Principal Structural Engineer – Advanced Analysis Specialist AECOM

CDFAM - Computational Design Symposium; Adelaide; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM is seeking a Principal (or Associate Director) Structural Engineer in Adelaide to lead advanced analysis for complex, high-risk projects across defence, energy and more. You will apply nonlinear analysis, performance-based seismic design, and soil–structure interaction to guide critical decisions, while mentoring the team and ensuring compliance with Australian and international codes.

The role invites senior engineers with 10+ years of experience, strong communication, and a collaborative

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Engineering (Civil/Structural) with advanced analytics focus desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in nonlinear structural analysis and performance-based seismic design.
• Strong knowledge of Australian Standards; experience applying international codes.

Responsibilities

• Act as a Senior technical specialist in advanced structural analysis, supporting delivery of complex, high-risk projects across multiple sectors.
• Lead application of analytical techniques including linear and non-linear analysis and soil–structure interaction to inform design decisions.
• Provide independent technical assurance and review for high-risk elements of projects.
• Interpret and apply Australian Standards and international codes, performing gap analyses and developing compliance strategies.
• Translate analyses into clear design recommendations for multidisciplinary teams.
• Contribute to development of best practice and mentor engineers within the structural team.

Skills

Advanced analysis

Non-linear analysis

Seismic design

Soil-structure interaction

Australian Standards knowledge

ETABS

SAP2000

Perform-3D

STAAD.Pro

PLAXIS

SpaceGASS

MathCAD

Python API

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor of Engineering (Civil/Structural)

Postgraduate qualifications in structural dynamics or earthquake engineering

Tools

ETABS

SAP2000

Perform-3D

STAAD.Pro

PLAXIS

SpaceGASS

MathCAD

Job description

Come and grow with us.

Our global portfolio of work comprises the design of iconic and award-winning buildings and landscapes. From strategic planning through to project realisation, the connections we make among people and place provide sustainable outcomes for our clients and the communities we serve. We place a premium on investing in digital capabilities and innovations which bring a unique consistency and efficiency to our scalable work. Together with our clients, we are working to evolve and elevate the built environment across sectors including social infrastructure, transit, technology and logistics, and commercial and corporate real estate, while focusing on solutions that promote long term health and wellbeing for all.

Everyone belongs at AECOM

We’re committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging – because great ideas come from diverse perspectives. AECOM is proud to be a Fortune 500 Most Admired Company, a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality, #Work180 Equitable Workplace Awards 2025 Winner and an AWEI Bronze Tier LGBTQ+ Inclusive Employer.

Job Description

Our Adelaide Buildings & Places team are looking for a Principal (or Associate Director) level Structural Engineer to join their team.

How you’ll make a difference:

• Act as a Senior technical specialist in advanced structural analysis, supporting the delivery of complex, high-risk projects across multiple sectors including defence and energy.
• Lead the application of advanced analytical techniques, including linear and non-linear analysis, performance‑based seismic design, and soil–structure interaction, to inform critical design decisions.
• Provide independent technical assurance and reviewfor complex and non-standard design approaches, acting as a senior checker for high‑risk elements of projects.
• Use your expertise to interpret and apply Australian Standards, alongside international codes (e.g. ASCE, ACI, AISC), undertaking gap analysisand developing robust, project‑specific compliance strategies.
• Translate complex analytical outputs into clear, practical design recommendations, supporting multidisciplinary teams and influencing project outcomes.
• Contribute to the development of best practice in advanced analysis, mentoring engineers and supporting capability uplift across the structural team.

Qualifications

The following qualifications and experience are highly desired, but if you don’t tick all the boxes, you could still be a perfect fit for this role.

The qualities that will help you thrive:

• Bachelor of Engineering (Civil/Structural), with postgraduate qualifications in structural dynamics, earthquake engineering, or related field desirable.
• Ideally,10+years’ experiencein structural engineering, with a strong focus on advanced analysis and complex structural behaviour.
• Demonstrated experience in: Non‑linear structural analysis, performance‑based seismic design and / or soil–structure interaction
• Strong working knowledge of Australian Standards, with experience applying and interpreting international design codes.
• Proficiency in industry-standard analysis tools (e.g. ETABS, SAP2000, Perform-3D, STAAD.Pro, PLAXIS, SpaceGASS or similar), and experience using MathCADfor transparent, auditable calculations.
• Experience or interest in scripting and computational design, including automation of analysis workflows using tools such as the ETABS/SAP2000 Python API, is desirable.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex technical concepts to a range of stakeholders.
• A collaborative approach, with a passion for solving challenging engineering problems and supporting the development of others.

Given the nature of our projects, Australian Citizenship is essential with current / prior defence clearance (or the ability to obtain) being crucial.

Additional information

Ready to push the limits of what’s possible?

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, additional health or mental health needs, and/or neurodiverse conditions. If you require any adjustments during the hiring process, please let us know.

AECOM acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we, our clients and our communities live and work around Australia. We pay our respects to their cultures and to their Elders — past, present, and emerging. We are committed to connecting to Country in our work through meaningful engagement with First Nations peoples and businesses. Find out more about our Australian Reconciliation Action Plan here: https://aecom.com/au/our-vision-for-reconciliation/.

About AECOM

AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. On projects spanning transportation, buildings, water, new energy and the environment, our public- and private-sector clients trust us to solve their most complex challenges. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our unrivaled technical and digital expertise, a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social and governance priorities. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm and its Professional Services business had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. See how we are delivering sustainable legacies for generations to come at aecom.com and @AECOM.

Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity

You will have the flexibility you need to do your best work with hybrid work options. Whether you’re working from an AECOM office, remote location or at a client site, you will be working in a dynamic environment where your integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering mindset are championed.

You will help us foster a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion – a safe and respectful workplace, where we invite everyone to bring their whole selves to work using their unique talents, backgrounds and expertise to create transformational outcomes for our clients.

AECOM provides a wide array of compensation and benefits programs to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families. We also provide a robust global well‑being program. We’re the world’s trusted global infrastructure firm, and we’re in this together – your growth and success are ours too.

Join us, and you’ll get all the benefits of being a part of a global, publicly traded firm – access to industry‑leading technology and thinking and transformational work with big impact and work flexibility. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person’s potential, and we’ll help you reach yours.