Senior Overhead Lines Design Engineer

SUMMARY:
Senior Overhead Lines Design Engineer | Midrand

POSITION INFO:
Location: Midrand | Contract Duration: Permanent | Industry: Engineering Consulting (Transmission & Distribution)

The Role
Our client, a premier global consulting firm, is seeking a high-calibre Senior Overhead Lines (OHL) Design Engineer to lead local and international transmission line projects ranging from 132kV to 765kV.

Operating as the primary subject matter expert, you will spearhead all tower spotting, route optimisation, and line profiling activities. This role demands an expert-level proficiency in the PLS-CADD Suite alongside a deep understanding of structural, civil, and electrical clearance constraints. You will be responsible for driving design compliance, managing full engineering packages from concept to execution, and mentoring junior engineers within a highly collaborative team culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership & Modelling: Lead all tower spotting and line profiling activities using PLS-Suite (PLS-CADD, POLE). Define optimum tower positions considering clearances, terrain, conductor sags, and servitude constraints.
• Design Management: Prepare, check, and approve line profiles, stringing charts, and plan-and-profile drawings. Manage data inputs from surveys, LIDAR/DEM, and topographical models.
• Full Lifecycle Packages: Deliver comprehensive design packages across all phases, including Front-End Engineering Design (FEED), conceptual, detailed, and execution-ready packages (132kV to 765kV).
• Project Delivery & Estimation: Provide critical inputs for feasibility studies and construction planning. Support site construction teams with staking sheets, tower schedules, and setting-out data, while contributing to BOQs and material take-offs.
• Quality & Compliance: Ensure strict design alignment with Eskom guidelines, SANS 10280, BS EN 50341, and international OHL design standards. Conduct rigorous peer reviews and internal audits of PLS-CADD outputs.
• Mentorship & Collaboration: Coach junior engineers and designers in advanced spotting methodologies, clearance verification, and LIDAR integration.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the technical authority in multidisciplinary design reviews and present route optimisation or clearance compliance studies to clients.

• Proven experience leading and managing local and international overhead line (OHL) transmission projects from 132kV to 765kV independently.
• Expert-level technical proficiency with the PLS-CADD Suite (including PLS-CADD and POLE) is non-negotiable.
• Extensive experience with LIDAR/DEM data integration, terrain modelling, line profiles, stringing charts, and alternative route evaluations.
• Deep working knowledge of Eskom guidelines, SANS 10280, and BS EN 50341 standards.
• Must be willing to travel locally and internationally when required by project briefs.
• Must possess a valid driver’s licence and own transport.

• Undergraduate Degree (BSc, BEng, or BTech) in Electrical or Civil/Structural Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Professional Registration (Pr.Eng / Pr.TechEng) with ECSA or an internationally recognised equivalent body is highly advantageous.

• Market-related CTC package (commensurate with experience and qualifications).
• Permanent career growth opportunity within a globally recognised engineering brand that actively prioritises diversity and professional equity.
• Expected Start Date: As soon as possible (notice periods will be fully respected).