Lead Structural Engineer

LEAD STRUCTURAL ENGINEER (INDUSTRIAL/BUILDINGS)

Location: Adelaide SA
Discipline: Civil/Structural Engineering
Type: Full-time, Permanent

ABOUT MLEI

MLEI Consulting Engineers is a national engineering consultancy with offices in Adelaide, Melbourne, Darwin, Gold Coast, and Newcastle. Our core business focuses on civil and structural engineering projects, while also offering niche services in bridges, aquatic, sports and recreation, and winery processing.

As an employee-owned company, we pride ourselves on developing our staff, delivering high-quality projects, and having a positive impact on the community. These values are reflected in our company principles:

• Developing People
• Shaping Communities.

We believe that an inclusive and collaborative working culture across all our offices creates a fantastic workplace for all staff to develop and enjoy what they do each day.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are currently seeking an experienced Lead Structural Engineer (Industrial/Buildings) to join our team, with a primary focus on industrial and non-architectural infrastructure projects. This is a client-facing leadership role, requiring strong technical acumen and the ability to manage internal teams and external stakeholders across multiple disciplines.

As a key technical lead, you will take ownership of the civil and structural scope of projects, while also coordinating with other engineering disciplines and subcontractors to ensure seamless project delivery. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead complex, high-impact industrial projects and contribute to business growth through technical excellence and strong client relationships.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Working within the Structural Team, as a Lead Structural Engineer, you would be expected to:

• Lead the structural engineering design and delivery for industrial facilities, including heavy industrial, process, and utility infrastructure.
• Serve as the primary client interface for structural and civil matters, ensuring clear communication, alignment of expectations, and consistent delivery.
• Manage internal coordination of civil and structural disciplines, and as needed, oversee engagement and integration of other disciplines and subcontractors.
• Assist clients in scope development, feasibility considerations, and preparation of technical content for proposals and bid documentation.
• Track and manage project proposals, design progress, and forecast team workload to the Structural Manager to support resourcing and delivery planning.
• Track and maintain project financials and budgets, ensuring alignment with agreed scopes and commercial expectations.
• Drive the project lifecycle from concept through to detailed design and construction support, ensuring outcomes are safe, cost-effective, and compliant.
• Provide technical oversight, peer reviews, and mentoring to engineers and drafters within the team.
• Lead design reviews, risk assessments, and constructability evaluations.
• Deliver detailed technical documentation and client reports to a high standard.
• Contribute to project planning, resource allocation, budgeting, and performance tracking.
• Support the preparation of bids, fee proposals, and participation in business development activities.
• Ensure design outcomes are practical, buildable, and meet the operational requirements of industrial clients.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Structural or Civil Engineering.
• Chartered Engineer status (CPEng or equivalent) is essential.
• Minimum 8+ years of relevant experience with a strong background in industrial infrastructure and structural design leadership.
• Proven experience working directly with clients and managing multidisciplinary coordination.
• Experience with the delivery of non-architectural structures including infrastructure works, bulk material handling systems, process buildings, equipment platforms, and utility support structures for asset owners and operators. Familiarity with building project delivery methodologies and design principles is also considered advantageous.
• Proficient in structural design and analysis software, including SpaceGass, IDEA StatiCa, ETABS, Inducta suite (SLABS, RCB), RAPT, and Structural Toolkit.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence in presenting and engaging with clients.
• Strong understanding of relevant Australian Standards, codes, and industrial design practices.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and maintain a focus on quality and efficiency.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A leadership opportunity on major industrial projects for prominent clients.
• A diverse work portfolio with projects located nationwide across a range of industrial sectors.
• A collaborative environment with the autonomy to shape project outcomes.
• Competitive salary and benefits, including ongoing professional development.
• A workplace culture centered on our ethos of Trusted Expertise, Developing People, and Shaping Communities.
• Access to technically challenging and career-defining work across the infrastructure sector.

HOW TO APPLY

Send your CV through to recruitment@mlei.com.au with Lead Structural Engineer, Industrial/Buildings (Adelaide) in the subject line.
Please also include an answer the question what best describes your working rights in Australia?

ADELAIDE+MELBOURNE+NEWCASTLE+DARWIN+GOLD COAST
BALLINA+MILDURA+PORT LINCOLN

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