Senior Structural Engineer

Senior Structural Engineer - Cape Town

We are looking for a Senior Structural Engineer to lead and deliver multidisciplinary structural engineering projects across both civil and building sectors-from concept and feasibility through detailed design, procurement, construction, and close-out. The successful applicant will need to provide technical leadership, mentor the project team, manage stakeholders, ensure quality, safety, and compliance with South African codes/standards, and drive commercially sound project outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Technical Leadership & Design

• Structural design and analysis for civil structures (e.g., bridges, reservoirs, culverts, retaining structures, water/wastewater structures, etc.) and building structures (e.g., commercial offices, industrial facilities, residential developments, healthcare, education, etc).
• Develop and check calculations, specifications, and drawings for reinforced and prestressed concrete, structural steel, masonry, timber, and composite systems.
• Apply relevant codes and standards (e.g., SANS 10100, SANS 10161, SANS 10162, SANS 10163, SANS 10164, SANS 193, SANS 1200, relevant Eurocodes as required) and ensure compliance with OHS Act, Construction Regulations, municipal by-laws, and client standards.
• Lead technical risk assessments (load paths, stability, durability, fire, etc.), and constructability reviews, value engineering and optimization.

Project Delivery & Management

• Plan scope, schedule, resources, WBS, budgets, and deliverables; drive on-time, on-budget delivery.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary inputs (geotechnical, civils, architecture, MEP, façade, sustainability) and manage interfaces and design change.
• Prepare and manage tender documentation, BOQs, and technical queries, support procurement and contractor adjudication.
• Provide construction phase services: site inspections, RFI responses, shop drawing reviews, method statements, NCR resolution, as-built verification, snag lists, and close-out reports.

Team Leadership & Mentoring

• Lead a project team (engineers, technologists, technicians, BIM modellers, detailers) and provide technical mentoring and design reviews.
• Set technical standards, design procedures, QA/QC checklists, chair design coordination meetings.

Stakeholder & Client Management

• Act as primary technical contact; manage client expectations, present design solutions, and secure approvals.
• Engage with authorities (roads, municipalities, etc.) for compliance and approvals.
• Support business development: contribute to proposals, fee estimates, scope definitions, tenders and marketing.

Governance, Quality & Safety

• Ensure adherence to the company’s Quality Management System (ISO 9001), ECSA code of conduct, document control, etc.
• Maintain accurate records, technical files, and project correspondence.

Qualifications:

• BEng / BSc / BTech (Civil/Structural) or equivalent (Master’s advantageous).
• Professional Registration with ECSA (Pr.Eng or Pr.TechEng) - mandatory.

Experience:

• 15+ years’ post-graduate experience spanning civil structures and building structures.
• Evidence of leading multi-disciplinary project teams and delivering projects end-to-end.

Skills:

• Advanced structural analysis and design proficiency.
• Strong project management skills.
• Proficiency in structural design software.
• Excellent technical writing and report preparation skills.
• Strong presentation and client-facing communication skills.
• Ability to lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams effectively.
• Negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.

Competencies:

• Leadership: Ability to inspire, guide, and develop high-performing teams.
• Strategic Thinking: Align technical solutions with business objectives and client needs.
• Problem-Solving: Innovative approach to complex engineering challenges.
• Attention to Detail: Commitment to accuracy and compliance with codes and standards.
• Adaptability: Comfortable managing multiple projects and changing priorities.
• Commercial Awareness: Understanding of cost drivers, value engineering, and risk management.
• Ethical Practice: Adherence to ECSA code of conduct and professional integrity.