Graduate Engineer Specialist Building Investigations

seek.com.au; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

seek.com.au is seeking a Graduate Engineer to join our Building Diagnostics and Failure Analysis team. You will apply civil/structural/mechanical engineering principles to real building failures, focusing on water ingress, roof defects and drainage issues through field testing, analysis and reporting.

You will develop investigation plans, test hypotheses with CCTV inspections, water, pressure and thermal testing, and prepare clear technical reports for stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Degree in civil, structural, mechanical engineering or related field.
• Strong analytical thinking and methodical problem-solving.
• Clear technical writing and documentation.
• Interest in applying engineering fundamentals on site.

Responsibilities

• Develop investigation plans to define problems, causes and tests.
• Investigate water ingress, drainage, and roof performance through field tests.
• Assess building envelopes, drainage configurations and material interfaces.
• Use CCTV drainage inspections to document defects and assess impact on performance.
• Prepare technical reports explaining methods, findings, and recommended steps.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil/Structural/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Testing equipment

CCTV inspection

Job description

GRADUATE ENGINEER — BUILDING DIAGNOSTICS AND FAILURE ANALYSIS

Apply engineering principles to real building failures.

We are seeking a graduate or early-career engineer to investigate water ingress, roof defects and drainage failures through field testing, technical analysis and evidence-based reporting.

This role combines engineering investigation with hands‑on diagnostics. You will examine how building systems perform, develop and test possible failure mechanisms, and translate your findings into clear technical reports.

THE ENGINEERING CHALLENGE

Why does a roof leak only under certain conditions? How does water travel through a building before damage becomes visible? Is a drainage problem caused by an obstruction, a damaged pipe or the system configuration?

Your role will be to investigate these questions systematically, drawing on fluid mechanics, building physics, material behaviour and construction detailing.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop investigation plans that define the problem, possible causes and testing required.

Investigate water ingress through roofs, building envelopes, wet areas and concealed pipework.

Assess roof geometry, falls, drainage arrangements, flashings and material interfaces to identify potential failure mechanisms.

Use CCTV drainage inspections to examine sewer and stormwater assets, document defects and assess their likely effect on performance.

Apply controlled water testing, pressure testing, acoustic leak detection, thermal imaging and moisture mapping to test hypotheses.

Correlate site measurements, test results, drawings, photographs and reported event history.

Distinguish the source of a failure from its pathway and resulting damage.

Prepare technical reports explaining the investigation method, findings, likely causes, limitations and recommended next steps.

Support experienced specialists in developing remedial scopes and identifying where further engineering assessment is required.

WHAT YOU WILL DEVELOP

Practical experience in failure investigation, diagnostic testing and technical reporting across existing buildings and below-ground drainage assets.

You will strengthen your ability to work with incomplete information, evaluate competing explanations and reach conclusions supported by evidence. Your work will help property owners, insurers and repair teams understand the problem and make informed decisions.

ABOUT YOU

You hold a degree in civil, structural, mechanical or a related engineering discipline and have an interest in building performance and failure analysis.

You bring:

Strong analytical thinking and a methodical approach to problem-solving.

An understanding of engineering fundamentals and an interest in applying them on site.

Clear technical writing and accurate documentation.

Practical curiosity and confidence working with inspection and testing equipment.

A willingness to combine fieldwork with analysis and report preparation.

A current driver licence and a commitment to safe site work.

Graduate and early-career applicants are encouraged to apply. Relevant university projects, research, construction experience or practical diagnostic work will be valued.