Senior Overhead Lines Design Engineer

3120D9F8-C806-4F44-99D7-11B56Abfdb26; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 700 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in South Africa is seeking a Senior Overhead Lines Design Engineer to contribute to innovative projects and deliver high-quality engineering solutions. Responsibilities include managing overhead line projects, ensuring compliance with Eskom and international standards, mentoring junior staff, and engaging with clients. The ideal candidate should have proficiency in PLS‑CADD and a strong background in OHL design, combined with excellent leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Experience with Eskom guidelines and international OHL design standards.
• Proven track record in managing overhead line projects.
• Strong communication skills for client engagement.

Responsibilities

• Drive compliance with Eskom guidelines and design standards.
• Lead tower spotting and line profiling activities.
• Prepare and approve line profiles and plan‑and‑profile drawings.
• Mentor junior engineers in design methodologies.
• Present design methodologies and compliance to clients.

Skills

Leadership

OHL design standards compliance

PLS‑CADD proficiency

Mentorship

Technical coaching

Client engagement

Tools

PLS‑Suite

LiDAR

DEM

Job description

We are seeking an Senior Overhead Lines Design Engineer to join our team at WSP.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative projects and deliver high-quality engineering solutions.

Responsibilities

• Drive compliance with Eskom guidelines, SANS, BS EN, and international OHL design standards.
• Lead all tower spotting and line profiling activities for OHL projects using PLS‑Suite (PLSCADD, POLE).
• Define optimum tower positions considering clearances, spans, conductor sags, terrain, and servitude constraints.
• Ensure alignment of spotting outputs with electrical, structural, and civil requirements.
• Lead and manage independently OHL projects (local and international) at kV to kV.
• Prepare, check, and approve line profiles, stringing charts, and plan‑and‑profile drawings.
• Manage inputs from survey data, LiDAR/DEM, and topographical models into PLS‑CADD.
• Evaluate alternative line routes and tower configurations for cost, constructability, and environmental impact.
• Ensure spotting outputs are coordinated with foundation locations and access road planning.
• Deliver full design packages (FEED, CONCEPTUAL, DETAILED, and EXECUTION READY kV‑kV).
• Maintain accuracy of spotting and profiling models, ensuring correct application of clearance rules and safety codes.
• Conduct peer reviews and internal audits of PLS‑CADD outputs.
• Champion continuous improvement of tower spotting standards, workflows, and digital datasets.
• Provide tower spotting inputs for feasibility studies, detailed design, and construction planning.
• Support construction teams with staking sheets, tower schedules, and setting‑out data.
• Resolve site issues related to terrain discrepancies, clearance adjustments, or route deviations.
• Contribute to BOQs, material take‑offs, and project cost estimates.

Mentorship & Team Development

• Mentor junior engineers and designers in PLS‑CADD modelling, tower spotting logic, and clearance verification.
• Build team capacity in LiDAR integration, terrain modelling, and advanced spotting methodologies.
• Review outputs from junior staff, providing technical coaching and QA feedback.
• Team player.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Present spotting methodologies, clearance compliance, and route optimization studies to clients.
• Provide technical input for tender submissions, proposals, and client workshops.
• Act as the PLS‑CADD subject matter expert in multidisciplinary design review sessions.
• Maintain strong client relationships and foster a team culture.

Travel

• International travel and local travel when required.