Senior Structural Engineer

Zutari: Co-creating an engineered impact.

Zutari is a well-established, management-owned engineering firm with almost 90 years' experience. As human-centred engineering consultants and advisors, we are trusted by our clients, business partners, communities and other stakeholders across Africa.

We co-create engineering solutions that have a positive impact and improve people's lives. Zutari values inclusion and recognises the importance of a diverse, talented workforce, believing that people need other people to succeed.

What kind of talent do we pursue?

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

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.

We believe that a diverse workforce is key to our business success.  We seek the best people for our jobs based on their skills, qualifications, and experience.  We embrace the principle of equal opportunity in employment and work towards eliminating all forms of unlawful discrimination in our employment practices.  In support of diversity and the equal opportunity principle, preference will be given to individuals from designated groups in South Africa.