Principal Engineer Overhead Lines (OHL)

Jacobs; Belfast; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing benefits

Flexible working opportunities

Professional growth support

Job summary

A global engineering firm is hiring a Principal Engineer Overhead Lines in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The role involves developing engineering designs, leading a team, and ensuring project success. Candidates should have experience in OHL design, a degree in electrical engineering, and strong communication skills. This position supports hybrid working models and values diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in OHL design (132kV–400kV).
• Familiarity with National Grid and DNO standards.
• Ability to manage competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed engineering drawings and specifications.
• Oversee technical activities and project risks.
• Lead and mentor a team of design engineers.

Skills

OHL design experience

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Time management

Software proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering

Tools

PLS-CADD

AutoCAD

Microstation

Job description

Overview

Jacobs Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. We are hiring for the role of Principal Engineer Overhead Lines (OHL).

What you’ll do

• Develop detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and design documentation using software tools such as PLS-CADD, AutoCAD and Microstation.
• Oversee technical activities, line routing, sag-tension calculations, structure analysis, conductor selection, clearance reports, and design documentation.
• Prepare and review proposals and reports detailing project scope, timelines, budgets, and resource allocations.
• Engage in client-facing design reviews and technical workshops.
• Lead and mentor a team of specialist design engineers working on overhead transmission line solutions.
• Identify and manage project risks to ensure successful delivery.
• Promote a strong safety culture.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal teams, stakeholders, and clients to drive project success.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in OHL design (132kV–400kV), ideally within UK transmission and distribution environments.
• Bachelor’s Degree and/or Master’s in electrical engineering.
• Familiarity with National Grid and DNO standards and processes.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical workstreams and contribute to strategic project delivery.
• Proficient in industry-standard software such as PLS-CADD, PLS-Tower, PLS-Pole, and AutoDesk tools.

About Jacobs and our approach

We are committed to safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging. We value flexibility and support hybrid working, wellbeing benefits, and opportunities for professional growth while delivering client outcomes across our global network.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. We actively support flexible working and may consider candidates who do not meet all listed requirements. We partner with networks to attract diverse talent and are committed to inclusive hiring practices.