Senior Structural Engineer - (ENG-L7.120) at Zutari

Role responsibilities

• Lead and manage structural design packages for built environment projects (commercial, mixed-use, transport buildings and upgrades, public venues/stadia, data centres and mission-critical facilities), from concept through detailed design and construction support.
• Deliver structural analysis and design for reinforced concrete, post-tensioned concrete and structural steel systems in accordance with applicable codes, standards and project specifications.
• Interpret and apply client standards and national design standards to develop safe, buildable and efficient structural solutions.
• Prepare and/or oversee high-quality design documentation (calculations, reports, design briefs, specifications and design risk notes) that clearly communicates engineering intent and supports approvals, tendering and construction.
• Coordinate with architectural, façade, civil, geotechnical, MEP and other disciplines to deliver integrated building solutions (including plant platforms/support steelwork, cores and stability systems, transfer structures and interface detailing).
• Manage structural interfaces for complex staging and construction sequencing, including upgrades/retrofits and works in constrained or operational environments.
• Review, check and approve structural models, drawings, reinforcement detailing and deliverables produced by engineers, drafters and BIM modellers to ensure technical quality and consistency.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship and oversight to junior team members to support professional growth and a strong quality culture.
• Contribute to project planning (scope, programme, deliverables, resourcing), fee/cost estimation and proposal development for new opportunities.
• Engage proactively with clients, contractors and stakeholders to ensure technical integrity, constructability and delivery excellence.
• Promote safety in design, sustainability and innovation consistent with Zutari’s values and engineering ethos.

Minimum requirements

• BSc or BEng in Civil/Structural Engineering from a recognised institution (postgraduate qualification advantageous).
• Minimum of 7–10 years relevant structural engineering experience within the built environment.
• Professional registration (e.g., ECSA Pr Eng or equivalent; or eligible/working towards registration, depending on the role level).
• Proven experience in the analysis and design of complex or large-scale built environment projects, including steel and concrete structures.
• Strong working knowledge of relevant design codes and standards (South African, Australian/New Zealand, American and/or European), with the ability to work across different code environments where required.
• Proficiency in common structural analysis and design software and a solid understanding of CAD/BIM workflows and model-based coordination.
• Demonstrated experience across tender, detailed design and construction support phases, including technical responses, design development, and construction-phase query resolution.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly and confidently.

Beneficial experience and competencies

• Experience in complex finite element analysis and/or specialist assessments (e.g., complex modelling, advanced staging/sequence modelling, seismic analysis and design/ detailing to applicable codes where required).
• Exposure to dynamic/vibration assessments (modal/harmonic/time-history or vibration studies).
• Experience with scripting/coding and automation to improve design workflows and quality checking.a

Skills and characteristics

• Technical excellence: strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate and resolve complex structural design challenges in the built environment.
• Leadership and mentoring: ability to guide junior engineers and contribute to a collaborative team culture.
• Communication and interpersonal strength: confident in client-facing roles and comfortable working across multidisciplinary teams.
• Coordination mindset: strong ability to manage interfaces with architects, façade consultants and MEP teams, driving alignment and resolving clashes pragmatically.
• Constructability focus: designs with construction sequencing, access, tolerance, temporary stability considerations and site constraints in mind.
• Self-driven and curious: motivated to learn, research and explore innovative solutions to challenging engineering problems.
• Work ethic and accountability: committed to quality, reliability and delivery deadlines.
• Positive mindset and adaptability: thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with a proactive and solution-oriented attitude.
• Attention to detail: ensures technical accuracy, consistency and traceability across deliverables.