Overhead Line (OHL) Foundation Designer (Energy)

Join to apply for the Overhead Line (OHL) Foundation Designer (Energy) role at WSP in the UK & Ireland. 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.

A Little More About Your Role… Working at the forefront of engineering innovation, you will contribute to the upgrading and future proofing of the UK Overhead Line Transmission Network, ensuring they are resilient, efficient, and aligned with the UK’s Net Zero 2050 goals. From early‑stage concept development to detailed design, your expertise will help translate complex engineering requirements into buildable solutions that power communities and industries across the nation. You’ll collaborate closely with engineers, project managers, and stakeholders to deliver high‑quality foundation designs to support Overhead Line projects supporting planning, approvals, and construction. Your work will directly influence the success of projects that are modernising the grid, integrating energy sources, and enabling a more sustainable and secure energy future.

What We Are Looking For You To Demonstrate…

• Ability to lead and execute detailed foundation design for overhead transmission line structures, including lattice towers and monopoles.
• Apply Eurocode and British Standards to ensure structural integrity, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Conduct foundation upgrade assessments for aging infrastructure, including retrofit design and reinforcement strategies.
• Perform quantitative risk assessments on existing foundations using geotechnical data, structural analysis, and probabilistic modelling.
• Collaborate with geotechnical engineers, structural teams, and project managers to integrate foundation solutions into broader transmission schemes.
• Prepare technical documentation, design reports, and risk matrices for client and regulatory review.
• Support feasibility studies, site investigations, and design validation for UK‑based transmission projects.
• Engage with clients, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure alignment with UK project requirements.

Skills & Qualifications…

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in civil or Structural Engineering. Chartered Engineer Status (CEng, MIStrctE or equivalent) preferred.
• Experience in detailed design of foundations for OHTL or similar infrastructure.
• Strong working knowledge of Eurocode (EN1997, EN1992) and British Standards (BS8004, BS8110).
• Demonstrated experience on UK-based transmission projects, preferably with National Grid or DNOs.
• Proficiency in design software such as STAAD.Pro, PLAXIS, Tekla Tedds or equivalent.
• Familiarity with foundation upgrade strategies and asset life extension techniques.
• Excellent communication and technical reporting skills.
• Familiarity with UK planning and environmental regulations.
• Experience with foundation design for challenging terrains or brownfield sites.

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. With us, you can. Apply today.

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 program, 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.