Senior Overhead Lines Design Engineer

Wsp In Africa; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

An engineering consultancy is seeking a Senior Overhead Lines Design Engineer in South Africa, Gauteng, to lead innovative projects and deliver high-quality engineering solutions. The ideal candidate will excel in technical leadership, PLS-CADD proficiency, and will mentor junior engineers. The role requires managing OHL projects, maintaining design accuracy, and engaging with clients and stakeholders. This opportunity offers a chance to work on diverse projects in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Expertise in overhead line design and engineering.
• Experience with Eskom guidelines and international standards.
• Ability to mentor junior engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead tower spotting and line profiling for OHL projects.
• Manage OHL projects from design to execution.
• Conduct peer reviews and maintain design accuracy.
• Support construction planning and resolve site issues.
• Engage with clients and stakeholders effectively.

Skills

Technical Leadership

Proficiency in PLS-CADD Suite

Project Delivery

Client Engagement

Mentorship

Tools

PLS-CADD

Job description

Job Description

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

Overview

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

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. 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. Produce full design packages (FEED, CONCEPTUAL, DETAILED, and EXECUTION READY kV – kV).
• Proficiency – Excellent with PLS‑CADD Suite.
• 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. Foster a team player culture.
• 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. Strengthen client relationships and team culture.
• International travel and local travel when required.