Principal Design Engineer (PDE) - OHL

Vinci; Sheepwash; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Vinci is recruiting an experienced PDE to provide technical leadership for Overhead Transmission Line (OHL) design projects in the UK. You will lead the OHL Design team, ensuring safe, robust, compliant, and cost-effective solutions using PLS CADD and PLS TOWER, with support from a Design Manager on larger schemes.

You will manage design packages from concept to detailed design, drive programme delivery, and mentor engineers while maintaining high industry standards and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Degree in Civil/Mechanical/Structural Engineering required; CE status desirable
• 10+ years in OHL design with leadership experience
• Knowledge of UK standards and regulatory frameworks; ability to lead complex engineering calculations

Responsibilities

• Act as technical lead for the OHL Design team to deliver safe, compliant designs
• Design manage projects and assemble a team for effective delivery
• Maintain project controls: EW registers, CE management, PMI oversight
• Provide weekly inputs to Planners and own the programme
• Ensure OHL design deliverables meet industry standards and best practices
• Lead technical peer reviews, design audits, and quality checks
• Chair HAZID and HACON meetings; mentor junior engineers
• Promote new technologies and continuous improvement in cable design

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Team management

Verbal and written communication

Innovation mindset

Education

Bachelors in Civil/Mechanical/Structural Engineering

Master degree advantageous

Chartered Engineer status or working towards

Tools

PLS CADD

PLS TOWER

AUTOCAD

MS Project

Job description

To provide technical leadership and expert-level design input for Overhead Transmission Line projects, with specific knowledge on PLSCADD and PLS TOWER software. The role combines deep engineering knowledge with strategic oversight of projects. The PDE is responsible, alongside the Design Manager, of the delivery of design projects in budget, time and with the required quality level., Including but not limited to:

• Act as a technical lead for the OHL Design team, ensuring solutions are safe, robust, compliant, and cost-effective.
• Design manage assigned projects. Assemble a team and maintain regular interaction with the team to ensure effective delivery.
• Project Controls: Maintain change register, Early Warning (EW) register, manage Compensation Events (CEs) and monitor Project Management Instructions (PMI). It should be noted that for big schemes the PDE will be working together with an appointed Design Manager, where the PDE will focus primarily on the technical delivery of the project.
• Provide weekly inputs to Planners and take ownership of agreed Programme.
• Ensure the technical capability of the OHL Design Team to the highest standards, proposing or providing required training as required.
• 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 in PLS TOWER and PLSCADD software.
• Technical review of subcontractor deliverables related to OHL Design.
• As part of the role, it is expected that the PDE will also supervise all relevant OHL Design deliverables within a reasonable period from the joining date.
• Lead technical peer reviews, quality checks, and design audits to maintain a high standard of engineering output.
• Chair HAZID and HACON meetings.
• Support the development of senior and 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.
• Promote Omexom within the industry to assist with developing the business and employees and attract likeminded people that share our values to join our expanding team.
• Occasional travel within the UK will be required (Approximately 1 trip every 8 weeks), The PDE 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
  
• 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.
• A degree in Civil/Mechanical/Structural Engineering or a related discipline; a Master Degree (MSc/MEng) is advantageous.
• 10+ 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, capable of independently leading a team to produce the required design deliverables.
• 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.
• 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.