Lead Civil Engineer - Remote

Placements24; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 600,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and retirement benefits

Flexible remote work

Professional development budget

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Civil Engineer to join a rapidly growing consultancy focused on infrastructure. This fully remote role supports projects across South Africa and abroad, guiding design teams and mentoring engineers while delivering technically excellent infrastructure solutions.

You will lead major projects, manage timelines and budgets, and collaborate with clients and regulators to ensure quality and compliance. A senior, strategic thinker with strong leadership is essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Civil Engineering required.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA preferred.
• Minimum 12 years of progressive civil engineering experience.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams on large projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead design of major civil projects (roads, bridges, water systems).
• Oversee civil engineering teams, ensure timelines and quality.
• Conduct advanced analyses and modeling with specialized software.
• Review and approve designs, drawings, and reports.
• Collaborate with clients and regulators to define requirements.
• Develop proposals, cost estimates, and construction methods.
• Mentor junior engineers and drive technical excellence.
• Ensure compliance with standards and safety regulations.
• Manage project risks and budgets in a remote setting.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Team oversight

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Master's degree in Civil Engineering

Pr. Eng. registration with ECSA

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Bentley MicroStation

HEC-RAS

Job description

Discover exciting lead civil engineer opportunities across South Africa. This role demands strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of civil engineering principles, including structural design , project management , and infrastructure development . Ideal candidates will possess experience in managing complex projects from conception to completion, ensuring adherence to budgets, timelines, and quality standards. We connect you with top companies seeking experienced professionals to drive innovation and deliver impactful engineering solutions nationwide. Explore roles that offer competitive salaries and career advancement in a dynamic sector.

What People Ask

Lead civil engineers in South Africa can expect to earn between R600,000 and R1,200,000 annually. This range can fluctuate based on experience, specific responsibilities, and the employer's location and size. Senior roles with extensive project oversight often command salaries at the higher end of this spectrum.

Leading employers for lead civil engineers in South Africa include AECOM, Aurecon, and Zutari. These firms are consistently involved in major infrastructure projects and offer significant career development opportunities. They are known for their commitment to innovation and professional growth within the engineering field.

A professional registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) is typically a prerequisite. A relevant Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering is also standard. Significant experience in project management and a proven track record of successful project delivery are crucial.

Lead civil engineers often manage a diverse range of projects, including transportation infrastructure (roads, bridges), water and wastewater systems, and urban development. They may also be involved in structural engineering for buildings and industrial facilities. The scope can vary from large-scale public works to private sector developments.

Showing 186 Lead Civil Engineer jobs in remote

Job Description

About the Role Our client, a rapidly growing engineering consultancy focused on infrastructure development, is seeking an accomplished Lead Civil Engineer to join their fully remote team. This is a significant opportunity to shape the future of civil engineering projects across various sectors, contributing to essential infrastructure that benefits communities. You will be instrumental in leading design teams, mentoring junior engineers, and driving the technical excellence of projects. The role demands a strategic thinker with a passion for innovation and a deep understanding of civil engineering principles, including water resources, transportation, and structural design. Working remotely, you will collaborate with a diverse, global team, utilizing state-of-the-art technology to deliver impactful solutions. This position is perfect for a visionary leader who thrives in a flexible, autonomous work environment and is eager to make a lasting contribution to the built environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of major civil engineering projects, including roads, bridges, water systems, and drainage infrastructure.
• Oversee and manage teams of civil engineers and technicians, ensuring project timelines and quality standards are met.
• Conduct advanced engineering analyses, calculations, and modeling using specialized software.
• Review and approve engineering designs, drawings, specifications, and technical reports.
• Collaborate with clients, stakeholders, and regulatory agencies to define project requirements and ensure compliance.
• Develop project proposals, cost estimates, and construction methodologies.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance on complex engineering challenges.
• Mentor and develop junior engineering staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Ensure adherence to all relevant engineering standards, codes of practice, and safety regulations.
• Manage project risks and implement effective mitigation strategies.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA or equivalent.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in civil engineering design, analysis, and project management.
• Demonstrated experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams on large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Expertise in civil engineering design software (e.g., AutoCAD Civil 3D, Bentley MicroStation, HEC-RAS).
• Strong understanding of geotechnical principles, structural mechanics, and environmental engineering.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects, budgets, and schedules in a remote setting.
• Strong client-facing and stakeholder management capabilities.
• A proactive approach to innovation and sustainable engineering practices.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
• Generous retirement savings plan.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth, training, and conference attendance.
• Access to cutting-edge design and simulation software.
• A supportive and collaborative remote work environment with a strong emphasis on work-life balance.
• The chance to work on high-impact infrastructure projects that shape communities.
• Flexible working hours and a truly autonomous role.