Principal Structural Engineer

KBR, Inc; Perth; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR is seeking a Principal Structural Engineer to lead structural design and governance for major defence infrastructure projects in Adelaide. You will act as the senior structural authority, guiding design, constructability, risk, and safety across complex builds while mentoring engineers and contributing to bids.

The role demands Chartered status or eligibility, extensive regulated environment experience, and strong leadership to coordinate multidisciplinary teams with clients and regulators.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) with Engineers Australia registration, or eligible.
• Extensive experience delivering structural engineering services within regulated environments.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with client engagement experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior structural engineering leadership across complex buildings and defence infrastructure projects.
• Act as a senior structural authority advising on design intent, constructability, sequencing and risk.
• Review and approve structural designs, shop drawings, construction methodologies, ITPs and temporary works.
• Resolve complex structural and constructability issues arising during construction.
• Ensure structural works are delivered in line with programme, budget, quality and safety requirements.
• Represent KBR in client, contractor and regulator meetings.

Skills

CPEng

Leadership

Defence projects

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering

Chartered Engineer (CPEng) or eligible

Job description

Principal Structural Engineer – Defence & Buildings Infrastructure Adelaide, SA | Major Defence & Buildings Projects

Building on another year of strong growth across Defence and infrastructure programs, KBR is continuing to expand its Adelaide team. We’re seeking a Principal Structural Engineer to play a key leadership role, providing technical excellence and engineering direction on complex, high‑profile projects that contribute to Australia’s future capability.

The Opportunity: This role sits at the interface of design, construction and assurance, where sound engineering judgement directly impacts safety, capability and project outcomes. You will act as a senior structural authority, working closely with construction teams, clients and stakeholders to resolve complex technical challenges and ensure structural works are delivered safely, compliantly and efficiently. As a Principal, you will also play a key role in technical governance, discipline leadership, mentoring senior engineers, and supporting major bids and pursuits, helping shape how KBR delivers defence infrastructure into the future.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide senior structural engineering leadership across complex buildings and defence infrastructure projects
• Act as a senior structural authority, advising on design intent, constructability, sequencing and risk
• Review and approve structural designs, shop drawings, construction methodologies, ITPs and temporary works
• Resolve complex structural and constructability issues arising during construction
• Ensure structural works are delivered in line with programme, budget, quality and safety requirements
• Work closely with construction teams, contractors and multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Champion safety leadership and ensure compliance with WHS, Defence site and regulatory requirements
• Represent KBR in client, contractor and regulator meetings
• Provide mentoring and technical guidance to engineers, reviewing outputs and supporting development
• Contribute to discipline standards, technical assurance frameworks and continuous improvement initiatives
• Support tenders, proposals and client engagements with senior technical input

Skills & Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (or equivalent)
• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) with Engineers Australia RPEQ, RPEV or equivalent registration, or willingness to obtain if required
• Extensive experience delivering structural engineering services within regulated environments
• Strong background in complex buildings and/or defence infrastructure projects
• In‑depth knowledge of Australian Standards, construction compliance and assurance processes
• Proven ability to exercise authoritative engineering judgement in complex, high‑risk situations
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with confidence engaging senior clients and stakeholders
• A collaborative mindset with sound commercial awareness.
• Due to the nature of our defence projects, Australian citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a Defence security clearance is required.

Why Join Us?

At KBR, you’ll be part of a forward‑thinking team delivering some of Australia’s most complex infrastructure projects. We’re investing in the future of South Australia — and you’ll be at the heart of it. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, high‑impact work that shapes critical Defence and national infrastructure, leaving a lasting legacy in the region. We support flexible work arrangements that promote balance and wellbeing, and we offer ongoing professional development pathways, including support toward Chartered status.

Learn more about life at KBR Adelaide via the links below: YouTube and Vimeo

KBR Values:

• We Value Our People – We create diverse, inclusive environments in which each person can feel safe, respected and valued, and where everyone has opportunities to grow and reach their full potential.
• We Deliver – We are uncompromising in our commitment to deliver innovative, high‑quality, technology‑led solutions for our customers and exceptional, sustainable value for all our stakeholders.
• We Are People of Integrity – We value honesty, trust, courage, fairness, prudence and tenacity. We believe doing what’s right for the planet, the communities where we work, and our people is good for business.
• We Empower – We empower our people with a shared purpose, the right tools and the supportive culture they need to be proactive decision‑makers, to be adaptive to change, and to succeed.
• We Are a Team of Teams – We have a will to succeed, but we value the achievements of our team of teams over individual accomplishments. Our collective focus makes us a better, stronger, more effective company. We have also embedded environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles in every business operation and corporate function. Not only are we committed to operating safely, sustainably and equitably, but we are also committed to using our capabilities and expertise to help our customers accomplish their sustainability goals.