Senior Overhead Lines Design Engineer

About the role

WSP Africa’s Power & Energy team is seeking a Senior Overhead Lines Design Engineer to deliver high‑quality transmission line solutions across South Africa and international markets. You will lead technically complex projects, collaborate with multidisciplinary specialists, and help shape resilient energy infrastructure.

Key responsibilities

• Lead tower spotting and line profiling for 132 kV to 765 kV projects using PLS‑CADD and the wider PLS Suite.
• Produce FEED, conceptual, detailed and execution‑ready design packages.
• Prepare and review line profiles, stringing charts, plan‑and‑profile drawings, tower schedules and construction inputs.
• Optimise line routes and tower configurations for safety, cost, constructability and environmental performance.
• Integrate survey, LiDAR, DEM and topographical data into design models.
• Apply Eskom requirements and relevant South African and international OHL standards.
• Provide technical input to tenders, proposals, client workshops and multidisciplinary design reviews.
• Mentor junior engineers and designers, strengthening quality and technical delivery across the team.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical or Structural Engineering.
• Minimum three years’ experience in overhead lines design.
• Professional registration as Pr Eng, Pr Tech Eng, or candidate status (advantageous).
• Strong analytical, communication and technical leadership abilities.
• Willingness to travel locally and internationally as required.

Required skills

• Advanced proficiency in PLS‑CADD; experience with PLS‑POLE and PLS‑TOWER.
• Knowledge of conductor selection, sag‑tension calculations, wind loading, clearances and insulation.
• Familiarity with standards SANS 10280, IEC 60826, EN 50341 and Eskom requirements.
• Ability to integrate LiDAR, DEM and survey data into design models.

What we offer

• Collaborative, future‑focused team with local and international project exposure.
• Opportunities to expand technical influence and advance your career.
• A culture that values inclusion, accountability and professional growth.