Principal OHL (Overhead Line) Engineer (Energy) in Manchester

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 is home to over two hundred talented people ranging from our 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 plan, 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 are 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.

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Join our close‑knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

About Us

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long‑lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 9,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

What’S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Work‑life balance: At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility 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 enable rewarding careers by encouraging 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, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits programme, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.
• Flex your time: To enhance work‑life balance, 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 understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or chartership.

Here at WSP 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.