Principal Engineer - Overhead Lines

Overview

The Power Energy Systems (PES) Practice of AtkinsRéalis is seeking a Principal Engineer for Overhead Lines to join our team in the UK. We are looking for an energetic and experienced OHL Engineer who can act as a technical specialist in the design of overhead line projects, ranging from concept through to detailed design delivery, while supporting successful project outcomes. We’re committed to providing industry-leading engineering solutions right through the project lifecycle, from feasibility to commissioning, with value added through client-side support as well as the construction phase.

Our team is currently delivering work across the Transmission and Distribution sector in the UK, as well as supporting other energy and infrastructure business sectors. By providing technical leadership within project teams, you’ll contribute to successful delivery across complex OHL projects, support high‑quality engineering outcomes, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders. In this role, you will help shape technical solutions, address engineering challenges, and support the delivery of safe, efficient and innovative designs that meet client and business needs.

Become part of a team where every voice matters, and together we can tackle our clients’ toughest challenges. We foster a diverse and inclusive environment where world‑class talent thrives without boundaries. We value the different perspectives our people bring and recognise everyone for their contributions equally. Being a Principal Engineer with us involves UK‑wide travel. We offer hybrid working which involves three days per week travelling/office‑based.

This position can be based at any of our key locations:
Epsom, London, Bristol, Leeds, Birmingham, Manchester, or Glasgow.

• Provide technical leadership across OHL design projects, typically up to 400 kV, acting as a key technical specialist within project teams.
• Support the delivery of front‑end and detailed design projects, providing technical assurance and helping to ensure the consistent application of engineering best practice.
• Contribute to continuous improvement in processes, services and technical practices to enhance delivery performance and technical quality.
• Build trusted relationships and collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, including clients, operational teams, project teams and external partners, both from AtkinsRéalis offices and at client sites.
• Contribute technical input to bid proposals, supporting delivery planning and working with cross‑functional teams to prepare high‑quality, compliant and competitive submissions.
• Support the development of OHL engineering capability through mentoring, knowledge sharing and technical guidance within the discipline.
• Monitor emerging business, regulatory and technology developments, identifying technical risks and opportunities relevant to project delivery.
• Support the delivery of complex multidisciplinary projects, ensuring technical excellence, safe delivery and alignment with client and project objectives, while helping to resolve complex technical matters.

• Degree‑qualified civil or structural engineer, ideally with a Master’s degree (MEng/MSc) or equivalent, with Chartered Engineer status and membership of a relevant professional institution such as the IET, ICE or equivalent.
• Proven experience delivering FEED and detailed design for EHV OHL projects across the 33–400 kV range, including route and profile design, sag and tension studies, conductor selection, clearance assessment, and the delivery of new‑build, uprating, refurbishment, reconductoring and life‑extension projects.
• Strong knowledge of UK design standards and transmission owner requirements.
• Proficiency in industry‑standard software such as PLS‑CADD, PLS‑Tower and associated analytical or digital engineering tools, with the ability to integrate survey, LiDAR, GIS and other digital data sources into OHL design and support digital engineering improvements.
• Strong understanding of tower spotting, load development, OHL structures, mechanical loading, structural utilisation and statutory clearance…