Overhead Lines Technologist at WSP in Africa

Job Description

• 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.

Responsibilities
Technical Leadership

• Responsible for tower spotting and line profiling activities for OHL projects using PLS-Suite (e.g. PLSCADD 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)

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

• 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.

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

Health and Safety

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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 (i.e. Conductor selection, Ground wire selection, induction studies, emf studies, insulator selection, SIL)
• Overall understanding of the transmission sector (interfacing with primary, secondary plant and other key stakeholders)
• Standards & Codes: All may not be necessary; however, 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)

Key Competencies and Generic Skills:

Transmission Line Expertise:

• Experience working on local and international transmission projects and application of international standards 
• Practical understanding of Eskom grid requirements and adaptation to South African terrain and climate conditions.
• International OHL projects will be advantageous

Software and Digital Skills:

• PLSCADD proficient (MUST)

Engineering Application:

• Strong competency in applying international and national design standards (IEC, SANS, ASCE, EN, IS).
• Ability to interpret and apply structural loading criteria, sag/tension calculations, and foundation–structure interaction.

Professional & Generic Skills:

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with a focus on safety and reliability.
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and cross-cultural teams.
• Excellent communication skills for technical reporting, client interaction, and project presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor junior engineers and contribute to knowledge transfer within the team.