Engineering the Future of Power and Energy with Transmission Line Services

Senior Transmission Line Engineer Ibrahim Huthman, P.E., shares insights into his career journey, a passion for mentorship, and his role in shaping Nexus’ Transmission Line Services. 

Can you tell us about your educational background and what led you to specialize in transmission line engineering?

I earned my bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Lawrence Technological University and later pursued a master’s degree in structural engineering at Ohio University. I hold a Professional Engineering (P.E.) license, which required four months of disciplined study while working full-time in Columbus. Initially, my career began in the telecommunications space, where I gained valuable engineering experience before transitioning into transmission line engineering. This shift allowed me to apply expertise in design and analysis to power infrastructure.  

Now, I have the great opportunity to support major grid modernization projects in the industry with Nexus. These projects are critical to improving the reliability, resilience and efficiency of the grid, ensuring it can support the increasing electricity demands for transportation, residential and large consumers like data centers.  

What does a typical day look like to you at Nexus?

My day is structured around transmission and substation projects. My core responsibilities include balancing costs, performance and constructability while addressing site constraints. Since each transmission line structure project is different, our approach is to provide tailored solutions to each clients’ individual needs.  

On a daily basis, I review structure and design materials daily and often collaborate with other disciplines, such as our electrical team. Our Transmission Line Services team connects regularly to discuss project developments, quality control and strategic planning. Keeping our teams in sync helps things move forward. 

I also have a passion for mentoring young engineers, both at Nexus and at Ohio University, my alma mater, helping them navigate challenges and grow in their careers. Beyond my daily work, I prioritize staying current with industry trends and completing my continuing education hours for my P.E. license. 

What attracted you to join the Nexus Team, and what excites you most about the direction of the Transmission Line Services group at the firm?

What drew me to Nexus was the opportunity to take on an engaging leadership role and help build our Transmission Line Services group from the ground up. The enthusiasm from the leadership and founders about expanding Nexus’ service offerings to utility clients was inspiring to me. Ultimately, joining the Nexus Team felt like a once-in-a-lifetime chance to do something impactful and different.  

If you were encouraging someone to learn more about Nexus, what would you tell them about the firm?

Beyond the innovation, collaboration and technical expertise at Nexus, what really stands out is its ownership mindset. Team members are encouraged to think about their role from a business perspective, which is extremely empowering. With the more recent establishment of an Employee Stock Ownership Program, Nexus provides autonomy to team members while maintaining transparency in how the business is run. That level of trust and openness is rare and highly motivating to me and my peers.  

What excites you most about the future of the Nexus Transmission Line group? 

The commitment to growing the Transmission Line Services has been consistent from the time of my very first interview to my role today – and that speaks volumes to me about how the firm is run. I am excited about the growth and innovation our team will experience. There is an opportunity for us to take on more complex projects and push industry standards forward, and my goal is to help build a strong reputation for our group across markets.  

What advice would you give to engineers seeking a specialization in transmission line engineering? 

I suggest developing a strong foundation in technical skills, whether that be structural or electrical engineering. Stay up to date with industry standards and seek mentorship from experienced professionals. Once you are in the field, continue learning about latest trends, attend conferences, and do what you can to stay informed about the challenges affecting your existing and prospective clients.  

I have been in the same boat before, I know how valuable it is for younger engineers to feel comfortable asking for guidance. I plan to pay it forward to the up-and-coming engineers at Nexus.