Education jobs in South Africa

The WSP Africa Power and Energy team is seeking an experienced Senior Structural Design Engineer to join the team. The role involves designing and analyzing overhead transmission line structures, including steel lattice towers and monopoles, for voltages ranging from 33kV to 765kV. The successful candidate will contribute to both local and international projects, ensuring compliance with local and international standards.

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Mechanical, Civil, or Structural Engineering.
• Professional Registration: Must hold Pr. Eng or Pr. Tech Eng registration.
• Software Proficiency: Highly proficient in structural analysis and software design, including:
  • PLS-CADD
  • PLS-TOWER
  • PLS-POLE
  • AutoCAD
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years’ experience in the structural design of transmission line structures, with a preference for experience in the South African and UK power sectors.
• Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge & application of:
  • Transmission line design criteria (sag and tensions, wind loading, conductor tensioning).
  • Foundation interaction and performance under varying terrain and climate conditions.
  • Structural checks and design validation within PLS-POLE and PLS-TOWER.
• Standards & Codes: Familiarity with relevant international and national standards, including:
  • Eskom Grid Codes
  • TRMSCAAC1
  • SANS 10100 (Structural use of concrete)
  • IEC 60826 (Design criteria of overhead transmission lines)
  • IEC 60652 (Loading tests on overhead line structures)
  • SANS 10280 (Overhead power lines for South African conditions)
  • EN 50341 (Overhead electrical lines exceeding AC 1 kV – Europe/UK)
  • ASCE 10, 48, 74 (USA – Lattice towers, poles, structural loading)
  • CSA C22.3 & CSA S37 (Canada – OHL & tower design)
  • AS/NZS 7000 (Australia/New Zealand – OHL design)

What's in it for you?

What if we can have work-life balance? What if we can be rewarded in ways that support our individual needs? What if we can be accepted for who we are? Here at WSP – we can!

WSP recognizes that work is only one part of our lives and making time for the other things in our life is important – be that our families, our friends or ourselves. So, if working from home, working part-time or having flexible start and finish time will help with this let us know as part of your application.

As well as rewarding you with competitive pay, WSP offers standard benefits including first class medical cover, generous days annual leave, and paid professional subscriptions.

Be you, be happy – we strive to have a friendly and inclusive culture which respects and maximizes the contribution individuals can bring to WSP. We recognize the benefits that people with varying backgrounds and experiences can bring. Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. We will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria.

• Perform the design and analysis of transmission and distribution line structures in compliance with international standards and specifications, including client‑specific requirements (e.g., Eskom TRMSCAAC, SANS10280, CPTSSTAN116) and global codes (e.g., IEC 60826, BS EN 50341, Eurocodes).
• Conduct tower spotting and line profiling using PLS-CADD.
• Carry out structural assessments of existing infrastructure and recommend reinforcement, refurbishment, or replacement strategies, PLS-Pole, PLS-Tower.

• Contribute to hardware design and assemblies.
• Provide construction support during project execution where required.
• Prepare and review detailed design documentation, technical reports, and drawings for submission to regulatory authorities and clients, including formal presentations at design review committees.
• Offer technical input and cost estimation during tendering and procurement processes.
• Create tools and criteria files for structural design checks.

• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams (civil, electrical, geotechnical, environmental) to deliver integrated, fit‑for‑purpose design solutions.
• Liaise with clients, contractors, and regulatory authorities (e.g., NERSA, Eskom, UK grid operators) to ensure compliance with statutory and client requirements.
• Involvement in international bodies, work groups and developing/publishing papers with WSP colleagues.

Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior structural engineers, fostering professional development and knowledge transfer within the team.

• Represent the organisation in client meetings, technical workshops, and review sessions, both locally and internationally.
• Undertake domestic and international travel for client engagement, project support, and design review activities.

• Role model standards for SHEQ performance and behaviour consistent with the company’s health, safety, environmental and quality vision and policies by influencing those around you.
• Contributing to the identification of SHEQ risks and driving processes to achieve Zero Harm.
• Embracing, displaying and promoting the company values and ensuring a safe working environment is maintained at all times.