Associate - Bridges & Tunnels

WSP; Dubai; On-site; AED 360,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP Dubai is seeking a senior Associate - Bridges & Tunnels to lead the design and delivery of major transport structures across the UAE. You will spearhead multidisciplinary teams, ensure technical excellence, and maintain strong client relationships with government and private sector partners.

The ideal candidate has 15+ years in bridge/tunnel design, UAE project experience, and a Chartered Engineer status. Preference for candidates with RTA approvals and knowledge of local standards.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in bridge and tunnel design.
• Delivery of complex transportation infrastructure projects in a consulting environment.
• Experience in UAE/Dubai projects with RTA approvals preferred.
• Strong leadership and people-management skills.
• Proven ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams and manage client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and delivery of bridges, tunnels, interchanges and related structures.
• Act as Design Lead and Discipline Lead on major projects.
• Provide technical direction and QA for calculations, reports and drawings.
• Ensure compliance with local authorities, codes, and project specs.
• Support risk, constructability reviews, and value engineering.
• Mentor engineers and support recruitment and development.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder Management

Project Delivery

Team Coordination

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Civil/Structural Engineering

Master's Degree in Structural/Bridge Engineering

Chartered Engineer status

Tools

Bridge design software

Structural analysis software

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled Associate - Bridges & Tunnels to join our Dubai-based design team and play a leading role in the delivery of complex bridge and tunnel projects across the UAE and Middle East.

Our Bridges & Tunnels team is involved in the design and delivery of some of the Middle East's most iconic and technically challenging transportation infrastructure projects, supporting major government and private sector clients across the UAE and wider region. As an Associate - Bridges & Tunnels, you will provide technical leadership, project oversight, and client-facing support on a range of major transportation infrastructure projects. You will lead multidisciplinary design teams, manage project delivery, develop client relationships, and contribute to the continued growth and success of WSP's Bridges & Tunnels practice.

The successful candidate will possess a strong bridge and tunnel design background gained within leading engineering consultancies and have experience delivering projects in the UAE. Preference will be given to candidates with current or previous RTA Approval and a thorough understanding of RTA standards, design requirements, and approval processes.

Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Lead the design and delivery of bridges, tunnels, interchanges, underpasses, retaining walls, and other transportation structures.
• Act as Design Lead and Discipline Lead on major infrastructure projects.
• Provide technical direction and quality assurance for engineering calculations, design reports, drawings, specifications, and technical submissions.
• Ensure compliance with relevant local authority requirements, international codes, and project specifications.
• Drive innovation, value engineering, and technical excellence throughout project delivery.
• Support constructability reviews and risk assessments.

Project Management & Delivery

• Manage the technical delivery of projects from concept and preliminary design through detailed design and construction support.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including highways, geotechnical, drainage, traffic, utilities, and BIM disciplines.
• Monitor project scope, programme, quality, and resource requirements.
• Support Project Directors and Project Managers in achieving successful project outcomes.
• Identify project risks and implement mitigation strategies.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as a key point of contact for clients and stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with government agencies, developers, and project partners.
• Represent WSP at client meetings, workshops, design reviews, and technical presentations.
• Liaise with local authorities, including RTA, Dubai Municipality, and other approving agencies regarding project requirements and approvals.
• Mentor and develop engineers and design staff within the Bridges & Tunnels team.
• Support recruitment, training, and professional development initiatives.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Promote knowledge sharing and best practice across the business.

Business Development

• Support the preparation of technical and commercial proposals.
• Contribute to business development activities and client relationship management.
• Assist in identifying opportunities for repeat business and strategic growth.
• Support the positioning of WSP as a leading transportation infrastructure consultancy within the UAE and wider Middle East.

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or Structural Engineering.

Master's Degree in Structural Engineering, Bridge Engineering, or a related discipline is preferred.

Chartered Engineer status (CEng, PE, ICE, IStructE, or equivalent) is highly desirable.

Minimum 15 years of relevant experience in bridge and tunnel design.

Proven experience delivering complex transportation infrastructure projects within a consulting engineering environment.

Strong experience in the design of:

Highway bridges

Flyovers and interchanges

Underpasses

Tunnel structures

Retaining structures

Reinforced and prestressed concrete structures

Steel structures

Strong understanding of structural analysis and bridge design software.

Experience working to AASHTO, Eurocodes, British Standards, and local authority requirements.

Significant UAE project experience, preferably within Dubai.

Experience working on projects requiring RTA review and approvals.

Current or previous RTA Approval is highly desirable and preference will be given to candidates holding relevant approvals.

Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders.

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Commercial awareness and client-focused mindset.
• Strong project delivery and organisational capabilities.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and complex technical challenges.
• Commitment to quality, safety, innovation, and continuous improvement.

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