Principal Roads Design Engineer

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Life insurance

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Roads Design Engineer for a remote-first role within South Africa. You will lead the design and management of major road/highway projects, mentor junior engineers, and drive innovation while coordinating with clients and authorities.

The ideal candidate holds a BEng/BSc or MEng/MSc in Civil Engineering with Transportation specialization, Pr Eng registration with ECSA, and at least 12 years in road design.

Qualifications

• BEng/BSc or MEng/MSc in Civil Engineering, with Transportation/Roads focus.
• Pr Eng registration with ECSA is mandatory.
• Minimum 12 years in road design/transportation engineering on large-scale projects.
• Experience with Civil 3D, AutoCAD, MX Mauritius, and traffic simulation tools.
• Proven project management, contract negotiation, and financial oversight skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of complex road/highway infrastructure projects.
• Develop proposals, technical specs, and detailed design drawings using CAD/modelling software.
• Conduct feasibility studies, traffic impact assessments, and geometric design.
• Ensure compliance with SANRAL specs, municipal standards, and legislation.
• Manage project teams, coordinate with consultants, and liaise with authorities.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and QA on all projects.
• Identify innovative design solutions and sustainable practices.
• Oversee tender prep and assist in contract administration.
• Contribute to business development and client relationship management.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

Remote leadership

Project management

Education

BEng/BSc or MEng/MSc in Civil Engineering

Pr Eng registration with ECSA

Tools

Civil 3D

AutoCAD

MX Mauritius

VISSIM

SIDRA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading national infrastructure development firm, is seeking an accomplished Principal Roads Design Engineer to join their esteemed team. While based operationally near Rustenburg, North West , this role is designed to be a remote-first position, allowing you to contribute your expertise from anywhere within South Africa. You will be responsible for the conceptualization, design, and management of major road and highway projects, ensuring adherence to the highest engineering standards and client requirements. This role demands a visionary leader with a deep understanding of transportation engineering principles, traffic management, and sustainable design practices. As a Principal Engineer, you will mentor junior staff, drive technical innovation, and play a critical role in securing and delivering high-value infrastructure projects. This is an unparalleled opportunity to shape transportation networks and lead impactful projects from a flexible location.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the design and development of complex road and highway infrastructure projects, including interchanges, rural roads, and urban arterials. Develop project proposals, technical specifications, and detailed design drawings using advanced CAD and modelling software. Conduct feasibility studies, traffic impact assessments, and geometric design for new road developments. Ensure designs comply with SANRAL specifications, municipal standards, and relevant legislation. Manage project teams, coordinate with external consultants, and liaise with clients and government authorities. Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and quality assurance on all assigned projects. Identify and implement innovative design solutions and sustainable engineering practices. Oversee the preparation of tender documents and assist in contract administration during construction phases. Contribute to the business development efforts of the company, including bid preparation and client relationship management.

Requirements

BEng/BSc or MEng/MSc in Civil Engineering, with a specialization in Transportation or Roads Engineering. Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration with ECSA is mandatory. A minimum of 12 years of experience in road design and transportation engineering, with significant exposure to large-scale projects. Expertise in using transportation design software such as Civil 3D, AutoCAD, MX Mauritius, and traffic simulation tools (e.g., VISSIM, SIDRA). Proven experience in project management, contract negotiation, and financial oversight. Strong understanding of environmental management and social impact assessment principles related to road projects. Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills. Ability to work independently and lead remote teams effectively.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package that reflects the seniority and responsibilities of this role, along with a performance-based bonus structure. This fully remote position comes with excellent flexibility, allowing you to manage your work-life balance effectively. We provide comprehensive medical aid, a generous retirement fund, and life insurance benefits. Continuous professional development is highly valued, with opportunities for advanced training, certifications, and attendance at international conferences. You will be part of a forward-thinking company that is at the forefront of infrastructure development, with significant opportunities for professional growth and impact on major national projects.