Join to apply for the Associate Engineer - Building Structures role at RPS
Join Us in Shaping the Future of Structural Design
We’re seeking a highly experienced structural engineer to lead the delivery of technically complex and socially meaningful building projects across Ireland. This is your chance to influence the design of sustainable, state‑of‑the‑art healthcare, education, and public sector infrastructure from concept to completion, while working within a collaborative, forward‑thinking team that values innovation and impact.
Purpose & Scope of the Role
This senior‑level role gives you the chance to lead major building projects from early design through to construction. As Associate Engineer, you’ll be at the heart of project delivery—overseeing structural design, coordinating with architects and consultants, and working closely with clients and statutory bodies to ensure everything runs smoothly. You’ll shape technical outputs, lead internal workshops, and represent the team in external design meetings. You’ll also mentor junior engineers and play a key role in the strategic growth of the wider team.
Within our Buildings & Structures team, you’ll be part of a network of around 40 professionals across five offices, contributing to a diverse portfolio of over 100 live projects. These range from constrained or brown‑field sites that demand smart, coordinated solutions. Current national projects include critical hospital bed expansions in the HSE Mid‑West region, new elective healthcare centres in Cork and Galway, and innovative school developments through the DEY Programme. You’ll also have the opportunity to work on technically demanding schemes like the Uisce Éireann National Testing Laboratory in Limerick and the Kilshane Energy Plant in Dublin—projects that require precision, collaboration, and forward‑thinking engineering.
Your Impact in This Position
This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of significant multidisciplinary projects and to influence their direction from the earliest design stages. In the short term, the successful candidate will lead the structural delivery of live projects, ensuring technical excellence and compliance with planning and regulatory requirements. As they progress, they will manage a portfolio of projects, contribute to sector leadership, and support client relationships at a strategic level. Over time, the role offers a clear pathway into senior management, with opportunities to shape team strategy, influence business planning, and support the development of new workstreams through tendering and business development.
Toolkit for Success
We recruit using core capabilities—the toolkit of essential skills, experience, competencies, and responsibilities required to perform the role effectively. We seek individuals that meet a benchmark level of expertise. If you meet 75% of the requirements, we would love to hear from you.
Technical Expertise in Structural Engineering
Bring deep technical knowledge and hands‑on experience in structural engineering, particularly in the design and delivery of buildings. From steel and composite frames to reinforced concrete, precast systems and masonry, you’ll lead the structural design process, review outputs, and ensure seamless integration with other disciplines.
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
You’ll be the go‑to technical contact for clients, local authorities, and external consultants—leading design meetings, resolving technical queries, and translating complex engineering concepts into clear, actionable outcomes. You’ll also liaise with statutory bodies and planning authorities to ensure designs meet regulatory and planning requirements.
Project Leadership & Delivery
Take full ownership of project delivery from concept to construction, leading internal teams of engineers, technicians, and Revit modellers. Manage design quality, coordinate outputs, and ensure timely delivery. Oversee resource planning and contribute to short‑term forecasting to keep the team aligned with project demands.
Strategic & Commercial Awareness
Help shape the team’s direction over the next 12–24 months. Contribute to business development, tendering, and strategic planning, and take part in leadership discussions around live tenders, resourcing, and pipeline management. Bring a strong understanding of market drivers and project performance, with a proactive approach to identifying and managing delivery risks.
Risk Management & Governance
Take a lead role in managing project risk—developing and maintaining risk registers, embedding mitigation strategies, and supporting governance and quality assurance. Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement across the team.
Qualifications & Experience
Hold at least a Level 8 degree in Structural or Civil Engineering, with a Level 9 postgraduate qualification seen as a plus. Chartered status—or active progress toward it—with IStructE or Engineers Ireland is expected. Significantly experienced in structural design and delivery across a range of building types and materials.
Submit your application today and discover what’s possible at Tetra Tech RPS Consulting.
In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements. Please inform us if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process or in your day‑to‑day role.
Flexible working options are available in this role, with working patterns agreed collaboratively between employees and line managers to support individual wellbeing and optimal performance.
Benefits of Working with Tetra Tech RPS
Our people are our success. We thrive on solving the problems that matter—whether in urbanisation, natural resources, or sustainability. With a collaborative culture, agile working, and access to some of the brightest minds in the industry, we empower our teams to deliver exceptional outcomes while building fulfilling careers.
Careers Information
We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on this list. Please refer to the careers page on our website if you require any further information.
Seniority level
* Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
* Full‑time
Job function
* Management and Manufacturing
Industries
* Business Consulting and Services
#J-18808-Ljbffr