About the Role: Responsibilities, Skills, and Requirements
Introduction
Have you ever pictured yourself shaping the Abu Dhabi skyline—one steel beam at a time? Our firm, nestled in the heart of Hamdan Street, is on the hunt for a talented Structural Design Engineer who’s ready to leave their mark on some of the region’s most exciting projects. Whether you’re looking for the stability of full-time or the flexibility of part-time work, we’re offering the chance to dive deep into the world of steel structure design and detailing. If you thrive on solving complex engineering puzzles and want your work to stand tall (literally), this could be the next great chapter in your career.
About the Company
We’re not your typical consulting engineering firm. For years, our office has been a hub of collaboration and invention, where practical expertise meets a genuine passion for building things that last. Our team is a lively mix of seasoned engineers and ambitious newcomers, all united by a love for pushing boundaries—both technical and creative. The coffee machine works overtime, and so do our minds, especially during project brainstorms that sometimes run longer than expected (in the best possible way). We take pride in our local roots and our reputation for delivering innovative, efficient, and regulation-compliant designs that clients trust.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Designing and analyzing steel structures for a range of commercial and residential projects, ensuring structural integrity and creative solutions.
- Preparing detailed shop and fabrication drawings using industry-standard design software (think AutoCAD, ETABS, SAP2000, or similar).
- Collaborating closely with architects, MEP engineers, and contractors to coordinate project requirements and resolve design challenges.
- Reviewing and interpreting local UAE building codes, municipal requirements, and client specifications to ensure total compliance.
- Conducting structural assessments of existing buildings and recommending retrofit or strengthening measures where necessary.
- Participating in site visits for inspections, progress meetings, and the occasional on-the-spot problem-solving session.
- Keeping meticulous documentation of calculations, revisions, and project correspondence.
What You’ll Bring
Must-Haves:
- Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Structural or Civil Engineering.
- Minimum 3 years of UAE-based experience in steel structure design and detailing.
- Advanced proficiency in structural analysis and drafting software (e.g., AutoCAD, ETABS, STAAD, SAP2000).
- Solid understanding of UAE building codes, standards, and permitting processes.
- Track record of delivering successful steel structure projects, ideally with portfolio examples.
- Strong communication skills—comfortable explaining designs to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Detail-oriented mindset with a knack for troubleshooting and creative solutions.
Nice-to-Haves:
- Professional Engineer (PE) or equivalent certification.
- Experience with BIM/Revit workflows.
- Previous work on landmark/high-profile UAE projects.
- Familiarity with sustainability practices or green building codes.
Not sure you tick every box? We’d still love to hear from you.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
- Competitive salary and benefits, tailored to experience and employment type (full-time or part-time).
- Flexible work arrangements—choose the schedule that fits your life.
- Inclusive, team-oriented environment where your ideas and initiative are valued.
- Continuous learning: access to industry workshops, trainings, and mentorship from senior engineers.
- Centrally located office on Hamdan Street—right in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s bustling engineering scene.
- Opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects, from sleek high-rises to innovative commercial spaces.
- Supportive leadership that champions career growth and work-life balance.
We believe great engineering is as much about people as it is about calculations. If you’re eager to grow, collaborate, and make a lasting impact, you’ll feel right at home with us.
Common Interview Questions and Tips
To help you prepare and feel confident, here are some questions you might encounter during the interview process for this role.
- Can you walk us through your process for designing and analyzing a steel structure from initial concept to final detailing, especially when faced with unique architectural requirements?
- Which structural analysis and drafting software are you most comfortable with, and how have you used tools like AutoCAD, ETABS, or SAP2000 on previous UAE projects?
- Tell us about a time you had to interpret and apply UAE building codes or municipal regulations to a particularly challenging design—what steps did you take to ensure compliance?
- How do you typically approach the preparation of shop and fabrication drawings to ensure accuracy and clarity for fabricators and contractors?
- Describe your experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, such as architects or MEP engineers. How do you handle conflicts or differing priorities during the design phase?
- Have you ever conducted a structural assessment on an existing building? What method did you use to identify retrofit or strengthening needs, and what recommendations did you put forward?
- Share an example of a project where quick thinking or on-the-spot problem-solving was needed during a site visit. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?
- When working on multiple projects with tight deadlines, how do you stay organized and ensure meticulous documentation of calculations, revisions, and communications?
- Can you give an example of how you communicated complex engineering concepts to a non-technical client or stakeholder? What was your approach?
- What motivates you to push boundaries and find creative solutions when the typical standards might not quite fit a project’s needs?
- How do you stay updated on new design technologies, sustainability practices, or changes in building codes relevant to steel structures in the UAE?
- Our team values open collaboration and creative brainstorming—even if it means a few late nights fueled by coffee. How do you contribute to a lively, idea-driven team environment?
- Flexibility and work-life balance are important here. How do you manage your time and energy to maintain high-quality work without burning out?
- Why are you passionate about designing structures that become a lasting