Senior Overhead Lines Design Engineer

Wsp; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 700 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy in Gauteng is seeking an experienced Senior Overhead Lines Design Engineer to lead OHL projects, ensuring technical excellence and compliance with standards. This role involves mentoring junior staff, managing design inputs from various sources, and engaging with clients on project delivery. The ideal candidate will have a strong proficiency in PLS-CADD and project management skills, with opportunities for international travel.

Qualifications

• Experience in overhead line projects, including tower spotting and line profiling.
• Strong understanding of electrical, structural, and civil design standards.
• Ability to mentor and develop junior engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead tower spotting and line profiling activities for OHL projects.
• Prepare and approve line profiles and coordination with foundation locations.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to team development.

Skills

Technical Leadership

Proficiency in PLS-CADD Suite

Project Management

Quality Assurance

Client Engagement

Tools

PLS-CADD

LiDAR

Job description

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

Primary Responsibilities

Technical Leadership: 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. Drive compliance with Eskom guidelines, SANS, BS EN and international OHL design standards. Lead and manage independently OHL projects (local and international) – kV to kV.

Design Management

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. Full design packages (FEED, CONCEPTUAL, DETAILED and EXECUTION READY kV – kV). Proficiency – Excellent with PLSCADD Suite3.

Quality & Compliance

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.

Project Delivery

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. Strong client relationships and team culture. International travel and local travel when required.