How Do I Become a Transmission Line Engineer?

Transmission line engineers design wire or fiver cables that transmit wave frequencies. To become a transmission line engineer you will need to have at least a bachelor's degree in engineering. In addition to designing transportation cables, you may be required to troubleshoot line issues or research improvements to make transmission more efficient. A degree in electrical engineering with an emphasis on circuit theory and transmission line fundamentals will prepare you to become a transmission line engineer. This is a high salaried position and some companies may require that you have a master's degree along with prior experience in the field.

Some undergraduate programs are only able to teach the fundamentals of the profession whereas a master's program may provide you with the in-depth knowledge needed to be a transmission line engineer. Your coursework should focus on electric grid operations, electrical aspects of line design, and power systems analysis. In addition to introductory courses, you should also consider enrolling in courses such as system automation, substation design, system protection, and underground system design. Many of these courses may have laboratory sessions that can also be helpful to prepare you to become a transmission line engineer.

Once you have completed your introductory coursework and several advanced classes, you may want to apply to an internship in your field. Experience is generally required for this career and you should get an early start on training opportunities. An internship may allow you to work under senior employees and practice cabling, installation, and repair. In addition to daily tasks, you may be able to assist in designing transmission lines. Although additional experience may be required to become a transmission line engineer, internships can equip you with the basic hands-on skills needed to pursue a career in this field.

This profession is constantly changing; to become a transmission line engineer you will need to remain up-to-date on modern innovations in this field. Aside from researching trade magazines and other literature in this field, you may want to attend workshops and seminars on the evolving technology of transmission lines. Several places that you may want to seek employment are power companies, telecommunication firms, and other utility companies. You may also want to inquire about employment from your internship supervisors and professors. Some locations may require that you are a certified engineer and you should research all local requirements before seeking employment in this field.