Principal OHL (Overhead Line) Engineer (Energy)

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working arrangements

Thrive programme

Gymflex scheme with discounts

Flexible working hours

Training and development opportunities

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking a professional in Birmingham to excel in design related to Overhead Lines within our Energy Networks division. You will manage teams, supervise design phases, and ensure compliance with technical standards while fostering a culture of inclusivity and growth.

With a strong emphasis on work-life balance, the role offers hybrid working schedules, a supportive environment for personal development, and multiple wellbeing initiatives including gym memberships and flexible hours.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in design, mainly related to Overhead Lines.
• Experience using OHL Design Packages like PLS-CADD or similar.
• Awareness of TNO and DNO requirements.

Responsibilities

• Communicating company goals to engineers and professionals.
• Accountable for Technical Standards for the OHL team.
• Lead and develop strategies for technical services.
• Supervising design phases from start to completion.
• Creating hours estimates for engineering activities.
• Approving designs and estimates.
• Delegating tasks to engineering teams.
• Supervising staff training.
• Performing quality control checks.
• Liaising with clients on technical issues.
• Reporting to the OHL Director on Technical Services.

Skills

Design experience related to Overhead Lines

Experience with OHL Design Packages (PLS-CADD, Tower & Pole)

Awareness of TNO and DNO requirements

Knowledge of ENA and BSI Standards

Understanding of CDM and Design Risk Assessments

Education

Formal Degree in Engineering

Job description

Job Description

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

Our Energy Networks Business

Our Energy Networks business is home to over two hundred talented people ranging from early career professionals through to established engineers and project managers. We work throughout the UK and beyond in the Off‑Shore Electricity Transmission, On‑Shore Electricity Transmission and Distribution markets to help keep the lights on! These are exciting times in our marketplace and joining our team you will work collectively to deliver crucial national electricity infrastructure, working in partnership with TNO’s, DNO’s, Contractors and Developers. The Energy Networks team plans, design and deliver new customer connections as well as network reinforcements to ensure the infrastructure is ready for green investment and new technologies. Our bright sparks are spread throughout the UK, working under a flexible hybrid setup. The team is encouraged and supported to realise their potential with training courses, further education, and mentors for chartership provided together with a thriving positive social culture to celebrate our success.

A Little More About Your Role

• Communicating the goals of the company to all engineers and professionals in the team.
• Accountable for Technical Standards for the OHL team. Final approval of documentation for submission.
• Lead and drive the team to develop and deliver effective and efficient strategies, processes and procedures for technical services.
• Supervising every phase of the design from start to completion (Concept, Feasibility, FEED and detailed design).
• Creating hours estimates to carry out engineering activities in support of the business development team.
• Approving designs and estimates for submission.
• Delegating tasks to engineering teams.
• Supervising staff training.
• Performing quality control checks on all systems and products.
• Acknowledging or rewarding good work.
• Liaise with clients and provide leadership with regard to:
• Technical and design issues
• Health and Safety
• Quality and Environmental issues
• Report to the OHL Director regarding all aspects of Technical Services, Client relationships and team performance.

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate

• Demonstrable experience in design, mainly related to Overhead Lines.
• Experience in using any of the OHL Design Packages PLS-CADD, Tower & Pole, or similar.
• Awareness of TNO and DNO requirements.
• Formal Degree in Engineering or above.
• Awareness of ENA and BSI Standards.
• Knowledge and understanding of CDM and Design Risk Assessments.

What’s In It For You?

Work‑life balance: At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. We offer hybrid working that allows you to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging: We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We encourage people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP.

Health & Wellbeing: We are committed to supporting our people with initiatives such as the Thrive programme, a Virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, a Gymflex scheme offering up to 40% off gym memberships, and a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flexible Time: WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part‑time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your Development: We foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, offering training, mentoring, and chartership opportunities.

We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.