Civil Design Engineer - Water

The Legends Agency; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

An established engineering firm in South Africa is seeking a Principal Civil Design Engineer with over 12 years of experience in the water/wastewater sector. The role includes leading the design aspects of critical infrastructure projects and mentoring junior engineers. Candidates should have a BTech/BSc in Civil Engineering and ECSA registration. The position is based in Cape Town, with competitive salary offerings.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 years of civil engineering experience in water/wastewater sector.
• ECSA registration (Pr Eng or Pr Tech Eng) is required.
• Strong understanding of treatment plants and multidisciplinary design.

Responsibilities

• Manage civil design interfaces within multi-disciplinary project teams.
• Interpret and deliver technical designs in line with project specifications.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers.

Skills

Civil engineering

Leadership

Team collaboration

AutoCAD

Education

BTech/BSc in Civil Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

• • Principal Civil Design Engineer (Water/Wastewater)

    Lead Civil Engineering Design on Critical Water Infrastructure Projects

    Competitive salary | Water/Wastewater Sector

    R Eng / PR Tech is non negotiable
    
    Ideally Cape Town-based | Willing to relocate to Cape Town
    
    However will consider candidates outside of Cape Town to accommodate scarce skills.

    About Our Client

    Our client is an established engineering firm delivering high-quality projects across sectors including water, energy, and infrastructure. With a strong in-house design and engineering team, they are known for providing end-to-end solutions with a focus on innovation and value engineering. Their design division plays a key role in project delivery, from feasibility through to detailed design and construction support.

    The Role: Principal Civil Design Engineer (Water/Wastewater)

    This senior-level role involves leading the civil design aspects of water and wastewater infrastructure projects. Based in Cape Town, the Principal Civil Design Engineer will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to develop compliant, high-quality designs that support delivery across all project phases.

    Key Responsibilities

    • Manage civil design interfaces within multi-disciplinary project teams.
    • Interpret and deliver technical designs in line with project specifications and Eurocode standards.
    • Develop and review design calculations, CAD drawings, reports, and risk assessments.
    • Embed health and safety considerations throughout the design process.
    • Review subcontractor and supplier outputs for technical compliance.
    • Track and manage design effort relative to budget and schedule.
    • Mentor and guide junior engineers and support knowledge sharing across teams.
    • Collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders to ensure successful design integration.

    About You

    • Minimum 12 years of civil engineering experience, ideally in the water/wastewater sector.
    • BTech/BSc in Civil Engineering with ECSA registration (Pr Eng or Pr Tech Eng).
    • Proficient in design tools such as AutoCAD and familiar with relevant industry standards.
    • Strong understanding of treatment plants, pumping stations, and multidisciplinary design.
    • Excellent leadership, communication, and team collaboration skills.
    • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple concurrent projects.
    • Committed to continuous professional growth and development