Principal Engineer - Bridges

Aecom; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

AECOM South Africa is seeking a Principal Engineer - Bridges to lead diverse bridge projects and act as the discipline lead on large-scale transportation assignments. The role involves delivering design studies, planning, and overseeing construction drawings while coordinating with international teams.

Ideal candidates bring ~15 years in bridges, professional registration, and strong expertise in design, inspection, and codes. Hybrid work requires days in the office.

Qualifications

• Professional registration with ECSA or international equivalent.
• Minimum ~15 years of experience in bridges or related structures.
• Experience leading discipline teams on large bridge projects.
• Familiarity with international codes (AASHTO, AREMA, BS, Aus-Codes).

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of local and international bridge projects.
• Provide technical expertise for design studies and planning of bridges and culverts.
• Oversee construction drawings and contract documentation.
• Coordinate with global teams and multidisciplinary leads.
• Ensure quality control and adherence to standards.

Skills

Leadership

Bridge design

Project coordination

Multicultural collaboration

Technical review

Education

Civil Engineering degree

Postgraduate structural/bridge studies

COTO Bridge Inspector (benefit)

Tools

Midas

Sofistik

RM Bridge

CSiBridge

Job description

Principal Engineer - Bridges AECOM Bellville, CARL CRONJE DRIVE, South Africa

Job Description

AECOM South Africa is looking for a Principal Engineer - Bridges to lead the delivery of diverse local and international bridge projects.

Job Summary

• Perform the role of Discipline Lead (bridges) of large scale transportation projects;
• Provide technical expertise for studies, design and planning of new bridges, culverts, and other road and rail structures in accordance with relevant local and international codes;
• Integration with global teams and multi disciplinary leads;
• Rehabilitation and upgrading design of existing bridges and drainage structures;
• Oversee the preparation of construction drawings;
• Preparation of project specifications and contract documentation;
• Proven commitment to Quality Control Policies and Quality Management Systems;

Personal Attributes

• Ability to plan and execute work independently;
• Ability to meet deadlines;
• Dedicated to deliver correct and accurate work;

Requirements

• Minimum fifteen years' experience (including appropriate site experience);
• Professional registration, ECSA or international equivalent;
• Proven track record of working on bridges and/or structures designs and collaborating with international and multi-cultural teams (approximately 15 years);
• Proven strong experience in, performing technical review of complex projects;
• Experience in the design of bridges and other civil structures;
• Experience in the inspection of bridges and culverts;
• Experience with international regulations and standards (i.e AASTHO; AREMA, Aus-Codes; BS, etc.) will be a benefit
• Proficiency in structural design software (Midas, Sofistik, RM Bridge, CSiBridge) will be a benefit;
• Experience working in the North America region / Australia will be considered favourably.
• Proven track record of working on bridges and/or structural designs and collaborating with international and multi-cultural teams (approximately 15 years)

Qualifications

• Degree in Civil Engineering;
• Postgraduate studies in structural and/or bridge engineering will be a benefit;
• Accreditation as a COTO Bridge Inspector will be a benefit.

Additional Information

At AECOM, you will have freedom to grow in a world of opportunity

At AECOM, our Freedom to Grow philosophy supports flexibility and balance to help our people thrive. As part of this approach, we ask all hybrid employees to work from an AECOM office at least three days per week.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients' complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle - from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you'll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you've always envisioned. Here, you'll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.