FEM Specialist - Structural Engineering

Citra (citra.build) is a rapidly growing innovative company of talented architects, engineers, contractors and developers based in Century City, Cape Town.  Our vision is to create a living environment that provides a better everyday life for present and future generations from all walks of life. We thrive to use cutting edge design and technology to build beautiful premium and affordable homes of outstanding quality.  At Citra you will experience a dynamic and inspiring environment in an international creative team. Our value chain entails the entire cycle from raw land, urban design, design of residential and non-residential buildings, as well as the construction either through subcontractors or our own internal construction team. Citra makes extensive use of new technologies. This applies to our own building technology and manufacturing that we continuously further develop and optimize and to all other areas such as the tools for architectural and structural design, and our general working with cloud documents.

About the Role:

We are currently seeking a Structural Engineer with deep expertise in Finite Element Modelling (FEM) to join our growing in-house engineering team. This is a specialist role focused on advanced structural analysis and performance-based design of building systems. This is a full-time, in-office position based at our headquarters in Century City.

As a FEM Specialist, you’ll take the lead on the complex structural analysis of new and existing building systems, including modular, hybrid, and non-traditional construction methods. You’ll be responsible for developing high-fidelity finite element models and simulations to assess structural behaviour under various load conditions, and collaborate closely with engineers, and manufacturing specialists.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, run, and interpret advanced finite element models of structural systems using software such as ETABS, ABAQUS, SAP2000, Robot Structural Analysis, or similar.


• Familiar with the use of 3D, shell, and plane stress/strain elements in FE modelling. 


• Evaluate load paths, stress distribution, deformation, and failure modes in proprietary building technologies construction systems.


• Support the structural design process with detailed analysis reports, calculations, and recommendations for optimisation.


• Collaborate with other engineers to ensure seamless integration of FEM insights into project execution.


• Ensure compliance with applicable codes (SANS, Eurocode, or others as required) and internal engineering standards.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (required); Progress towards ECSA registration is a plus.


• Structural engineering experience, with a strong focus on FEM.


• Proficiency in at least one advanced FEM software platform (e.g., ABAQUS, ETABS, ANSYS, SAP2000, Robot, or equivalent).


• Deep understanding of structural mechanics, materials science, and code-based design.


• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical reporting skills.


• Ability to work in a collaborative, detail-oriented environment.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience and specialisation.


• Retirement benefit.


• Work in a collaborative, multi-disciplinary environment.


• Opportunities for skill development and long-term career growth.

To Apply:

Submit your CV and a short cover letter by 30 August 2025 via our BambooHR portal.