Senior Project Engineer

We are seeking a Project Engineer – Power & Utilities to support complex electric utility and energy infrastructure projects in Oakland, California. This role focuses on the engineering, design, and execution of underground transmission and substation projects within a regulated utility environment.

The Project Engineer will be responsible for delivering high-quality engineering solutions across multiple large-scale initiatives, supporting underground transmission systems, substation interfaces, and lifecycle coordination from design through construction and maintenance. This role requires strong technical expertise, stakeholder coordination, and hands‑on experience with utility standards, safety, and regulatory requirements.

This position is ideal for a Project Engineer with experience in power transmission, substations, and underground cable systems, who thrives in technically complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

• Manage and support large, highly complex underground transmission and substation projects from concept through execution
• Perform detailed engineering analyses and develop conceptual and detailed designs for underground transmission systems
• Provide technical solutions for complex issues related to underground cable systems and utility infrastructure
• Lead root cause analyses and recommend corrective actions for local and system-wide technical issues
• Serve as a technical representative and liaison with internal teams, external stakeholders, and regulatory bodies
• Develop and implement technical policies, procedures, standards, construction documents, and specifications
• Support integration of underground cable systems with substations, including GIS and AIS equipment, grounding systems, and protection/control coordination
• Coordinate closely with Asset Management, Standards, Operations, and Maintenance teams to ensure lifecycle continuity
• Support construction activities, resolve field issues, and coordinate material and design changes
• Ensure engineering deliverables align with safety, quality, cost, and schedule objectives

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution
• Up to 5 years of experience in engineering and design of underground transmission and substation systems within electric utility environments
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple underground transmission projects independently
• Strong technical knowledge of underground transmission cable systems, including:
• Pipe‑type and XLPE cable systems
• Systems rated 60kV, 115kV, 230kV and above
• Submarine cable systems and cathodic protection
• Sheath bonding systems and cable sequencing impedances
• Pulling tension and ampacity calculations
• Experience supporting construction coordination, material specifications, and issuance of construction drawings
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams
• Ability to work on‑site in Oakland, California
• Authorized to work in the United States

• Experience leading or mentoring engineering teams and overseeing design execution
• Experience developing cost‑effective engineering solutions and supporting technical negotiations
• Familiarity with emergency cable repair planning and maintenance operations
• Experience coordinating with Asset Management, Standards, and Maintenance organizations
• Active participation in industry associations or technical working groups
• Experience supporting substation interfaces, including:
• GIS and AIS switch gear integration
• Protection and control coordination

PTAG is a project management advisory and services consulting firm specializing in project management, project controls, and engineering services. We support major capital projects across power, utilities, energy, infrastructure, and industrial sectors—partnering with clients to deliver safe, efficient, and predictable project outcomes through strong governance and technical excellence.