Senior Overhead Lines Design Engineer

Wsp Usa; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering firm is seeking a Senior Overhead Lines Design Engineer to lead technical projects and provide high-quality engineering solutions. The role involves managing line profiles, ensuring safety compliance, mentoring junior staff, and delivering successful project outcomes in overhead lines design using PLS-CADD. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge in tower spotting and an aptitude for client engagement. This position requires strong leadership skills and a commitment to continuous improvement in engineering practices.

Qualifications

• Proficiency with PLS-CADD Suite is essential.
• Experience in overhead lines design engineering.
• Ability to mentor junior engineers and provide technical feedback.

Responsibilities

• Lead tower spotting and line profiling activities.
• Manage design inputs and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Conduct peer reviews and internal audits.

Skills

Technical Leadership

PLS-CADD Suite expertise

Compliance with safety codes

Mentorship

Project Delivery

Tools

PLS-CADD

Job description

We are seeking a 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

1. 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.

2. 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 Suite.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.