Design Engineer

• PositionDesign Engineer
• CompanyHCBS on behalf of a Manufacturing Client
• LocationKampala, Uganda
• Job TypeFull-Time
• CategoryEngineering Jobs in Uganda
• IndustryManufacturing / Steel Structures
• Reports ToSales Head SBS
• DeadlineThursday, 22 October 2026 (05:00 pm)

Recruitment for this role is managed by Human Capital Business Solutions (HCBS) Ltd, a boutique HR advisory firm headquartered in Kampala at the 4th Floor, Acacia Mall, Plot 14-18 Cooper Road, with a country office in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. HCBS works across HR advisory, talent acquisition and development (including its HCBS Academy), risk and compliance advisory, and business process outsourcing. In 2024 it signed a partnership with PECB, the ISO certification and training body, to bring ISO standards training to Ugandan businesses.

The Design Engineer works with the sales team to confirm the scope of new enquiries and the final details of confirmed jobs, then designs steel-framed structures using current structural design and analysis tools. You will specify the right materials according to structural specifications and codes of practice, generate accurate bills of materials for pricing, and produce complete design calculation and analysis reports for every confirmed job.

You will also work with detailers on drawings for internal and external use, check drawings against design specifications, and carry out random quality checks on jobs being fabricated. The role is measured on clear KPIs, including material efficiency, design efficiency (hours per design and designs per day), and design errors as a percentage of orders. You will also help coach and train new recruits in the department.

• Meet departmental KPIs such as material efficiency, design efficiency (hours per design, designs per day), and design errors (% of orders).
• Meet design timelines agreed with line managers so customer expectations are met.
• Collaborate with the sales team on scope details for new enquiries and final details of confirmed jobs.
• Design steel-framed structures for a diverse range of applications using current structural design and analysis technology.
• Generate accurate bills of materials for pricing purposes.
• Specify appropriate materials in the design process based on structural specifications and codes of practice.
• Generate complete design calculations and analysis reports for all confirmed jobs.
• Liaise with detailers in preparing drawings for internal and external use.
• Check details on drawings to ensure compliance with all design specifications.
• Carry out random quality checks and inspections of jobs under fabrication when required.
• Take part in coaching and training new recruits in the department.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned.

Required Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture or Civil Engineering, or equivalent, from a reputable institution.

Work Experience

• Minimum of 4 years of working experience in structural design and related projects.

Additional Requirements

• Computer literacy (MS Office).
• Experience using design spreadsheets and computer-aided design software such as AutoCAD, MasterSeries, and STAAD.Pro.
• English and a local Ugandan language.

Technical Skills

• Structural Steel Design: Designs steel-framed structures to recognised codes of practice.
• Analysis Software: Uses STAAD.Pro, MasterSeries, and design spreadsheets for analysis and checks.
• AutoCAD: Works with drawings and coordinates closely with detailers.
• Bills of Materials: Produces accurate BOMs that support pricing.
• Design Reporting: Writes full calculation and analysis reports for confirmed jobs.
• Fabrication QA: Spot-checks jobs in fabrication against the design.

Soft Skills

• Analytical Thinking: Finds efficient designs that save material without cutting safety.
• Customer Focus: Understands what the client needs and designs to it.
• Business Understanding: Sees how design choices affect price and margins.
• Communication: Explains designs clearly to sales staff, detailers, and fabricators.
• Working Under Pressure: Meets tight design timelines without errors.
• Teamwork & Coaching: Supports and trains new recruits.

The advert does not state salary or benefits. The role offers measurable, KPI-driven structural design work on real steel buildings, from enquiry to fabrication, which builds a strong portfolio for structural engineering careers in Uganda.

• Design steel-framed structures that get fabricated and built, not just drawn.
• Work across the full chain: sales enquiry, design, BOM, drawings, and fabrication checks.
• Use industry tools such as STAAD.Pro, MasterSeries, and AutoCAD every day.
• Clear KPIs make your performance easy to see and reward.
• Help coach new recruits, building early leadership experience.
• Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Send your application letter, resume, and academic documents in PDF format to recruitment@hcbsltd.com with “HCBSU-DE- DESIGN ENGINEER” as the email subject. The deadline is 05:00 pm, Thursday, 22 October 2026. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted, and female candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Use the exact subject “HCBSU-DE- DESIGN ENGINEER”.
• Name the design software you use and your level with each, especially STAAD.Pro and MasterSeries.
• Include a short list of steel structures you designed, with type and span.
• Mention the design codes you work with.
• Show any results on material efficiency or reducing design errors.
• State the local Ugandan language you speak, since the advert lists it.
• Send all documents in PDF before 05:00 pm on Thursday, 22 October 2026.