Principal Technical Specialist

Zutari: Co-creating an engineered impact.

Zutari is a well-established, management-owned engineering firm with almost 90 years' experience. As human-centred engineering consultants and advisors, we are trusted by our clients, business partners, communities and other stakeholders across Africa and the Middle East.

We co-create engineering solutions that have a positive impact and improve people's lives. Zutari values inclusion and recognises the importance of a diverse, talented workforce, believing that people need other people to succeed.

What kind of talent do we pursue?

We employ people with the right attitude and a positive mindset, who are motivated by doing the right thing, getting things done and share a sense of urgency. People who have an impact in our teams and broader community. People who think differently and connect with those around them to co-create new opportunities and leave a meaningful legacy.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Marine & Coastal Engineer to join our Cape Town office and take a senior technical specialist role in delivering international projects. This position offers an exceptional opportunity for a motivated engineer to provide technical leadership and oversee marine and coastal infrastructure construction in the UAE.

The position includes the potential for an initial 12–18 months deployment to the UAE, serving as Senior Marine Resident Engineer on a project located in Abu Dhabi.

Role Responsibilities

• Lead the technical delivery of marine and coastal engineering projects across design, implementation, and construction supervision phases.
• Provide on-site construction supervision and technical oversight on designated UAE projects, ensuring design compliance, quality standards, and effective contractor coordination.
• Serve as subject-matter expert on projects involving ports, shore protection, reclamation, dredging, breakwaters, and coastal process modelling.
• Support project planning, cost estimation, and risk management throughout all project stages.
• Mentor and guide junior and intermediate engineers, promoting technical excellence and professional development within the team.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless project execution and integration of marine and coastal components.
• Contribute to business development through proposal input, client engagement, and innovation in service delivery.

Minimum Requirements

• BSc/BEng in Civil, Marine, or Coastal Engineering (Master's degree or further studies highly advantageous).
• Registered as a Professional Engineer (ECSA or equivalent).
• 12+ years of experience in marine and coastal engineering, including design and construction supervision of large-scale infrastructure.
• Experience in international projects or assignments (Africa, UAE or Middle East regions).
• Solid understanding of coastal processes, hydrodynamic and sediment transport modelling, and marine structures.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and leadership skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally for extended periods as required.

What We Offer

• A strategic position forming part of the technical leadership of the Zutari Marine & Coastal team.
• Opportunity to lead high-profile international marine and coastal projects.
• A collaborative, technically focused environment that values innovation and quality.
• Professional development support and exposure to large scale integrated projects.

We believe that a diverse workforce is key to our business success.  We seek the best people for our jobs based on their skills, qualifications, and experience.  We embrace the principle of equal opportunity in employment and work towards eliminating all forms of unlawful discrimination in our employment practices.  In support of diversity and the equal opportunity principle, preference will be given to individuals from designated groups in South Africa.