Job Title: Principal Design Engineer – Underground Cables
Reporting to: Head of Design – Underground Cables
Business Unit: Omexom Design
Purpose of the Position:
To provide technical leadership and expert-level design input for underground high-voltage (HV) and extra-high-voltage (EHV) cable systems across major infrastructure projects. The role combines deep engineering knowledge with strategic oversight of design practices, acting as a senior authority on cable system design, compliance, and innovation.
Key Responsibilities and Duties:
Including but not limited to:
Act as a technical lead across HV/EHV cable system design activities, ensuring solutions are safe, robust, compliant, and cost-effective.
Oversee complex cable design packages (33kV and above), ensuring technical excellence across concept, feasibility, and detailed design phases.
Develop, own, and assist with maintain internal design standards, methodologies, templates, and tools relevant to HV/EHV cable systems.
Ensure all design deliverables meet industry standards, regulatory requirements, and company best practices.
Perform and supervise detailed analyses including thermal, electrical, ampacity, and mechanical stress assessments using tools such as CYMCAP, ELEK, and AutoCAD.
Lead technical peer reviews, quality checks, and design audits to maintain a high standard of engineering output.
Support the development of junior engineers through guidance, feedback, and training in best practice design techniques.
Promote new technologies, design methods, and continuous improvement within the cable design discipline.
Participate in professional forums and maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends through organisations such as IET, CIGRÉ, and IEEE.
Governance and Stakeholder Interfaces
The Design Planner will maintain strong relationships and typically interface with:
Heads of Design
Design Managers
Lead Design Engineers
Client representatives
Supplier representatives
Operations Engineers and Site teams
Technical Managers
Internal Design Teams
Person Specification
The successful candidate will demonstrate high levels of technical competence, leadership, and a passion for delivering safe and innovative engineering solutions. They will be able to work independently whilst enjoy being part of a friendly, ambitious and growing team.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
A degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline; a Master’s degree (MSc/MEng) is advantageous.
Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, or actively working towards chartership with significant relevant experience.
Extensive and demonstrable experience in HV/EHV underground cable system design, ideally including work at 132kV and above.
Strong working knowledge of cable selection, route design, installation techniques, accessories, thermal and electrical performance, and compliance standards.
Advanced proficiency in CYMCAP, ELEK, and AutoCAD; familiarity with additional tools such as MATLAB is beneficial.
Demonstrated ability to lead complex engineering calculations, simulations, and system assessments.
Proven experience in technical leadership, including mentoring and team development.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts clearly and confidently.
Membership of professional institutions (e.g. IET, CIGRÉ, IEEE) is highly desirable.
Desirable Criteria
Experience working in multidisciplinary project environments within the energy transmission or infrastructure sectors.
Knowledge of international and UK cable standards and regulatory frameworks.
Ability to challenge and improve existing practices through a proactive, innovation-driven mindset.
Values
In line with Omexom’s values, the jobholder must possess the following qualities:
Team Spirit & Generosity – able to work effectively within and contribute to the Omexom team to deliver results, provide support and drive performance.
Trust and Empowerment – enjoy managing their responsibilities and time to ensure work is completed efficiently and professionally.
Integrity and Responsibility – enjoy taking responsibility for their duties and managing these effectively to ensure efficient high quality results.
Innovation & Entrepreneurship – continually strive to improve processes and introduce new initiatives to improve efficiency.