Senior Structural Engineer

Kigali, Rwanda

Location: Kigali, Rwanda
Start Date: April 2025
Duration: 6 months, with potential for permanent position

MASS Design Group's Africa Studio is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Structural Engineer to lead and contribute to the design of innovative, sustainable, and socially impactful projects across Africa. Our multi-award-winning office, including a recent Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) Award for the Rwanda Institute of Conservation Agriculture (RICA), is dedicated to advancing justice and human dignity through design.

Position Summary
This role involves leading structural engineering efforts for projects of varying complexity, from initial concepts to construction completion.  The ideal candidate will have extensive experience designing with a broad range of materials and typologies, a high level of ingenuity, a passion for sustainability, and the ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary teams. We are seeking someone who can confidently develop early-stage concept designs and ideation, produce contextually appropriate and buildable details, manage the work of junior team members and review the work of peers. The role offers the opportunity to join a dynamic and mission-driven team creating meaningful impact across the African continent.

While the role is predominantly focused on structural engineering for building projects across Sub-Saharan Africa, there is ample opportunity to contribute to other aspects of work associated with the built environment. These include engaging in research, advocacy, and the development of guidelines and standards that advance sustainable practices and MASS’s mission to leverage design for impact.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Lead the structural engineering design of projects, from early-stage concepts to detailed construction documentation.
  • Develop innovative design solutions to complex structural and material challenges, focusing on sustainability and carbon reduction.
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including architects, landscape designers, and other engineering disciplines.
  • Advocate for and implement the use of bio-based and low-carbon materials. Calculate the embodied carbon of structures and use the results as a decision making tool.
  • Supervise and mentor junior engineers and review the work of other team members.
  • Represent MASS in client and stakeholder meetings, ensuring effective communication and coordination.
  • Manage project schedules, budgets, and risk assessments.
  • Possibility to engage in broader activities, such as research, advocacy, and thought leadership.

Qualifications

  • Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Structural Engineering or equivalent. Postgraduate education is preferred.
  • 6+ years of professional experience in structural engineering, and recently chartered/registered with a relevant institution. 
  • Proficiency in software tools, including AutoCAD, Revit, Excel, and structural analysis software such as GSA, ETABS, Robot or similar.
  • Demonstrated expertise in low-carbon and sustainable design solutions.
  • A good understanding of seismic design principles.
  • Strong interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills.
  • Experience working in Rwanda or willingness to register as a Corporate Engineer within six months of appointment (if non-Rwandan).
  • A passion for mission-driven work and a collaborative mindset.

Why Join MASS Design Group?
At MASS Design, we want people to be afforded the ability to do public interest work as a career and offer competitive salary and benefits. We are committed to advancing justice and equity through innovative and sustainable design. Our team comprises over 130 professionals from 20 countries, and we believe diversity is essential to addressing complex challenges. By joining our award-winning structural engineering team, you will have the opportunity to work on impactful projects and contribute to meaningful advancements in the built environment.

Applications should be submitted through our website via Slideroom.

MASS Design Group is an equal opportunity employer and encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Physical Demands

This position requires the employee to sit/stand at a desk for long periods of time. The position will also require the employee to visit construction sites in Rwanda and potentially elsewhere which will involve traversing rocky and uneven terrain. 

Travel Requirements
This position may require occasional travel for project needs, including regional and international engagements.

Work Environment
This position will be based in MASS Design’s Kigali office, with the option for remote work two days per week (subject to approval). The candidate will work in a collaborative, open-office environment.

Location and Permit
This position requires the candidate to live in Kigali, Rwanda. Relocation support may be considered. MASS will support the selected candidate with obtaining a work permit in Rwanda if required. 

All applications should be submitted by February 16, 2025.

Open