Senior Overhead Line Design Engineer

We Build Recruitment are now looking to recruit a Senior Overhead Line Designer on behalf of our client, a specialist engineering and operations company supporting the UK energy and utilities sectors. They deliver expert services across design, construction, and asset management of high-voltage networks, renewables, and grid connection projects.

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.

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver detailed OHL design activities, including route and profile design, tower and pole configuration, conductor selection, and clearance analysis.
• 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.
• Ensure compliance with relevant design standards, client specifications, and regulatory frameworks (including ESQCR, CDM, and National Grid design standards).
• 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.
• Support in the development and implementation of design processes, tools, and quality standards within the business.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Delegate work appropriately to stretch junior staff while maintaining robust technical governance (check/approve workflows, design verification, and QA sign-off).
• Support resource planning and recruitment, including interviewing junior candidates and providing input to headcount forecasting and succession planning.
• Participate in site visits, surveys, and inspections as required to support design validation and project execution.
• Contribute to project planning, design reviews, and risk assessments to ensure safe and efficient delivery.
• Support tendering and proposal teams by providing technical input, design estimates, and scope clarifications where required.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong technical knowledge of overhead line design (132kV to 400kV) including structure types, conductor systems, insulation coordination, and electrical clearance requirements.
• Proficient in industry-standard software such as PLS-CADD, PLS-Tower, or equivalent design tools.
• Excellent understanding of UK and international standards relevant to OHL design (BS, EN, IEC, and National Grid specifications).
• Ability to interpret and produce high-quality design documentation with strong attention to detail.
• Effective communicator with proven ability to liaise with clients, stakeholders, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to provide innovative and cost-effective design solutions.
• Organised, self-motivated, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and technical excellence in all aspects of work.
• Demonstrated ability to coach others, give actionable feedback, and grow junior capability while upholding QA standards.

Experience & Qualifications

• Degree or HNC/HND in Electrical, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering (or related discipline).
• Extensive experience (typically 7–10 years) in overhead line design, preferably on National Grid or UK DNO projects.
• Demonstrable experience delivering detailed design packages for transmission and/or distribution overhead lines.
• Experience in reviewing and approving design documentation and ensuring compliance with safety and engineering standards.
• Understanding of foundation design principles, mechanical loading, and structural analysis of OHL systems.
• Proven experience mentoring and/or line-managing junior engineers/designers, including performance feedback and development planning.
• Chartered Engineer status (or working towards) is advantageous.