Structural Engineer (Bishoftu, Ethiopia)

Location: Dire Dawa,Dire Dawa,Ethiopia

Planate Management Group (PMG) is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, and Orlando, Florida USA with a technical support center in South East Asia and East Africa, that provides program management and facilities engineering services worldwide. Planate is a small business provider of planning, design, infrastructure management, technical consulting, engineering, and construction management services in support of the US Department of Defense (DOD) and its Service (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps) missions, along with other US federal agencies, all over the world.

We are seeking a Structural Engineer to support AU‑PANVAC in Bishoftu, Ethiopia under the Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) Directorate of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). In this role, you will perform structural inspections and ensure all construction activities meet required safety, quality, and contractual standards. You are expected to have strong technical expertise, attention to detail, and effective collaboration with project teams to ensure the successful delivery of a compliant and high‑quality facility.

Key responsibilities:

• Conduct on-site quality assurance inspections to verify compliance with project plans, specifications, and design requirements.
• Monitor construction progress and contractor workmanship, documenting deficiencies and recommending corrective actions.
• Inspect major structural elements, including foundations, structural steel, concrete slabs, and roof structures.
• Verify installation of building envelope systems, including exterior walls, cladding, windows, insulation, waterproofing, roofing, and drainage systems.
• Observe interior construction and finishes, including partitions, doors, flooring, ceilings, millwork, and specialized laboratory-compatible finishes.
• Monitor installation of mechanical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, including piping, ductwork, ventilation systems, and major equipment.
• Verify installation and testing of electrical and low-voltage systems, including power distribution, generators, UPS, lighting, communications, security, and building automation systems.
• Inspect fire protection and life safety system installations and testing activities.
• Observe specialized laboratory construction and equipment installation, including BSL-3 suite systems and finishes.
• Monitor external site works, including grading, landscaping, sidewalks, curbs, and roadways.
• Conduct facility assessments during construction and verify work against drawings, specifications, and BOQs.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams including MEP, security, and utilities personnel.
• Prepare daily inspection reports, maintain photo documentation, track RFIs, and maintain inspection logs.

Qualifications to be successful in the role:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering, required.
• Minimum 10 years of construction management experience.
• Experience on large civil, structural, or vertical construction projects preferred.
• Familiarity with U.S. government contracts and experience working with U.S. companies is an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of construction industry practices, regulations, and applicable standards.
• Proficient in English communications both verbal and written
• Software and technical tools familiarity such as AutoCAD and Revit software.

Why Planate? 

Planate Management Group is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. 

Joining the Planate team opens you to an experience working for a Global company where you are among a team that is considered a premier trusted partner for planning, design, engineering, asset management, and professional service solutions anytime, anywhere.  We Take Care of Our Own; Personally, and Profession. 

We’d love for you to be a part of our Global workforce, helping us serve as an effective and integrated partner to advance every client's mission!