Application Guide

How to Apply for Transmission and Distribution Civil Engineer - Remote (U.S.)

at AECOM

🏢 About AECOM

AECOM is a global leader in infrastructure consulting, known for delivering sustainable and innovative solutions that build legacies. Working here means contributing to projects that shape communities and the environment, with a strong emphasis on technical excellence and collaboration. The company's commitment to remote flexibility for this role allows for a unique work-life balance while tackling complex engineering challenges.

About This Role

As a Transmission and Distribution Civil Engineer at AECOM, you'll be at the forefront of designing and analyzing overhead transmission lines, ensuring reliable power delivery across the U.S. Your work directly impacts grid resilience and renewable energy integration, making a tangible difference in modern infrastructure. This role offers the chance to own project lifecycle activities from concept to construction support, blending technical design with field engagement.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with a team check-in via video call to review project milestones, then diving into PLS-CADD to model conductor sag for a new line segment. Midday, you could join a call with a client to discuss routing alternatives, followed by preparing a foundation design calculation. Afternoons often involve coordinating with drafters on plan/profile sheets and reviewing material specs for a construction package.

🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For

  • Proficient in PLS-CADD, PLS-POLE, and PLS-TOWER, with hands-on experience in structure loading, conductor sag/tension, and foundation design.
  • Deep knowledge of NESC and ASCE standards, able to ensure compliance in all designs and calculations.
  • Comfortable with field work, including site walks, creating sketches, and climbing ladders to inspect structures.
  • Strong collaborator who can coordinate across internal teams and external stakeholders to deliver construction-ready packages.

📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM

1

Highlight specific projects where you used PLS-CADD for transmission line routing or structure design, including the voltage level and terrain challenges.

2

Quantify your experience with foundation design (e.g., drilled piers, spread footings) and reference any cost-saving innovations you implemented.

3

Showcase your familiarity with NESC loading criteria by mentioning a specific code section you applied in a past project.

4

If you have experience with renewable energy interconnections (e.g., solar/wind farm tie-ins), emphasize it to align with AECOM's sustainability focus.

5

In your resume, include a section on field experience: describe a time you climbed a tower or conducted a site walk that informed design changes.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your proficiency with PLS-CADD and related software, with a concrete example of how you used it to optimize a design.', 'Your understanding of NESC and ASCE standards, and how you ensure compliance in your work.', 'Your ability to manage project lifecycle tasks, from scope and cost estimating to field support.', 'Your enthusiasm for remote work and how you stay productive and collaborative in a distributed environment.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Review AECOM's recent transmission projects, especially those involving renewable energy integration or grid modernization.
  • Understand AECOM's approach to sustainability and how it influences engineering decisions in the T&D sector.
  • Look into AECOM's remote work culture and tools they use for collaboration (e.g., Teams, project management software).
  • Familiarize yourself with any recent awards or recognitions AECOM has received for infrastructure projects.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through how you would design a transmission line in a mountainous region, including structure selection and foundation considerations.
2 Describe a time you had to coordinate with environmental or permitting stakeholders to revise a line route.
3 How do you ensure accuracy in your engineering calculations, especially when working remotely?
4 Explain your process for preparing a construction package, from plan/profile drawings to material specs.
5 Tell me about a challenging field condition you encountered and how you adapted the design.
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to mention specific software proficiency (PLS-CADD, etc.) – it's a must-have for this role.
  • Overlooking field requirements: not showing willingness or experience with climbing ladders and site walks can disqualify you.
  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't tie your experience to AECOM's sustainability mission or transmission focus.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to AECOM!