Senior Candidate Engineer | Bridges

Zutari; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 540,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Zutari in Pretoria is seeking a talented Bridge Engineer to join our award-winning Bridges team. You will contribute to the design, analysis and delivery of complex infrastructure projects across Africa and the Middle East, collaborating with engineers and technicians across offices.

The role emphasizes digital engineering tools, sustainable design, and whole-life asset performance while supporting junior staff and progressing professional registration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or related field; postgraduate qualification advantageous.
• Registration progress with the Engineering Council of South Africa as Candidate Engineer or equivalent.
• Minimum of 4 years’ bridge design experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist in design and analysis of concrete/steel bridge structures and culverts per codes and standards.
• Perform hydrological and hydraulic calculations for drainage structures.
• Prepare design documentation, drawings, specifications and reports with quality standards.
• Collaborate with professionals across locations and support junior staff.
• Contribute to the design process from feasibility to final design outputs.
• Provide construction phase support and participate in site activities.

Skills

Bridge design

Structural analysis

Hydrology & hydraulics

CAD/BIM

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering

Tools

CAD/BIM

Job description

Description

Engineering is more than design and delivery at Zutari; it is the craft of shaping possibility.

Description

Engineering is more than design and delivery at Zutari; it is the craft of shaping possibility. As a leading buildings, infrastructure engineering, and advisory practice with over 90 years of heritage across Africa and the Middle East, we work across the full infrastructure lifecycle to deliver innovative, digitally enabled solutions. From bridges and dams to energy systems and smart infrastructure, our work connects communities and unlocks long-term value.

We are looking for technical minds who see beyond constraints and are driven to engineer solutions that matter, today and for generations to come.

What kind of talent do we pursue?

We employ high performing talent with the right attitude and a positive mindset, who are motivated by doing the right thing, getting things done, and sharing a sense of urgency. People who have an impact in our teams and the broader community. People who think differently and connect with those around them to co-create new opportunities and leave a meaningful legacy.

Our award-winning Bridges team is seeking a talented and digitally enabled Bridge Engineer to join our Tshwane office and contribute to the delivery of complex infrastructure projects across Africa and the Middle East.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and analysis of concrete/steel bridge structures and culverts, adhering to relevant codes and standards.
• Perform hydrological and hydraulic calculations for drainage structures.
• Contribute to the preparation of design documentation, including drawings, specifications, and reports, upholding our quality standards.
• Collaborate with and support professional staff across various locations.
• Participate in the design process, from initial concepts to final outputs.
• Support in the supervision and guiding of junior team members.
• Explore and suggest innovative design alternatives for various projects.
• Engage in fast-paced design and construct projects.
• Offer support during the construction phase of diverse structural projects.
• Assist in load rating evaluations for bridge structures.

Bridge & Structural Design

• Assist in the design, analysis and assessment of concrete, steel and composite bridge structures, culverts, retaining structures and related transportation infrastructure in accordance with relevant codes, standards and specifications.
• Perform structural modelling, engineering calculations and load analysis for new and existing structures.
• Assist in carrying out bridge load rating and structural capacity assessments.
• Participate in the design process from feasibility and concept development through to detailed design and final design outputs.
• Evaluate and recommend innovative, sustainable and cost-effective engineering solutions to address project requirements.
• Consider constructability, maintainability and whole-life asset performance during the design process.

Hydrology, Hydraulics & Drainage Engineering

• Perform hydrological and hydraulic assessments for bridges, culverts and drainage structures.
• Analyse flood levels, scour risks and waterway crossings to inform safe and resilient infrastructure design.
• Coordinate with water, geotechnical and transportation disciplines to achieve integrated engineering solutions.

Documentation & Technical Deliverables

• Prepare and contribute to engineering documentation including design reports, technical calculations, drawings, specifications, bills of quantities and construction documentation.
• Review and check own work to ensure compliance with quality management systems, client requirements and industry standards.
• Support the production and coordination of CAD/BIM deliverables.
• Participate in design reviews and technical verification processes to maintain high-quality project outputs

Project Delivery & Multidisciplinary Collaboration

• Collaborate with professional staff, technicians and multidisciplinary teams across various offices and project locations.
• Contribute to the successful delivery of bridge and structural projects within agreed scope, programme and budget requirements.
• Participate in fast-paced design-and-construct, alternative delivery and conventional project environments.
• Support project planning, design coordination, risk identification and problem-solving activities.
• Attend and contribute to technical and client meetings as required.

Construction Support & Asset Management

• Provide engineering support during the construction phase, including responding to technical queries, reviewing contractor submissions and resolving site-related issues.
• Participate in bridge inspections, condition assessments and structural investigations of existing infrastructure.
• Support rehabilitation, maintenance and strengthening projects through technical assessments and recommendations.
• Undertake site visits and construction monitoring activities as required to verify compliance with design intent.

Leadership, Mentoring & Capability Development

• Support and provide guidance to graduate engineers, technicians and junior team members on allocated project activities.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing, continuous improvement and technical excellence initiatives within the team.
• Build technical expertise and engineering judgement through active involvement in increasingly complex projects.
• Progress towards professional registration through continued development of technical, project management and professional competencies.
• Demonstrate commitment to safety, quality, ethics and organisational values in all aspects of work.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related profession. A postgraduate qualification in a relevant engineering discipline would be advantageous
• Registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa as a Candidate Engineer (ECSA) or evidence of registration progress.
• A minimum of 4 years’ experience in bridge design.

Skills And Attributes

• Proficiency in digital engineering tools and techniques.
• Skilled in technical communication and interpretation.
• Eager to learn and adopt new digital tools and workflows.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Adaptability in a dynamic work environment and the ability to handle project shifts.
• Capable of working both independently and as part of a team.

We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is fundamental to our continued success. We are committed to attracting, selecting, and retaining the best talent based on merit, skills, qualifications, and experience. We uphold the principles of equal opportunity and fair employment practices and strive to eliminate all forms of unlawful discrimination in our workplace. In support of our diversity, equity, and inclusion objectives, and in accordance with applicable South African employment legislation, preference may be given to suitably qualified candidates from designated groups.