Job Title:
Principal Structural 3D Administrator
Purpose of the Role:
To manage, configure, and maintain the 3D Structural Design system, ensuring structural modelling, data consistency, and deliverables meet offshore engineering standards. The role is critical in linking offshore platform designs, ensuring data integrity, drawing automation, and alignment with fabrication, MTO, weight control, and final documentation (digital database) requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
Own the structural 3D configuration baseline from project setup through close-out.
Act as the final authority for structural modelling rules, joint and fitting logic, standard detail libraries, drawing administration, MTO, and WCR.
Clarify the distinction between design execution and system governance.
Reduce structural digital risk related to quantities and weight control.
Continuously improve the Structural Discipline’s S3D environment.
System Administration & Configuration
Establish and maintain 3D project databases for structural zones (e.g., FPSO Topside Modules, Jacket, Flare and Living Quarters).
Configure discipline MDBs, catalogs, and specifications to comply with project-specific structural and offshore class standards.
Manage user roles, access control, and project hierarchy to reflect work breakdown structure (e.g., Topside Framing, deck leg, Jacket leg and interfaces).
Ensure database replication, synchronization, and proper ownership among design teams.
Define and enforce naming conventions, revision control, and model versioning for all structural elements.
Standards & Customization
Develop and maintain 3D structural design standards tailored to project requirements, including offshore-specific section catalogs and templates for GA drawings and support structures.
Customize and implement macros to facilitate the automation of repetitive modeling tasks. (e.g., standard details, joint details, etc.).
Develop and implement parametric assemblies, templates, or macros for efficient reuse.
Ensure that the catalogue/mapping files used by the designers remains synchronized, avoiding duplication or outdated definitions.
Control structural database environments and ensure consistency
Data & Deliverable Management
Manage and generate Material Take-Off (MTO) and Weight Control Report (WCR).
Generate accurate fabrication-ready exports database for shipyard cutting systems.
Ensure consistency between 3D models, 2D drawings, and engineering BOMs.
Coordinate with the Weight Control Engineer for structural module weight reconciliation.
Maintain traceability between modeled components and their fabrication and installation deliverables.
Drawing Administration
Set up and manage drawing templates specific to deliverables: Topside GA, module details, interface drawings, views, etc. and aligned with project requirements.
Implement rule-based drawing representations that auto-populate labels, weld symbols, and piece marks.
Oversee model–drawing synchronization, ensuring design changes are accurately reflected in all issued drawings.
Support 2D-to-3D coordination with other teams for interface management.
Quality Control & Model Integrity
Conduct routine model audits ensuring no duplicate or orphaned members, proper connectivity, digital data integrity and overall model health and consistency.
Conduct clash checks involving the Structural discipline, including establishing and applying effective rules for these checks.
Support QA/QC in model verification and handover.
User Support & Training
Act as the final escalation point for structural 3D issues and resolve system-level conflicts.
Authority to halt non-compliant practices.
Provide first-line user support to 3D Structural Designers, Checkers, and Leads.
Conduct discipline training for modeling practices such as deck penetrations.
Develop guidelines, user manuals, and best-practice workflows.
Induct users into the 3D environment requirements for designated projects.
Coordination & Integration
Collaborate with all discipline leads for multi-discipline coordination and data validation.
Ensure smooth data transfer and interface between S3D, E3D, Bocad, AutoCAD, and shipyard systems.
Liaise with EDS Lead and Digital support for database maintenance and software upgrades.
Project Setup & Closeout
Establish 3D project environments at project kickoff: zone hierarchy, catalogs, specifications, templates and macros.
Maintain database integrity throughout the project life cycle.
Archive 3D models, drawings, and reports during project closeout.
Prepare 3D deliverables for handovers to the client.
Reporting and Organizational Relationship
Reports to: Structural Lead Engineer
Coordinates with: Lead Designer, Designers, Engineers
Engages in interdisciplinary collaboration with EDS Lead and other 3D Administrators.
Provides external interface with the Customer when technical expertise is requested.
Qualifications / Skill Set:
Certificate, Diploma or Degree in Civil/Structural Engineering or Drafting
15+ years of experience in structural design, with 3+ years in a 3D administration
Experience in Fixed/Floating/FPSO Offshore structures design in greenfield and brownfield projects
Expert proficiency in associated 3D software and its administrations.
Strong understanding of offshore structures, steel detailing, and fabrication methods.
Strong knowledge of structural codes and standards.
Excellent communication skills.