Principal OHL Design Engineer

American Society of Civil Engineers; Leeds; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company car or car allowance

Performance-related bonus

Competitive wider benefits package

Job summary

Milford RES is partnering with a leading utilities consultancy to recruit a Principal Overhead Line (OHL) Design Engineer across multiple UK locations. You will take technical ownership from concept to detailed design, guiding multidisciplinary teams and ensuring compliance with industry standards to deliver major power infrastructure projects.

The role requires proven OHL design experience, a strong grasp of UK codes, and the ability to mentor engineers while liaising with clients and

Qualifications

• Proven experience in overhead line (OHL) design within utilities or power sector.
• Strong understanding of UK standards and design codes.
• Experience leading high‑voltage transmission projects.
• Chartered Engineer status preferred or working towards it.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and engineering of OHL projects (up to 400kV).
• Oversee route selection, structural design, and line optimization.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Review and approve design calculations, drawings and specifications.
• Liaise with clients, contractors and stakeholders to ensure successful delivery.
• Ensure designs meet regulatory, safety and environmental standards.

Skills

OHL design

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Regulatory compliance

Education

Chartered Engineer status

Job description

Principal OHL Design Engineer

Utilities Consultancy | Multiple UK Locations (North Yorkshire, Scotland, South East England)

Milford RES is proud to be partnering with a leading utilities consultancy to recruit a Principal Overhead Line (OHL) Design Engineer. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering major power infrastructure projects across the UK, supporting the transition to a more sustainable energy network.

The Role

As a Principal OHL Design Engineer, you will take technical ownership of overhead line design projects, leading from concept through to detailed design and delivery. Youll provide guidance to multidisciplinary teams, ensure compliance with industry standards, and act as a key technical authority within the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and engineering of OHL projects (typically up to 400kV)
• Oversee route selection, structural design, and line optimisation
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers
• Review and approve design calculations, drawings, and specifications
• Liaise with clients, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery
• Ensure designs meet regulatory, safety, and environmental standards

About You

• Proven experience in OHL design within the utilities or power sector (rail experience will also be considered)
• Strong understanding of UK standards and design codes
• Experience working on high-voltage transmission projects
• Ability to lead teams and manage complex design packages
• Chartered Engineer status (or working towards) preferred
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

Location

Flexible office base in North Yorkshire, Scotland, or South East England, with hybrid working options available.

Salary & Benefits

• £70,000 £90,000 basic salary
• Company car or car allowance
• Performance-related bonus
• Competitive wider benefits package

Whats on Offer

• Opportunity to work on nationally significant infrastructure projects
• Career progression within a growing and forward-thinking organisation
• Support for professional development and chartership

If you're an experienced OHL Design Engineer ready to step into a principal roleor already operating at this levelthis is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact in the energy sector.