Job Title: Senior Design Engineer (SDE) – OHL
Reporting To: Head of Design
Business Unit: Omexom Design
Purpose of the Position
To provide technical leadership and advanced design expertise for Overhead Transmission Line projects, utilising specialist knowledge of PLS-CADD and PLS-TOWER software. This role combines in-depth engineering expertise with strategic oversight to ensure successful project delivery. The Senior Design Engineer will be responsible for delivering design projects on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
Including but not limited to:
Act as the technical lead on assigned OHL projects, ensuring solutions are safe, robust, compliant, and cost-effective.
Manage the design process for assigned projects: assemble and lead a team, maintaining regular engagement to ensure effective delivery.
Project Controls: Maintain the change register, Early Warning (EW) register, manage Compensation Events (CEs), and monitor Project Management Instructions (PMIs). On some schemes, the SDE will work alongside an appointed Design Manager, focusing primarily on technical delivery and providing updates as required.
Provide weekly inputs to planners and take ownership of the agreed programme.
Oversee OHL design packages, ensuring technical excellence across concept, feasibility, and detailed design phases.
Provide technical support to other teams (Substations and Underground Cables) as requested.
Ensure all design deliverables meet industry standards, regulatory requirements, and company best practices.
Supervise detailed analyses using PLS-TOWER and PLS-CADD software.
Conduct technical reviews of subcontractor deliverables related to OHL design.
Supervise all relevant OHL design deliverables within a reasonable period from joining; relevant training will be provided by Senior Design Engineers and the Head of Design.
Lead technical peer reviews, quality checks, and design audits to maintain a high standard of engineering output.
Provide input for HAZID and HACON meetings.
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 OHL design discipline.
Participate in professional forums and maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends through organisations such as IET, CIGRÉ, and IEEE.
Promote Omexom within the industry to assist in developing the business and attracting like-minded individuals who share our values to join our expanding team.
Occasional travel within the UK will be required (approximately one trip every eight weeks).
Governance and Stakeholder Interfaces
The Senior Design Engineer will maintain strong relationships and typically interface with:
Heads of Design (OHL, Underground Cables and Substations)
Design Managers
Senior 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 Civil/Mechanical/Structural Engineering or a related discipline; a Master Degree (MSc/MEng) is advantageous.
5+ years of experience in OHL Design.
Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, or actively working towards chartership with significant relevant experience.
Extensive and demonstrable experience in OHL design elements.
Advanced proficiency in PLS CADD and PLS TOWER. Knowledge on AUTOCAD and MS Project would be advantageous.
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.
Experience working in National Grid (NG) and Scottish and Southern Energy Networks (SSEN) projects.
Knowledge of relevant UK 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.