Associate Engineer

ASSOCIATE ENGINEER – ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION CLOSEOUT REVIEW

At EKN Engineering, we solve challenging problems with innovative engineering and configurable software solutions. We use an engineering-first approach, combined with data-driven strategies, to improve overall compliance, risk management, and design accuracy tailored to the specific needs of each client.

With decades of experience in engineering, our team of over 170 professionals in Irvine, California is dedicated to building a safer and more efficient tomorrow through engineering and technological innovation.

Role Overview: The Associate Engineer must be capable of reviewing and approving post-construction closeout packages for electric transmission work, including validating that documentation supports completion and closeout requirements. This role is built for a candidate who can learn quickly, follow checklists, and write clean review comments. This is an office-based role; routine on-site work is not required. General Order 95 knowledge is a plus, and you can learn it on the job with guidance from the Lead Engineer.

Key Responsibilities

• Closeout Review Operations
• Review post-construction closeout packages and approve or return with clear comments and required corrections.
• Validate completeness using inspection reports, photo sets, redlines/as-builts, work descriptions, material records, and test/inspection documentation.
• Confirm submitted evidence matches the documented scope and supports close-out acceptance.
• Track assigned workload and meet daily and weekly review goals.

• Issue Identification & Escalation
  • Identify documentation gaps, inconsistencies, or quality concerns that prevent approval.
  • Screen for common General Order 95 triggers using basic rule awareness, and escalate when needed, including:
    • Rule 18 concepts (finding → corrective action → closure evidence)
    • Rules 37–39 basics (clearance/conflict indicators from photos, notes, or as-builts)
    • Rule 31.6 context for idle/abandoned facility removal packages

• Escalate complex calls to the Lead Engineer with a short write-up and the supporting evidence.
• Coordination & Communication
• Coordinate with project teams, inspectors, and construction support personnel to request missing information and resolve open items.
• Maintain direct written communication that explains what is missing and what is needed for approval.
• Participate in team meetings and accept coaching to improve technical judgment and review quality.

• Documentation & Tracking
• Maintain accurate tracking of review status, comments, resubmittals, and approvals.
• Document review decisions so they are easy to follow for audit and handoff.
• Follow established checklists and templates to produce consistent reviews.

Required Qualifications

• Degree in engineering, construction management, or other technical discipline preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• 0–3 years of experience in utilities, transmission, construction, inspection support, QA/QC, or documentation/closeout work preferred.
• Interest in learning General Order 95 and applying it to evidence-based closeout decisions.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, Word, and basic PDF markup tools; comfort working in document management systems.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to make evidence-based “approve / reject / needs more info” recommendations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams both internally and externally.
• Strong ethics, interpersonal skills, and willingness to take accountability for results.

Why Join Us:

At EKN Engineering, you’ll be part of a company that values innovation and accountability and supports our employees' professional growth and personal development. Here, you’ll work with teams that push the boundaries of engineering to create solutions that enhance our communities and the environment by making utilities safer.

Benefits & Perks 

• 100% Company-Paid Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance – Comprehensive coverage to support your health and well-being. 

• 401(k) with Company Match – We invest in your future with a dollar-for-dollar match on contributions. 

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – Set aside pre-tax dollars for qualified healthcare and dependent care expenses. 

• Exclusive Employee Discounts – Access our BenefitsHub for savings on travel, rental cars, hotels, theme parks, and more. 

• Monthly Catered Lunches & Daily Office Snacks – Enjoy a well-stocked kitchen and regular team meals to keep you fueled throughout the day. 

• Employee Engagement & Wellness – We value connection and balance. Our team enjoys a variety of events and activities throughout the year, including hiking outings, summer BBQs, sports games, holiday celebrations, and dedicated team-building days. 
• JOYA Health Membership – Access to over $1,000 in annual skin health and wellness benefits, including complimentary facials or peels, aesthetic service credits, priority skin cancer screenings, teledermatology services, and discounts on skincare products. 
• Wellness Perks & Support Programs – Access a variety of wellness resources including discounted gym memberships through One Pass, mental health and self-care tools via AbleTo and Calm, and monthly rewards for healthy activities through Rally.  

Public Warning: Recruitment Phishing Scam Impersonating EKN Engineering

EKN Engineering has become aware of a phishing scheme targeting individuals with fraudulent interview requests and job offers. EKN’s secure IT systems and private applicant information have not been compromised; scammers are impersonating EKN employees, using the company name and branding to mislead and engage potential job seekers in fake recruitment processes. Scammers might reference real job openings or describe fake opportunities that generally match individuals’ professional backgrounds, with the goal of establishing communication and eventually obtaining private financial information to defraud people. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Federal Trade Commission warn that employment scams such as this are a growing cyber threat. EKN urges anyone who is contacted about employment opportunities to exercise caution and know that:

• All communication from EKN Engineering will be from an EKN employee using the @eknengineering.com email domain. We do not use third-party recruiters.
• EKN Engineering recruiters will only schedule interviews for candidates who have applied for a position through our secure portal.
• No corporate or IT systems at EKN are affected by this scam. The scammers are using EKN’s logo and employee names to impersonate the company.
• You can directly contact us at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

EKN is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our community. We caution individuals to be vigilant in protecting personal data and vetting communication with new contacts from any company. Do not respond or provide any personal information if contacted by someone claiming to represent a company to which you did not submit a job application or profile. This scam can be perpetrated against any business and individuals who recognize and trust its name.

For information on EKN recruitment practices and policies, please visit our career page or email [email protected]. To report a scam, visit: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov//.