Senior Overhead Line Design Engineer

Overview

Design and lead overhead line projects, mentor junior staff, ensure compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• ohl design
• design review
• site visits
• client liaison
• mentoring
• resource planning

Tasks

The position combines hands-on design, project coordination, and people leadership, ensuring that all designs meet client, regulatory, and safety requirements while growing the capability of junior team members. The Senior Overhead Line Design Engineer will be responsible for the design and technical delivery of overhead line (OHL) projects across transmission and distribution networks. The role requires a strong technical background in OHL design, ideally with National Grid or equivalent utility experience, and the ability to deliver safe, efficient, and compliant solutions. -Collaborate with internal teams across Civil, Electrical, and SHESQ disciplines to deliver integrated engineering solutions. -Liaise directly with clients, stakeholders, and contractors to ensure project objectives, deliverables, and technical requirements are met. -Run structured development activities, including goal setting, competency assessments/skills matrix upkeep, and contribution to Personal Development Plans (PDPs) and annual performance reviews. -Champion a learning culture, organising knowledge-share sessions, lunch-and-learns, and lessons-learned close-outs; identify external courses, vendor training, and professional registration routes. -Support resource planning and recruitment, including interviewing junior candidates and providing input to headcount forecasting and succession planning. -Own the onboarding and training pathway for new junior team members, coordinating induction, safety briefings, software training (e.g., PLS-CADD/PLS-Tower), and buddying/mentoring arrangements. -Delegate work appropriately to stretch junior staff while maintaining robust technical governance (check/approve workflows, design verification, and QA sign-off). -Participate in site visits, surveys, and inspections as required to support design validation and project execution. -Lead and deliver detailed OHL design activities, including route and profile design, tower and pole configuration, conductor selection, and clearance analysis. -Provide day-to-day line management for Junior Designers, including task planning, workload balancing, and progress tracking against programme and quality milestones. -Coach and mentor junior staff through regular technical guidance, design reviews, and constructive feedback; promote best practice in modelling, calculations, and documentation. -Support tendering and proposal teams by providing technical input, design estimates, and scope clarifications where required. -Support in the development and implementation of design processes, tools, and quality standards within the business. -Ensure compliance with relevant design standards, client specifications, and regulatory frameworks (including ESQCR, CDM, and National Grid design standards). -Contribute to project planning, design reviews, and risk assessments to ensure safe and efficient delivery. -Produce and review design deliverables such as line schedules, sag and tension data, wire clearance diagrams, plan and profile drawings, foundation layouts, and technical reports.

Requirements

• pls‑cadd
• chartered
• degree
• 7‑10 years
• mentoring
• ohl design

What You Bring

-Proven experience mentoring and/or line-managing junior engineers/designers, including performance feedback and development planning. -Degree or HNC/HND in Electrical, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering (or related discipline). -Ability to interpret and produce high-quality design documentation with strong attention to detail. -Extensive experience (typically 7–10 years) in overhead line design, preferably on National Grid or UK DNO projects. -Chartered Engineer status (or working towards) is advantageous. -Strong technical knowledge of overhead line design (132kV to 400kV) including structure types, conductor systems, insulation coordination, and electrical clearance requirements. -Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to provide innovative and cost-effective design solutions. -Effective communicator with proven ability to liaise with clients, stakeholders, and multidisciplinary teams. -Proficient in industry-standard software such as PLS-CADD, PLS-Tower, or equivalent design tools. -Experience in reviewing and approving design documentation and ensuring compliance with safety and engineering standards. -Organised, self-motivated, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously. -Understanding of foundation design principles, mechanical loading, and structural analysis of OHL systems. -Demonstrable experience delivering detailed design packages for transmission and/or distribution overhead lines. -Demonstrated ability to coach others, give actionable feedback, and grow junior capability while upholding QA standards. -Excellent understanding of UK and international standards relevant to OHL design (BS, EN, IEC, and National Grid specifications).

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About We Build Recruitment

-As a private limited company operating across the UK and Europe, it tailors recruitment for both permanent and contract roles in construction. -Beyond general construction, their core specialisms span mechanical & electrical trades, civils engineering, and interior fit-out works. -Clients benefit from one-stop staffing: from sourcing to onboarding, payroll admin, and flexible scaling aligned with project demands. -Notably, they won ‘Best Construction Recruitment Company’ at the Grafters Awards—highlighting their impact in the industry.

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