Principal Structural Engineer - Advanced Analysis Specialist
Full-time
State/Province: South Australia
Business Group: DCS
Legal Entity: AECOM Australia Pty Ltd
Business Line: B&P - Buildings & Places
Work Location Model: Hybrid
Operating Group: International
Primary Location: AU - Adelaide, SA
Our Adelaide Buildings & Places team are looking for a Principal (or Associate Director) level Structural Engineer to join their team.
Ideally, this role is based in Adelaide; however we are open to candidates being based in Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane.
How you'll make a difference
Act as a Senior technical specialist in advanced structural analysis, supporting the delivery of complex, high-risk projects across multiple sectors including defence and energy.
Lead the application of advanced analytical techniques, including linear and non‑linear analysis, performance‑based seismic design, and soil–structure interaction, to inform critical design decisions.
Provide independent technical assurance and review for complex and non‑standard design approaches, acting as a senior checker for high-risk elements of projects.
Use your expertise to interpret and apply Australian Standards, alongside international codes (e.g. ASCE, ACI, AISC), undertaking gap analysis and developing robust, project‑specific compliance strategies.
Translate complex analytical outputs into clear, practical design recommendations, supporting multidisciplinary teams and influencing project outcomes.
Contribute to the development of best practice in advanced analysis, mentoring engineers and supporting capability uplift across the structural team.
The following qualifications and experience are highly desired, but if you don’t tick all the boxes, you could still be a perfect fit for this role. Please apply, all applications will be considered.
The qualities that will help you thrive
Bachelor of Engineering (Civil/Structural), with postgraduate qualifications in structural dynamics, earthquake engineering, or related field desirable.
Ideally, 10+ years’ experience in structural engineering, with a strong focus on advanced analysis and complex structural behaviour.
Demonstrated experience in: Non‑linear structural analysis, performance‑based seismic design and/or soil–structure interaction.
Strong working knowledge of Australian Standards, with experience applying and interpreting international design codes.
Proficiency in industry‑standard analysis tools (e.g. ETABS, SAP2000, Perform‑3D, STAAD.Pro, PLAXIS, SpaceGASS or similar), and experience using MathCAD for transparent, auditable calculations.
Experience or interest in scripting and computational design, including automation of analysis workflows using tools such as the ETABS/SAP2000 Python API, is desirable.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex technical concepts to a range of stakeholders.
A collaborative approach, with a passion for solving challenging engineering problems and supporting the development of others.
Given the nature of our projects, Australian Citizenship is essential with current / prior defence clearance (or the ability to obtain) being crucial.
Ready to push the limits of what’s possible?
We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, additional health or mental health needs, and/or neurodiverse conditions. If you require any adjustments during the hiring process, please let us know.
Applications are reviewed as they come in, and the role may close earlier than expected, so if this opportunity sounds like you, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in‑person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.
#J-18808-Ljbffr