Company Description SUTHERLAND FACADES approaches façade engineering as a core responsibility, focusing on long-term performance rather than commodity service delivery. The façade is treated as the key environmental interface between the building, its occupants, and the surrounding city. In practice, this means designing systems that influence energy use, daylight, glare, thermal comfort, durability, and climate resilience. The company also prioritizes maintenance, operational carbon, architectural identity, and the long-term asset value of each project, offering applicants the opportunity to contribute to sustainable, high-impact building design.
Role Description This is a full-time, on-site Graduate / Junior Facade Engineer role based in Cape Town. The role involves supporting senior engineers in the design and analysis of façade systems, including structural, thermal, and environmental performance assessments. Day-to-day tasks include preparing drawings and technical documentation, assisting with specifications, performing calculations, and contributing to design reports. The Graduate / Junior Facade Engineer will help coordinate with architects, contractors, and other consultants, participate in design meetings, and support site inspections and quality reviews during construction. The role also includes researching materials and technologies, documenting project decisions, and contributing to continuous improvement of internal design standards and tools.
Qualifications
- Educational foundation in engineering (e.g., Civil, Structural, Mechanical) or architecture, with strong interest in façade design and building envelopes.
- Ability to use design and drafting tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit or similar) and basic structural or environmental analysis software.
- Understanding of building physics concepts such as thermal performance, daylight, glare control, energy use, and climate-responsive design.
- Skills in technical writing, documentation, and clear communication, including the ability to prepare concise reports and presentations.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and capacity to interpret architectural and engineering drawings.
- Collaborative mindset, with the ability to work within multidisciplinary teams and engage professionally with clients and project partners.
- Organizational skills for managing multiple tasks, meeting deadlines, and maintaining accurate project records.
- Interest in sustainability, operational carbon reduction, and long-term building performance; familiarity with relevant standards and codes is an advantage.
- Willingness to learn, receive mentoring, and develop professionally in façade engineering; prior internship or project experience in building design is beneficial.
