country as well as regional utilities. The candidate will apply NESC, ASCE, ACI, NEC and other applicable standards in the engineering and design of all types of capital and maintenance projects from 34.5 kV to 500 kV. Additionally, the candidate will direct a team of engineers that regularly perform engineering analyses, PLS-CADD modeling, structure loading calculations, design structure framing and hardware assemblies, draft plans and specifications, and prepare bill of materials and procurement documents across project planning, engineering, environmental, permitting, and construction management phases. Successful candidate can expect a fast-paced, diverse work environment & flexible work hours/work arrangements as well as a manager and peers who will encourage career development and growth! This is a senior leadership role with primary responsibilities in client relations, staff management, proposal development, scope creation/change, project execution, and new business capture for the teams’ full book of work. This position offers the successful candidate direct report responsibilities and the opportunity to further develop an already growing engineering team. The successful candidate will be able to communicate clear expectations, goals, and vision; manage the performance of direct reports; motivate, coach and mentor skilled professionals; and appropriately delegate project work. The candidate must be capable to manage collaboration and positive team culture to achieve successful results. Job Functions • Direct multiple design teams simultaneously executing various projects and programs for multiple clients • Develop a team of engineers by training, coaching, and nurturing Leidos’ engineering talent • Supervise staff by approving timesheets and running the annual performance review process • Participate proactively as a member of the leadership team of the Transmission Line Section • Create responses to RFPs, RFIs, and RFQs from clients for new work including proposal creation and definition of scope of work • Possess a growth mindset to foster creative problem solving for our clients’ most complex issues • Promote continuous improvement to develop streamlined processes and tools that facilitate improvements to departmental technical resources via innovation and automation • Delegate tasks to staff, forecast and plan their future workload, and run recruiting activities to support aggressive growth goals • Drive the quality control process for the execution team to ensure the highest level of quality in all deliverables • Liaise with clients to maximize affinity, facilitate business development growth, and foster long-term relationship building • Manage the health of project portfolio by proactive project management in tracking scope, schedules, and budget with support from Leidos’ Project Management Office Required Education & Experience: • Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering; Civil Engineering is preferred • 10+ years of relevant experience in the design of electric utility transmission systems with a Bachelor’s, or 8+ years of such experience with a Master's degree • Expertise in PLS-CADD and PLS-POLE • Work effectively in team environment; can also work independently • Track record of outstanding communication to serve as primary point of contact for existing and perspective clients • Business acumen with a record of understanding and meeting key project performance metrics • Working onsite in Leidos or client office is a possibility; some periodic travel may be required • Ability and passion to develop staff through mentoring Desired Experience: • 2+ years of supervising staff • M.S. degree in Structural Engineering • Experience with TOWER • EIT or PE certification • Experience with LPILE or FAD, Mathcad, AutoCAD or MicroStation, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a plus Work Location: Chicago (IL) or Detroit (MI) for hybrid, or Indianapolis (IN) or Columbus (OH) for fully remote. No two career paths will ever look the same. At Leidos , we know the most talented and diverse engineering professionals will always have a multitude of career choices; your time at Leidos will be a wise investment in your career and in yourself. Protect yourself and your family, with the benefits of working for a world-class employer. When you join Leidos, you join a Fortune 500 company and one of Ethisphere Institute’s “World's Most Ethical Companies”. PowerDelivery PDSTLINE If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares. Original Posting: April 30, 2026 For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above. Pay Range: Pay Range $92,300.00 - $166,850.00 The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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