Senior Designer - Structures (Materials Handling Projects)

Company Description

AECOM is seeking a Senior Designer - Structures (Materials Handling Projects) to be based in South Africa's Enterprise Capabilities office in Centurion. This position will support a team locally based in South Africa and Global Teams. As a part of AECOM's culture, it offers a flexible hybrid work arrangement which accommodates both office and out-of-office work schedules.

About Enterprise Capabilities

Fundamental to our Think and Act Globally strategy and digital adoption, Enterprise Capabilities (EC) is AECOM’s primary vehicle for workshare. Operating across geographic boundaries and time-zones, EC partners with regional and Global Business Line project teams to provide technical expertise, accelerate delivery and keep AECOM competitive in the industry. 

With a team of over 3000 technical professionals located across nine countries and remote technical anchors, EC teams are trusted to deliver high-quality, specialist services that help to fill capability gaps, resourcing needs and technical constraints on projects of all scopes and sizes.  

Start here. Grow here.

Job Description

Here is what you will be doing: 

The Senior Designer will be responsible for the design and delivery of structural systems for materials handling projects within the mining and industrial sector. The incumbent will work independently across all project phases, contribute to multidisciplinary teams, and provide technical mentorship to junior designers. 

• Prepare and check structural design drawings, calculations, and documentation for materials handling projects including conveyors, transfer towers, crushing stations, and associated structures. 
• Develop detailed structural models using AutoCAD, Advanced Steel, Revit (concrete design), and Navisworks. 
• Lead structural design activities from concept through to detailed design and construction support. 
• Review and coordinate structural designs with other disciplines including civil, mechanical, and process engineering. 
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and project specifications. 
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior and intermediate designers. 
• Liaise with project managers, engineers, and client representatives to deliver high-quality, technically sound design outputs. 
• Participate in design reviews, constructability assessments, and project coordination meetings. 
• Manage deliverable registers, revision control, and quality assurance of own outputs. 

Here is what we are looking for: 

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in structural design with a specific focus on materials handling and heavy industrial projects. 
• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD – production of detailed structural drawings. 
• Advanced Steel – full structural detailing capability. 
• Revit – including concrete design applications. 
• Experience with Inventor advantageous – 3D solid modelling for structural components. 
• Experience with Plant 3D advantageous – piping and plant layout coordination typically handled by process/piping discipline. 
• Navisworks – model integration, clash detection, and review. 
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage own outputs with minimal supervision. 
• Strong understanding of structural codes and standards applicable to mining and industrial projects. 
• Ability to produce accurate, high-quality documentation. 
• Proactive and self-driven with the ability to manage complex deliverables independently. 
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across multidisciplinary teams. 
• High attention to technical accuracy and quality. 
• Team-oriented with a positive contribution to team culture. 

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field. 
• Experience in underground or surface mining environments – preference will be given to those with Mining Structural / Materials Handling experience. 
• Exposure to multidisciplinary project delivery in a workshare or remote environment. 
• Advantageous: Registration with ECSA as a Professional Engineer or equivalent professional body.

Additional Information

At AECOM, you will have freedom to grow in a world of opportunity

At AECOM, our Freedom to Grow philosophy supports flexibility and balance to help our people thrive. As part of this approach, we ask all hybrid employees to work from an AECOM office at least three days per week.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. 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.

 

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.