Structural Engineer/Designer

Job Description:

Role Summary

The Structural Engineer/Designer will be responsible for the structural design, analysis, and detailing of Pre-Engineered Buildings, heavy steel structures, and associated construction projects including warehouses, industrial sheds, steel bridges, towers, and water tanks. The role sits within the Design Department and works closely with sales, production, and site teams to ensure structural designs are safe, cost-effective, and fabrication/erection-ready, from initial concept through to final approved-for-construction (AFC) drawings.

Key Responsibilities

Structural Design & Analysis

• Carry out structural analysis and design of PEB steel structures, portal frames, trusses, purlins, girts, and associated secondary steel members.
• Perform load calculations (dead, live, wind, seismic, crane, and other applicable loads) in accordance with relevant international and Ugandan design codes/standards.
• Design connections, base plates, anchor bolts, and foundation loading data for structural steel elements.
• Optimize structural designs for material efficiency, fabrication feasibility, and cost-effectiveness without compromising safety.
• Use structural design software (e.g., STAAD.Pro, Tekla Structures, SAP2000, or equivalent) to model, analyze, and validate designs.

Coordination & Technical Support

• Work closely with the sales/estimation team to provide technical input, preliminary designs, and material take-offs for client proposals and quotations.
• Coordinate with the production team to ensure designs are practical for fabrication and resolve any fabrication-stage design queries.
• Liaise with site/installation teams to support erection sequencing, resolve site-related design issues, and review as-built conditions.
• Interface with clients, architects, and third-party structural consultants/checking engineers on design queries and approvals.
• Support the Safety In-Charge by ensuring designs account for safe lifting points, erection methodology, and working-at-height considerations.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure all designs comply with applicable Ugandan building codes/regulations and relevant international structural design standards.
• Conduct design reviews and peer checks to maintain accuracy and quality of structural calculations and drawings.
• Maintain design records, revision histories, and technical documentation in an organized and retrievable manner.
• Stay updated on evolving codes, materials, and design practices relevant to PEB and heavy steel construction.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Civil/Structural Engineering (Master's degree in Structural Engineering is an added advantage).
• 5 to 8 years of proven experience in structural design of PEB, steel structures, or heavy industrial/construction projects.
• Age 28 to 35 years.
• Professional registration/membership with a recognized engineering body (e.g., Institution of Engineers of Uganda, or equivalent) preferred.
• Prior experience specifically in PEB design is highly desirable.

Skills & Competencies

• Software Proficiency: Strong working knowledge of structural design and detailing software such as STAAD.Pro, Tekla Structures, SAP2000, AutoCAD, and/or similar tools used in PEB and steel structure design.
• Design Codes: Sound understanding of international structural steel design codes (e.g., AISC, IS 800, Eurocode, UK codes or equivalent) and awareness of applicable Ugandan building regulations.
• Technical Judgment: Ability to balance structural safety, material efficiency, and fabrication practicality in design decisions.
• Cost Awareness: Understanding of steel weight optimization and its direct impact on project costing and competitiveness.
• Communication & Coordination: Able to clearly communicate technical requirements to sales, production, and site teams, as well as external clients and consultants.
• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy in calculations, drawings, and documentation, given the safety-critical nature of structural design.
• Problem-Solving: Capable of resolving design conflicts or fabrication/erection-stage issues efficiently and pragmatically.
• Language: Proficiency in English required.

Key Performance Indicators (Suggested)

• Turnaround time for design proposals, GA drawings, and fabrication drawings.
• Accuracy of BOM/weight estimates versus actual fabrication tonnage.
• Number of design-related fabrication or site queries/errors requiring rework.
• Compliance rate with applicable design codes and internal quality review processes.
• Contribution to design optimization resulting in material or cost savings.

Work Environment

This is primarily an office-based design role within the Design Department at the head office in Kampala, with occasional site visits for design verification, erection coordination, or client meetings. The candidate should be comfortable working within a fast-paced fabrication and construction environment, coordinating closely with production and site teams to translate designs into built structures.

Compensation & Perks

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• J her perks as applicable, including opportunities for career advancement within the company.J