Senior Overhead Lines Design Engineer

WSP USA; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 700 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Midrand, South Africa, is seeking a Senior Overhead Lines Design Engineer to lead OHL projects and ensure high-quality engineering solutions. The role involves technical leadership, design management, and mentorship for junior engineers, requiring proficiency in PLS-CADD Suite and experience in overhead lines design. This position offers opportunities for international travel and team development.

Qualifications

• Experience in overhead lines design projects, particularly 132kV to 765kV.
• Strong understanding of international OHL design standards.
• Ability to mentor junior engineers in OHL practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead tower spotting activities for OHL projects.
• Prepare and approve line profiles and drawings.
• Maintain compliance with safety codes and guidelines.
• Support construction teams with necessary data.
• Mentor junior engineers and build team capacity.

Skills

Leadership in OHL projects

Proficiency in PLS-CADD Suite

Strong analytical skills

Excellent communication

Tools

PLS-Suite

LiDAR/DEM

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.

Primary 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 10280, BS EN 50341, and international OHL design standards.
• Lead and manage independentlyOHL projects ( local and international) - 132kV to 765kV

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) - (132kV - 765kV)
• 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.
• Team player

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 relationshipsand team culture
• International Travel and local travel when required