Senior Overhead Lines Design Engineer

WSP in Africa; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 45 000 - 65 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in South Africa is seeking a Senior Overhead Lines Design Engineer to join its team. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership for overhead line design projects ranging from 132kV to 765kV. Responsibilities include leading tower spotting activities, ensuring compliance with design standards, and mentoring junior engineers. Ideal candidates will have expertise in PLS-CADD and a solid engineering background. This role offers opportunities for both local and international travel.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Professional development opportunities

International travel

Qualifications

• Must have experience in overhead line design for voltages between 132kV to 765kV.
• Proficient in PLS-CADD and related software tools.
• Experience managing local and international projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead tower spotting and line profiling activities for OHL projects.
• Drive compliance with design standards and regulations.
• Mentor junior engineers in design methodologies.

Skills

PLS-CADD expertise

Project leadership

Technical mentoring

Quality assurance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

PLS-CADD

LiDAR

Job description

Overview

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.

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