Civil Design Engineer - Port Infrastructure

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional development

International exposure

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Generous leave provisions

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Civil Design Engineer to lead the design of port and coastal infrastructure in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The role emphasizes marine structure integrity, hydraulic performance, and environmental sustainability, requiring strong geotechnical and coastal engineering expertise.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, ensure compliance with international codes, and contribute to technically challenging port development projects in a vibrant coastal

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Civil Engineering with Coastal/Structural focus.
• 7+ years of port/marine infrastructure design experience.
• Proficient in geotechnical aspects of marine foundations.
• Experience with coastal processes and wave mechanics.

Responsibilities

• Design marine structures (breakwaters, seawalls, quays, jetties, dolphins) with environmental loads and soil conditions.
• Perform geotechnical investigations and interpret soil reports for foundations.
• Conduct hydraulic and hydrodynamic analyses for waves, currents, and sedimentation in ports.
• Prepare design drawings, calculations, specs, and contract docs for port/coastal projects.
• Use specialized software for structural analysis and hydraulic modeling.
• Coordinate with naval architects, structural engineers, and environmental consultants.
• Review construction methods and provide technical support during execution.
• Ensure designs comply with PIANC and SA regulations.

Skills

Geotechnical design

Structural analysis

Hydraulic modeling

ANSYS

PLAXIS

SAP2000

Coastal engineering

Port design

Regulatory codes

Education

Master's in Civil Engineering (Coastal/Structural)

Tools

ANSYS

PLAXIS

SAP2000

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent engineering firm involved in major industrial and port development, is seeking a skilled Civil Design Engineer to join their team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This role focuses on the design and development of critical port infrastructure, including quays, jetties, breakwaters, and associated facilities. You will be instrumental in ensuring the structural integrity, hydraulic performance, and environmental sustainability of these complex marine structures. The position demands a meticulous approach to design, adherence to international maritime engineering standards, and effective collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. We are looking for an individual with a strong background in geotechnical engineering, structural analysis, and hydraulic modeling relevant to coastal and port environments. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to significant maritime projects in a key South African industrial hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and analyze marine structures such as breakwaters, seawalls, quays, jetties, and dolphins, considering environmental loads and soil conditions.
• Conduct geotechnical investigations and interpret soil reports to inform foundation designs for marine structures.
• Perform hydraulic and hydrodynamic analyses related to wave action, currents, and sedimentation within port areas.
• Prepare detailed design drawings, calculations, specifications, and contract documents for port and coastal engineering projects.
• Utilize specialized software for structural analysis (e.g., ANSYS, SAP2000), geotechnical design (e.g., PLAXIS), and hydraulic modeling.
• Coordinate with naval architects, structural engineers, and environmental consultants to ensure integrated project design.
• Review construction methods and provide technical support during the execution phase of port infrastructure projects.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant international codes (e.g., PIANC) and South African regulations.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Coastal or Structural Engineering.
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in the design of port and marine infrastructure.
• Proven experience with geotechnical aspects of marine foundations and structures.
• Proficiency in specialized design and analysis software for marine environments.
• Strong understanding of coastal processes, wave mechanics, and environmental impact assessments.
• Professional registration with ECSA as a Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) is strongly preferred.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and manage multiple project tasks.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package designed to attract top talent, along with performance-based incentives.
• This position provides the opportunity to work on technically challenging and high-impact port development projects.
• You will benefit from ongoing professional development, opportunities for international exposure, and a collaborative work culture.
• Comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and generous leave provisions are standard.
• The role is based in the vibrant coastal city of Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , offering a unique lifestyle balance.