Principal Structural Engineer

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,900,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary with executive bonus

Health insurance and retirement plans

Training and conference opportunities

Hybrid work arrangement

Career growth in Mossel Bay office

Job summary

Placements24 in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, seeks a Principal Structural Engineer to lead the structural design division. You will provide technical leadership, drive complex projects, and mentor engineers in a senior role across industrial, commercial and residential sectors.

You will oversee design standards, client engagement, and business growth while ensuring compliance with SANS and global best practices. Hybrid work and executive-level benefits are included.

Qualifications

• MSc or MEng in Structural Engineering required.
• PrEng registration with ECSA mandatory.
• Minimum 12 years in structural engineering with lead/principal responsibilities.
• Strong experience with ETABS, SAP2000, SAFE.
• Expert knowledge of steel, concrete and timber structures.
• Proven track record leading multi-million Rand projects.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience on international or diverse project types is advantageous.
• Able to mentor and develop engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic technical leadership and direction for structural projects from concept to completion.
• Lead design and analysis of complex structural systems for buildings and infrastructure.
• Oversee structural integrity assessments, forensic investigations, and rehab designs.
• Manage multidisciplinary project teams; foster collaboration and high performance.
• Develop design standards, QC procedures, and best practices.
• Serve as lead technical contact for clients, stakeholders, and authorities.
• Contribute to business development, including proposals and client relationship management.
• Mentor senior and junior structural engineers for growth and excellence.
• Ensure designs comply with building codes (e.g., SANS) and industry standards.
• Review and approve structural calculations, drawings, and specifications.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Mentoring

Business development

Client relationship management

Project leadership

Education

MSc or MEng in Structural Engineering

PrEng registered with ECSA

Tools

ETABS

SAP2000

SAFE

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned international engineering consultancy, is seeking an exceptional Principal Structural Engineer to lead their structural design division in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This is a senior leadership role responsible for providing high-level technical expertise, managing large-scale structural projects, and mentoring a team of talented engineers. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in the design of complex structures across various sectors, including industrial, commercial, and residential buildings. You will play a key role in business development, client engagement, and ensuring the highest standards of technical excellence and innovation in all projects undertaken by the Mossel Bay office. This is an opportunity to shape significant structural engineering endeavors.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic technical leadership and direction for structural engineering projects from concept to completion.
• Lead the design and analysis of complex structural systems for buildings and infrastructure projects, ensuring safety, efficiency, and economy.
• Oversee and conduct structural integrity assessments, forensic investigations, and rehabilitation designs.
• Manage multidisciplinary project teams, fostering collaboration and high performance.
• Develop and implement design standards, quality control procedures, and best practices.
• Serve as the lead technical point of contact for clients, stakeholders, and regulatory authorities.
• Contribute significantly to business development efforts, including proposal writing, client relationship management, and market strategy.
• Mentor and develop senior and junior structural engineers, promoting technical excellence and professional growth.
• Ensure all structural designs comply with relevant building codes, standards (e.g., SANS), and industry best practices.
• Review and approve structural calculations, drawings, and specifications prepared by project teams.

Requirements

• MSc or MEng in Structural Engineering or a closely related field.
• Professional registration as a Pr.Eng with ECSA is mandatory.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in structural engineering, with a significant portion in a principal or lead role.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing a wide range of structures using advanced analysis techniques and software (e.g., ETABS, SAP2000, SAFE).
• In-depth knowledge of material behavior (steel, concrete, timber) and construction methods.
• Proven experience in leading complex, multi-million Rand projects.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong business acumen and a proven ability to contribute to business growth.
• Experience in international projects or diverse project types would be advantageous.
• Ability to mentor and inspire engineering teams.

Benefits

• Our client offers an exceptional compensation package, including a highly competitive base salary, significant bonus potential, and other executive-level benefits.
• Comprehensive health insurance, retirement planning, and other ancillary benefits are provided.
• The company is committed to employee development, offering extensive training programs, support for further qualifications, and opportunities to attend global conferences.
• The role offers a flexible hybrid work environment, ideal for a senior professional.
• You will be based in our dynamic Mossel Bay, Western Cape office, working on iconic projects and driving structural innovation.