Principal/Senior Structural Engineer

Job Description

Brilliant people trusted to do brilliant things

Mott MacDonald is a vibrant and forward-thinking engineering, management, and development consultancy. Working together as a global team we plan, design, deliver and maintain the transport, energy, water, buildings, and wider infrastructure that is integral to people’s daily lives. We value excellence in every dimension of our business and continuously seek opportunities to improve what we do and how we do it.

We employ brilliant people who combine their diverse skills and experiences to achieve brilliant things. Whether you want to specialise or broaden your experience, you'll be supported by global specialists eager to share their expertise. With numerous opportunities to learn and grow, the possibilities are as diverse as our people. Working as a connected global team, we deliver impactful projects that shape the future.

Your Opportunity

Due to strong growth and an exciting pipeline of projects, Mott MacDonald's Buildings structures team has an exciting opening for a Principal Structural Engineer in the Sydney office. You will be joining a diverse and passionate team with a proven track record delivering major projects across Australia.

We have secured a significant pipeline of work on some of the largest projects in Australia in the Aviation, Defence, Rail & Water markets and we want you to be a part of this exciting growth. In this role you will have an opportunity to contribute to some of the groundbreaking projects.

In this role you will be responsible for:

• Lead and deliver landmark building projects across sectors including arts & culture, aviation, education, transport, civic, and life sciences.
• Take accountability for structural scope, resourcing, program performance, and commercial outcomes on major commissions.
• Collaborate with a diverse team of engineers, architects, and consultants to drive innovative, sustainable design solutions.
• Mentor and inspire junior engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning.
• Engage directly with clients, shaping project strategies and building long-term partnerships.
• Lead proposals and bids, actively engaging in the market with our key clients.
• Provide technical governance and peer review oversight across complex and high‑risk projects, ensuring consistency, quality, and compliance with relevant standards and codes.
• Contribute to a workplace culture that values collaboration, creativity, and purpose-driven work.
• Actively engaged in driving technical excellence and the training and development of the team.
• Lead the development and adoption of best‑practice engineering standards, tools, and digital workflows within the structural discipline.

About You

• Proven senior structural engineer with extensive experience leading complex, multi‑disciplinary building projects across diverse sectors, from concept through to delivery.
• Technically authoritative and commercially astute, with strong judgement in design decision‑making, risk management, and delivering value‑focused outcomes for clients.
• Strategic leader and mentor, passionate about developing people, building high‑performing teams, and fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.
• Trusted client advisor and market leader, confident engaging at senior stakeholder level and contributing to winning work, thought leadership, and long‑term client relationships.

Culture & Benefits

Mott MacDonald celebrates diversity and inclusion, offering a supportive work environment that values work-life balance, diversity, inclusion, and equity. We welcome diverse applicants, including First Nations People, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and people of all genders, neurodiversity, cultural backgrounds, age groups, and those with intersectional identities.

Our benefits package is designed to enhance your experience:

• Agile working environment, supporting our people to work flexibly
• Life, personal accident, and salary continuance insurance
• Employee resource groups including the Inclusive Network for Women, Corporate Social Responsibility and more
• Annual Health Checks and ongoing professional development

Employee ownership

• Our employee ownership model means no external investors, just us, creating a culture of shared success.
• Our employees have a stake and a voice in our business, giving them a direct connection to our success through our personal and group performance bonuses.
• As your career grows, so does your stake, recognising your long-term impact and contribution.
• Your voice matters, with the opportunity to connect directly with senior leadership through formal channels to help shape our future.

You’ve got this!

We endorse a diverse and inclusive workplace, and look to provide suitable opportunities for employees.

If you are interested in this role, please apply!

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