Overhead Lines Engineer

Overview

The WSP Africa Power and Energy team is seeking a competent and responsible OHL Design Engineer to join the team. The role involves delivering detailed design packages for overhead powerlines, conducting OHL-related studies, and using PLS-Suite extensively. The ideal candidate should have experience for voltages ranging from 132kV to 765kV. The successful candidate will contribute to both local and international projects, ensuring compliance with local and international standards.

• Tower spotting and line profiling activities for OHL projects using PLS-Suite (e.g. PLS-CADD and PLS 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 and check 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)

• 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.

• 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.

• Assist 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.

• 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

• Upholding 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 always maintained.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s in Electrical/Mechanical/Structural Engineering.
• Professional Registration:
  Ideally hold Pr. Eng or Pr. Tech Eng registration or be registered as a candidate engineer
• Software Proficiency:
  Highly proficient in PLSCADD, including PLS Pole and PLS Tower;
  AutoCAD; CDEGS will be advantageous.
• Experience:
  
  Minimum of 3 years’ OHL experience
• Technical Expertise:
  Strong knowledge and application of transmission line design criteria (sag and tensions, wind loading, conductor tensioning); PLS Suite; OHL Studies (e.g. Conductor selection, Ground wire selection, induction studies, emf studies, insulator selection, SIL); general understanding of the transmission sector and interfacing with primary/secondary plant and other stakeholders
• Standards & Codes:
  Familiarity with international and national standards including Eskom Grid Codes, SANS 10280, EN 50341, IEC 60826, IEC 60652, ASCE, CSA, AS/NZS; ability to apply these standards in design
• Key
  
  Competencies:
  
  Transmission Line Expertise; experience on local and international transmission projects; practical understanding of Eskom grid requirements; ability to work in multidisciplinary teams; strong communication and mentoring abilities
• Software & Digital
  
  Skills:
  
  PLS-CADD proficiency (MUST)
• Engineering Application:
  Ability to apply design standards (IEC, SANS, ASCE, EN, IS) and perform sag/tension calculations, and foundation–structure interaction