Technical Director – Overhead Lines (OHL)
Join to apply for the Technical Director Overhead Lines (OHL) role at Jacobs.
Location: United Kingdom (UK & Ireland). Salary: £130,000–£135,000.
At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world’s most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.
Our Energy and Power team works across the Transmission and Distribution sectors throughout the UK & Ireland. We are currently seeking a Technical Director for our Overhead Lines team. This role involves driving design excellence, sharing knowledge and experience with other team members, and supporting cross‑functional collaboration to meet both customer and industry requirements.
As an Overhead Transmission Technical Director, you will play a key role in delivering complex transmission projects across the UK & Ireland, covering voltages from 11 kV to 400 kV. This multifaceted position combines technical leadership, project supervision, and stakeholder engagement to ensure successful project outcomes.
Main responsibilities include (but are not limited to)
* Develop detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and design documentation using software tools such as PLS‑CADD, AutoCAD, and Microstation.
* Oversee technical activities, line routing, sag‑tension calculations, structure analysis, conductor selection, clearance reports, and design documentation.
* Prepare and review proposals and reports detailing project scope, timelines, budgets, and resource allocations.
* Regularly engage in client‑facing design reviews and technical workshops.
* Lead and mentor a team of specialist design engineers working on overhead transmission line solutions.
* Identify and manage project risks to ensure successful delivery.
* Promote a strong safety culture.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with internal teams, stakeholders, and clients to drive project success.
Here’s what you’ll need
* Proven expertise in managing end‑to‑end overhead line projects—from route selection through to detailed design (particularly with National Grid).
* Lead engineer overseeing all technical aspects of overhead line design, including towers, poles, and foundations, from proposal to execution phases.
* Proficient in industry‑standard software such as PLS‑CADD, PLS‑Tower, PLS‑Pole, and AutoDesk tools.
* Strong background in key design activities including sag‑tension calculations, load analysis, definition of insulators based on loads, structure weight optimisation, and foundation design.
* Experienced in conducting a wide range of field activities such as walk‑over surveys, foundation testing, route optimisation, and site inspections.
* Competent in cost and quantity estimation, vendor coordination, supply‑chain management, and proposal hour estimation.
As a disability‑confident employer, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a vacancy. We welcome applications from candidates who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.
We value collaboration and believe that in‑person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations to deliver their best work.
We are committed to building vibrant communities within Jacobs, including through our Employee Networks and Community Initiatives, allowing every employee to find connection, purpose, and belonging.
Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regard to the recruitment process, please contact the team via Careers Support.
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