Lead Design Engineer

Who are we?

OCU leads the way in end-to-end infrastructure engineering in the utilities, digital, and energy markets, specialising in safely and efficiently delivering complex client requirements. Our breadth of capabilities and depth of operational capacity, paired with our cutting-edge technology, ensure that we are not just part of the market; we are leading it.

Working directly with many of the country's leading power, energy transition, water, telecoms and digital clients, we are looking for the very best talent to join our growing team.

About the job

Are you ready to lead multi-disciplinary engineering design across nationally significant power infrastructure projects? We're looking for a Lead Design Engineer to join our team, supporting the delivery of HV (11kV to 132kV) substation and circuit projects within a major Distribution Network Operator (DNO) framework.

As Lead Design Engineer, you will be responsible for the coordination and leadership of internal and external design teams across all design disciplines – including electrical, civil, protection, and cable system design. You'll ensure that project designs are delivered safely, on time, and in accordance with industry standards and DNO specifications from feasibility through to detailed design.

This is a leadership role requiring close collaboration with DNO stakeholders, project managers, engineers, and sub-consultants to drive technical excellence, design integration, and efficient delivery.

At OCU, safety isn't just a policy — it's one of the core values that drives everything we do. As a Lead Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in upholding our commitment to safety by ensuring that every project delivered reflects our dedication to creating secure, responsible, and sustainable solutions for our clients and our people.

We believe growth is earned through delivery—by consistently exceeding expectations, driving innovation, and creating value for our clients. As our new Lead Design Engineer, you'll be at the heart of that mission, delivering multiple projects that fuel our expansion and deepen our impact.

What you will bring:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering (or related discipline).
• Chartered Engineer status or actively working towards chartership.
• Proven experience managing multi-disciplinary design teams on HV infrastructure or substation projects (11kV to 132kV).
• Understanding of DNO design processes, policies, and approval pathways.
• Familiarity with relevant design software and tools for electrical engineering.

This role is for you if you have:

• Strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to motivate and guide design teams.
• Excellent communication and coordination skills across engineering disciplines and stakeholder groups.
• Well-organised, with the ability to manage multiple designs simultaneously to tight deadlines.
• A solution-focused mindset with a track record of delivering technically robust and commercially efficient designs.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and technical excellence.

What does life look like at OCU?

At OCU, we offer a range of benefits including flexible working arrangements, community volunteering days, and ongoing personal development and training, because we believe in striving to be better everyday.

We have an open door culture, and promote open communication, transparency and inclusiveness, creating a truly collaborative and productive work environment.

Joining OCU means you will have a voice, the opportunity to make a positive impacts and changes, whilst delivering to grow as we grow. There has never been a more exciting time to join us

What happens next?

If the above sounds like you, then please apply for the role. If you are suitable, I will contact you to provide more details like salary, package, benefits and some more information about the company. If you love what you hear, we have a real simple interview process.

1. Our first stage consists of a video call with our hiring manager - An opportunity for you both to find out more about each other.
2. An in person meeting to see where you will be working.

That's it Your bright future with us begins.

Driven by values, powered by inclusion.

At OCU, our values guide everything we do: integrity, collaboration, respect, innovation and one company united. They shape how we work with our clients, communities, and each other. We believe that inclusion is more than a principle — it's the foundation of our success. By embracing equity and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive, we create a workplace where diverse perspectives are valued, and everyone feels they belong. 

Together, we build stronger teams, deliver better outcomes, and grow in ways that reflect the communities we serve. If you want to be part of a culture where values matter and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do apply now and help us shape the future together.

If you are invited to progress in the recruitment process, will you require any reasonable adjustments to support you? Please let us know so we can ensure the process is accessible and fair for you. Any information you share will be treated confidentially and will only be used to support you during the recruitment process.