SOAR+E Lead

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good. Your impact The Siting, Outreach, Right-of-Way, and Environmental Lead will provide strategic leadership and technical oversight for a large-scale electrical transmission program in the eastern United States. This client-facing leadership role is responsible for integrating and overseeing the siting, stakeholder outreach, right-of-way (ROW) acquisition, and environmental permitting/compliance functions required to successfully deliver complex transmission projects from early development through construction and closeout. The SOAR+E Lead will collaborate closely with engineering, project controls, construction, permitting, land services, and program management teams to deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective transmission solutions for a major utility client. The position requires a very strong understanding of the full project lifecycle, exceptional leadership capabilities, and the ability to build and maintain trusted client relationships while identifying opportunities to grow the business. You will play a critical role in advancing one of the nation’s largest transmission infrastructure initiatives by ensuring that projects move efficiently through siting, stakeholder engagement, land acquisition, and environmental approval processes. This position combines technical expertise, program leadership, client partnership, and business growth responsibilities to deliver transformational energy infrastructure across the eastern United States. The preferred location for this position is within Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, West Virginia, or Virginia, though qualified candidates may be considered from other locations.

Key Responsibilities
Program and Project Leadership Provide executive-level leadership and oversight for siting, outreach, ROW, and environmental functions supporting a large electrical transmission portfolio. Lead integration across disciplines to ensure seamless delivery of end-to-end transmission projects. Serve as a key member of the program leadership team, partnering with engineering, project management, construction, and utility stakeholders. Establish strategies, processes, and best practices to support successful project execution. Identify risks, constraints, and opportunities and develop proactive solutions to maintain project schedules, budgets, and quality objectives. Discipline Oversight and Quality Control Provide oversight and direction to discipline leaders responsible for Transmission line and substation siting and routing Stakeholder and community outreach Right-of-way acquisition and land services Environmental permitting, regulatory compliance, and agency coordination Maintain final quality control responsibility for technical reports, permitting packages, stakeholder materials, land acquisition deliverables, and other project documentation Ensure deliverables meet client expectations, regulatory requirements, industry standards, and internal quality management procedures Support continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, consistency, and delivery performance Client Relationship Management and Business Growth Serve as a primary point of contact and trusted advisor for the utility client on siting, outreach, right-of-way, and environmental-related activities Build and maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication, responsiveness, and consistent delivery excellence Understand client priorities, challenges, and strategic objectives to support long‑term program success Identify and pursue opportunities for additional services, expanded project scopes, and business growth Team Leadership and Development Provide leadership, mentoring, and career development support to project managers, technical staff, and emerging leaders Oversee staffing needs, resource planning, workload balancing, and team performance Promote collaboration across disciplines and encourage a culture of accountability, innovation, and excellence Mentor junior and mid-level staff to develop technical and leadership capabilities Stakeholder and Regulatory Coordination Support effective engagement with landowners, communities, municipalities, tribal entities, and regulatory agencies Guide outreach strategies to build support and minimize project risks Oversee coordination with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies for environmental approvals and compliance Ensure alignment between permitting, siting, engineering design, land acquisition, and construction requirements. Here’s what you’ll need Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, planning, engineering, land management, natural resources, public administr