Lead PLS-CADD Expert / Engineering Manager

Network Mapping Limited; Knaresborough; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension matching

Dental cover

EV/cycle scheme

Holiday trading

Education reimbursement

Maternity/paternity pay

Employee assistance program

Retail discounts

Job summary

NM Group is seeking a Lead PLS-CADD Expert in Knaresborough with a remote-first, hybrid setup (roughly 80% remote). You will act as the SME for advanced engineering services, focusing on Method 4 structure modelling, bespoke solutions, and high-level customer engagement.

The role includes mentorship, technical leadership, and collaboration with the Director of Engineering. You will drive complex analyses, ensure QA/QC, and contribute to innovation like ambient adjusted ratings and 3D digital

Qualifications

• Extensive hands-on experience with PLS-CADD software suite and related tools.
• Chartered or professional engineering registration is required.
• Background in overhead transmission design and structural loading analyses.

Responsibilities

• Act as senior technical authority for bespoke engineering solutions.
• Lead high-complexity projects including thermal uprating and line optimisation.
• Interface with production managers for QA/QC and LiDAR integration workflows.
• Drive technical innovation and new modelling methodologies.
• Support internal and external training programs in PLS-CADD and related tools.
• Collaborate with commercial team on proposal technical assumptions.

Skills

PLS-CADD mastery

Method 4 modelling

Analytics & data literacy

Mentorship & communication

Technical leadership

Pre-sales support

Education

Chartered Engineer (CEng)

Professional Engineer (PE)

UK engineering registration

Tools

PLS-CADD suite

PLS-POLE

PLS-TOWER

SAPS finite element analysis

Job description

Lead PLS-CADD Expert / Knaresborough, 80% Remote / Excellent Salary and Benefits D.O.E.

We are seeking a highly capable, technically driven Lead PLS-CADD Expert to act as the primary Subject Matter Expert (SME) for our advanced engineering services.

While our dedicated production teams handle large-scale delivery of engineering-grade network baselining and modelling outputs, this role focuses on higher-complexity technical work, specialist consulting, and innovation.

You will tackle unique grid challenges, provide top-tier technical oversight for PLS-CADD Method 4 structure modelling, and drive internal and external training programs. You will work closely with our production teams to ensure that complex spatial data translates perfectly into high-confidence, field-aligned digital twins.

What We Offer:

• Competitive Package: Salary + Performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Private pension matching, Bupa dental cover, Salary Sacrifice schemes (EV, Cycle scheme), holiday trading, education & development reimbursement, enhanced maternity & paternity pay, EAP, and retail discount perks.
• Flexibility: Supportive working environment with a remote-first culture (hybrid, ~80% remote).
• Impact: A key technical leadership role in a growing, respected technology-led business with an agile, owner-operated structure, offering autonomy and influence over our engineering roadmaps.

Key Responsibilities of the PLS-CADD Engineering Expert:

• Lead Specialist Consulting: Act as the senior technical authority for bespoke engineering solutions, solving unique transmission and distribution challenges that fall outside standard packaged workflows.
• Drive Complex Analysis: Execute high-complexity engineering projects, including engineering- led thermal rating validation, thermal uprating, structural analysis of ageing infrastructure, and line optimisation/corridor assessments.
• Production Alignment & QA: Interface directly with Production managers to provide advanced troubleshooting and ensure robust QA/QC processes are maintained for all Method 4 modelling and automated LiDAR-integration workflows.
• Innovation & New Methodologies: Lead technical innovation initiatives, such as the implementation of Ambient Adjusted Ratings (AAR) solutions, and the development of 3D digital substation mapping programs.
• Technical Mentorship: Work alongside our Director of Engineering to support certified PLS-CADD, PLS-POLE, and PLS-TOWER training programs. Equip internal production teams and external utility clients with industry-leading modelling skills. (Note: This is a technical leadership role focused on skills development and project guidance, not direct line management).
• Technical Pre-Sales Support: Collaborate with the commercial team to align project scopes, validate technical assumptions in proposals, and represent NM Group's engineering capabilities in high-level client discussions.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Deep Technical Mastery: Proven, extensive hands-on experience with the PLS-CADD software suite (advanced PLS-CADD, PLS-POLE, and PLS-TOWER). Must be highly proficient in Method 4 structure modelling and SAPS finite element analysis.
• Professional Registration: Chartered Engineer (CEng), Professional Engineer (PE), or equivalent professional registration is required.
• Industry Background: Substantial background in overhead transmission line design, structural loading assessments, thermal uprating, and clearance analysis.
• Data Literacy: Strong understanding of how high-density LiDAR, photogrammetry, and geospatial terrain data are integrated into 3D CAD assemblies and engineering models.
• Mentorship & Communication: Excellent ability to technically mentor staff, resolve complex production bottlenecks, and translate intricate engineering data into actionable client strategies.
• Consulting & Compliance: Experience providing independent engineering validation, plus familiarity with international utility standards (North America, UK, Australia) and regulatory requirements.

About NM Group:

NM Group optimises the performance of electricity networks by remotely sensing and serving the position and condition of our client's assets. From mapping and presenting spatial data on an electrical network through to modelling and displaying a 3D virtual network environment we deliver value to electricity network operators. Further information can be found on the company website.

What's Next?

Applicants must be resident in the UK and hold valid, legal right-to-work status in the UK.