AECOM is seeking a Principal Engineer - General Civils to be based in South Africa's Enterprise Capabilities office in Bellville, Cape Town. 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.

Role Description

• Lead the design and planning of civil engineering infrastructure such as earthworks/grading, roads, stormwater, sewer and water for projects across various market sectors.
• The role will also entail Client liaison, reporting, design review, coordination, management of resources, overall oversight in terms of typical deliverables e.g. design calculations, reports, drawings, bill of quantities, technical specifications and project documentation.
• Mentors subordinate staff.
• Coordinate/manage/lead small to mid-sized teams on a project by project basis.
• Ensures the execution of projects in accordance with AECOM Quality Management System requirements.
• Performs specific and moderate/complex portions of a broader assignment as an experienced professional engineer. Provides specialised technical input into studies and design work for the infrastructure design discipline and identifies discrepancies in results.
• Follows existing or develops design procedures to facilitate high-quality, cost-effective work by self and others.
• Gathers and correlates engineering data using established and well-defined procedures.
• Prepares technical specifications.
• Monitors performance in terms of budget, quality and schedule.
• Solves problems encountered using knowledge, innovation and modifications of standard procedures or methods developed in previous works.
• Contributes to the area of expertise, providing proposed improvements to existing processes and delivers solutions where precedent may not exist.
• Performs technical quality reviews of design calculations, BIM models and drawings, including documentation in project record by adhering to occupational health and safety and corporate standards.
• Develops construction cost estimates and estimates of technical effort/man-hours for projects. Maintains and develops the highest level of technical skills and abilities.
• Support in building and maintaining Client(internal and external) relationships. Attends client meetings as a technical lead to gather information and discuss project requirements, explain/ defend work, etc. Participates in the development and preparation of bids and proposals (as required)—the ability to present solutions to clients in a professional and technically competent manner.

Skills

• Solid experience in the design of civil infrastructural elements (earthworks/grading, roads, stormwater, sewer and water - utilities), particularly in a multi-disciplinary project delivery environment, across all project stages, across varying market sectors
• Strong proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D
• Good working knowledge of ProjectWise and BIM360 / ACS. Experience in the execution of multi-disciplinary projects through BIM
• Experience in 12D Model is advantageous
• Experience working in other (international) standard specifications and/or design guidelines will be advantageous. Australia and New Zealand in particular.
• Good communication skills (written and verbal)
• Demonstrate experience in leading/managing infrastructure projects

• Bachelor of Science or Engineering
• 12+ relevant experience post qualification
• Professionally registered with ECSA and/or CPEng/CMEngNZ
• Own reliable transport

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.