Associate Engineer - PDM -Structures

Buro Happold; Mumbai; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits package

Comprehensive health insurance

Annual discretionary bonus

Flexible working patterns

Learning and development programme

Job summary

Buro Happold is seeking an Associate – PDM to manage aviation and large-scale projects across India. This role involves leadership, budget management, and client consultancy, with ongoing professional development opportunities.

The ideal candidate will have over 15 years of experience, proven design delivery in aviation, and relevant engineering degrees. This position offers a competitive salary with a strong focus on equity, diversity, and work-life balance.

Qualifications

• Over 15 years of industry experience with a track record in design delivery.
• Hands-on experience with at least two aviation projects in the region.
• Chartered Engineer status is preferable.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects and manage budgetary responsibilities.
• Represent Buro Happold and provide consultancy advice.
• Identify and manage project risks proactively.

Skills

Project leadership

Client consultancy

Risk management

Collaborative problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Engineering (Civil/Structures discipline)

Job description

Position Overview

Associate – PDM with Buro Happold, responsible for delivering aviation, high-rise and other large scale projects across India. Works on airports, commercial, residential, cultural, and sport projects, based in India with domestic travel for site visits and meetings.

Responsibilities

• Lead a project as a Project Leader.
• Work within an agreed budget, raise and/or resolve budgetary concerns and ensure profit targets are maintained.
• Draft fee proposals, negotiate additional fees with the client where appropriate.
• Represent Buro Happold autonomously and provide consultancy advice to clients, architects and collaborators.
• Attend and chair meetings with architects, planners, contractors, government agencies, etc. in a consultative capacity as part of a single or multi-disciplinary team.
• Be alert to commercial risks and opportunities and take necessary action to manage them.
• Drive project performance, service delivery and technical and commercial outcomes, undertaking reviews to ensure client delivery is above expectation.
• Proactively identify, assess and manage risks to avoid adverse impacts on the project.
• Lead the design, analysis and consultancy on projects as guided by the Project Leader or Principal Designer.
• Coach, mentor and support junior employees to ensure they are effective and successful.
• Establish a strong internal and external network to contribute to work winning through bidding for projects and repeat work, setting personal targets where appropriate.
• Interface with and deliver projects through the wider multidisciplinary team (core disciplines, specialists, architects and client).
• Propose multiple creative solutions to challenges, articulating and documenting benefits and shortfalls to the client while considering other disciplines’ requirements.
• Produce reports, presentations, models and drawings as required.
• Follow all Buro Happold’s internal quality assurance procedures, seek to improve processes and engage with the QA team to implement these.
• Maintain ongoing learning and Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
• Enhance productivity through improved processes, procedures and systems.

Required Skills

• Contributes to the development of innovative solutions and collaborates with team members to implement them effectively.
• Fosters a supportive environment for learning and creativity by sharing knowledge and encouraging team engagement.
• Builds understanding of sector trends and client needs to support business development efforts in alignment with team goals.
• Identifies project risks and opportunities, and communicates them clearly to clients and internal stakeholders.
• Maintains strong working relationships with internal teams and external partners to support project delivery.
• Embraces digital tools and computational engineering methods to improve design efficiency and quality.
• Shares relevant commercial and technical insights during team meetings and encourages open dialogue and idea exchange.
• Participates in regular project reviews, providing timely feedback and ensuring alignment with client expectations.
• Supports the delivery of projects with a focus on technical quality, timely execution, and client satisfaction.
• Stays informed about market trends and how they may impact project delivery and client needs.
• Helps manage project risks and supports mitigation strategies in collaboration with senior leadership.
• Acts as a positive role model, promoting a collaborative and inclusive team culture.
• Communicates project goals and updates clearly, encouraging input and participation from all team members.
• Demonstrates flexibility in leadership—knowing when to delegate and when to take initiative.
• Encourages technical excellence within the team and supports participation in external industry forums and events.
• Assists in recruitment efforts by evaluating candidates for technical and cultural fit.
• Understands key project challenges—technical, contractual, and financial—and supports junior team members in navigating them.
• Participates in internal and external forums to represent the team and contribute to knowledge sharing.
• Develops expertise in a specific technical area and contributes to outreach activities to build the firm’s reputation.

Desirable Skills

• Supports financial success of projects through effective planning and resource management.
• Proactively contributes to cost recovery efforts and helps improve project financial performance.
• Assists in reporting on project and team performance to senior leadership.
• Contributes to performance reviews and lessons learned across projects to support continuous improvement.

Required Experience

• Hands‑on experience and track record of design delivery of minimum two aviation projects in the region.
• Over 15 years of experience, with a proven record of exceptional delivery within the industry.
• Excellent command of business communication.
• Preferably Chartered Engineer with international institutions.
• Preferably experience on international projects.
• Proficient in a global matrix organisation.

Desirable Experience

• Multiple stints in international working environments.
• Proven success across the region and the ability to think beyond local borders to drive performance improvement for the region and the broader group.

Required Qualifications and Accreditations

• Degree in Engineering (Civil/Structures discipline).
• Professional accreditation from a recognised and relevant organisation.
• Proven experience in a comparable lead designer and/or project manager role on large, complex, multi‑discipline projects.
• Strong facilitation and team leadership capability.
• Effective communication capability.
• Understanding of relevant policy and regulation.
• Strong external network to support the role.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package including annual discretionary bonus.
• Comprehensive health insurance scheme for the employee and family.
• Group personal accident cover.
• 5‑day workweek policy supporting work‑life balance.
• Learning and development programme at every career stage.
• Entitlements to two professional memberships or subscriptions.
• Employee referral bonus for hiring talented candidates.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and wellness initiatives supporting mental and physical health.
• Back‑to‑Work Program for Women – Swam Siddha, supporting seamless re‑entry into the workforce.
• Opportunities to engage with Young Employees Forum, Diversity and Inclusion Forum, and BH Women’s Network.
• Share Our Skills (SOS) programme offering opportunities to support local communities and those in need globally.
• An international culture that remains exceptional wherever your career takes you at Buro Happold.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Buro Happold values flexible working patterns and welcomes applications from individuals seeking flexibility in their careers. We are committed to changing the lack of representation of marginalised groups in the built environment and encourage anyone who feels underrepresented in the industry to apply. We demonstrate a strong commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture.