Lead Structural Engineer (Design Review)

We are seeking an experienced Lead Structural Engineer – Design Review with a very strong background in steel structures and extensive experience in structural design and independent technical design review. The ideal candidate will have significant experience with complex and advanced structural systems, particularly steel structures, and will be capable of leading high-level design reviews for major building projects.

Location: Abu Dhabi or Dubai, UAE

Key Responsibilities

• Lead independent technical design reviews of complex steel and reinforced concrete building structures.
• Provide expert assessment of advanced steel structural systems, including long-span structures, special and complex connections, composite systems, steel trusses, and atypical structural configurations.
• Conduct independent technical assessments comparable to CAT-2/CAT-3 design reviews, including performing self-check calculations and verifying the safety, stability, and compliance of structural designs.
• Identify and document required design modifications and provide technical recommendations, including certification confirming the design is safe and compliant where required.
• Review structural calculations, drawings, specifications, design assumptions, and supporting technical documentation.
• Assess soil–structure interaction (SSI) assumptions, settlement predictions, lateral soil pressure considerations, and the compatibility between structural and geotechnical design inputs.
• Review and assess façade structural systems, including unitized/stick systems, steel-supported façades, tension structures, and cladding support frames.
• Ensure structural designs comply with applicable international standards, including SBC, AISC, ASCE, ACI, BS/Eurocodes, IBC, and ASTM.
• Prepare detailed design review reports, technical memoranda, correspondence, and technical recommendations.
• Provide technical support to the client during tendering, construction, design development, and value engineering stages.
• Review proposed design changes and value engineering solutions to ensure structural safety, compliance, and constructability.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, consultants, contractors, and other stakeholders to resolve complex structural design and interface issues.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance on structural engineering matters throughout the project lifecycle.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering is required.
• Master’s Degree in Structural Engineering or a related discipline is highly preferred.
• Minimum 20 years of professional experience in structural engineering, with a strong combination of structural design and design review experience.
• Extensive experience in the design and review of steel and reinforced concrete buildings, with particularly strong expertise in steel structures.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in a consultancy environment is preferred.
• Previous experience in a senior/lead structural engineering position within the last 7 years will be highly advantageous.
• Proven experience undertaking independent technical/design reviews, preferably CAT-2/CAT-3 or equivalent.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng – UK) and/or Professional Engineer (PE – USA) is required.
• Strong knowledge of international structural design codes and standards, including SBC, AISC, ASCE, ACI, BS/Eurocodes, IBC, and ASTM.
• Strong analytical, technical report writing, communication, and stakeholder management skills.