Senior Design Engineer - OHL/OLE

Job description

Senior Overhead Line Design Engineer

ARCA Resourcing is partnering with a fast-growing specialist engineering consultancy operating across the UK high-voltage energy sector.

This is a senior-level opportunity to take technical ownership of overhead line (OHL) design projects across 132kV–400kV transmission and distribution networks, while playing a key role in mentoring and developing junior engineers.

If you’re experienced in National Grid or DNO environments and want more influence over technical standards, project delivery and team development, this is worth a conversation.

The Opportunity

You’ll lead the delivery of detailed OHL design packages across transmission and distribution schemes, ensuring safety, compliance, and technical excellence throughout.

This role blends:

• Hands-on technical delivery
• Design governance and QA ownership
• Team leadership and mentoring
• Client and project interface

You’ll be joining a consultancy that is expanding its high-voltage design capability and investing in building a technically strong, scalable team.

What You’ll Be Doing

Technical Design & Delivery

• Lead detailed OHL design (route & profile design, sag & tension, conductor selection, clearance analysis)
• Produce and review line schedules, plan & profile drawings, foundation layouts and technical reports
• Ensure compliance with ESQCR, CDM, National Grid and relevant BS/EN/IEC standards
• Contribute to design reviews, risk assessments and project planning
• Support tenders with technical input and design estimates

Governance & Quality

• Maintain robust check/approve workflows
• Drive high standards in modelling, calculations and documentation
• Contribute to continuous improvement in tools and processes

Leadership

• Line manage and mentor Junior Designers
• Support onboarding and technical training (PLS-CADD / PLS-Tower)
• Contribute to PDPs, competency assessments and succession planning
• Promote a collaborative, technically rigorous culture

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

• Degree or HNC/HND in Electrical, Civil, Mechanical Engineering (or similar)
• 7–10+ years’ experience in overhead line design (132kV–400kV)
• Strong working knowledge of OHL structures, mechanical loading and clearance requirements
• Experience producing and reviewing full design packages
• Proficiency in PLS-CADD, PLS-Tower or equivalent software

Desirable:

• Experience working on National Grid or UK DNO projects
• Chartered Engineer status (or working towards)
• Experience mentoring or line managing engineers

Why This Role Stands Out

• Genuine technical leadership position
• Exposure to major UK transmission infrastructure projects
• Opportunity to shape design standards and processes
• Hybrid flexibility across multiple UK offices
• Clear pathway toward Principal / Technical Authority level

If you’re an experienced OHL Design Engineer ready for more ownership, influence and progression, apply confidentially via ARCA Resourcing.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Horham

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

03-03-2026

Profession type

Design / Fashion

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English