Deputy Project Director

Snc-Lavalin; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering firm is seeking a Deputy Project Director for its Abu Dhabi site office. This full-time role involves overseeing contractor performance and ensuring compliance within the UAE High-Speed Rail Project. Ideal candidates will have over 20 years of experience in rail systems delivery, with extensive knowledge of systems integration and commissioning. The position offers a tax-free salary, comprehensive medical insurance, and relocation assistance.

Benefits

Tax-free salary

Life insurance coverage

Comprehensive medical insurance

Paid annual leave

Relocation assistance

Transportation & housing allowances

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Master’s preferred.
• 20+ years in rail systems delivery, 5+ in high-speed rail.
• Strong knowledge of systems integration and operations.

Responsibilities

• Support the Project Director in overseeing contractor performance.
• Coordinate across disciplines for systems integration.
• Monitor programme milestones and ensure alignment.

Job description

Overview

Deputy Project Director position in the United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi site office). Full time role posted with an end date of September 30, 2025. Job requisition id: R-138317.

Job Description

AtkinsRéalis is looking for a Deputy Project Director to support the consultant-side oversight of the Design & Build Contract for Rail Systems, Power, Depots, Rolling Stock, and Track within the UAE High-Speed Rail (HSR) Intercity Project – Phase 1. This role will assist the Project Director in managing contractor performance, ensuring technical compliance, and coordinating across multiple disciplines and stakeholders. The Deputy Project Director will help ensure systems integration, depot readiness, rolling stock delivery, and track installation are executed in line with programme objectives, safety standards, and operational requirements.

Responsibilities

• Support the Project Director in overseeing contractor performance across systems, power, depots, rolling stock, and track packages.
• Coordinate across disciplines to ensure seamless integration of systems with civil infrastructure and stations.
• Monitor programme milestones and ensure alignment with critical path and commissioning targets.
• Ensure contractor designs and installations meet technical specifications, safety standards, and interoperability requirements.
• Lead reviews of interface control documents (ICDs), integration registers, and testing protocols.
• Support resolution of technical issues during design, installation, and commissioning phases.
• Liaise with UAE Rail, government authorities, consultants, and contractors to ensure alignment and timely decision-making.
• Facilitate coordination between systems contractors and civil / station delivery teams.
• Represent AtkinsRéalis in technical and programme meetings, providing strategic input and issue resolution.
• Identify and manage risks related to systems integration, commissioning, and operational readiness.
• Support change control processes and ensure timely resolution of design or scope changes.
• Monitor compliance with regulatory frameworks and international standards.
• Provide regular updates to the Project Director on progress, risks, and contractor performance.
• Support the development of dashboards, reports, and programme documentation for internal and client use.
• Ensure governance processes are followed across all systems-related workstreams.
• Mentor junior project engineers and technical coordinators; promote a collaborative and accountable team culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Master’s Degree or Chartered Engineer status preferred).
• Minimum 20 years of experience in rail systems delivery, with at least 5 years in high-speed rail programmes.
• Strong understanding of systems integration, depot operations, and rolling stock commissioning.
• Proven experience in delivering high-speed rail systems (above 250 km/h), including signalling, telecoms, traction power, rolling stock, and track.
• Strong background in systems integration, depot operations, and railway commissioning.
• Experience in Design & Build contract environments and working with international turnkey suppliers.

Benefits & Perks

• Tax-free salary; life insurance coverage; comprehensive medical insurance; paid annual leave; company gratuity scheme; discretionary bonus program; annual flight contribution; relocation assistance; transportation & housing allowances.
• Employee Wellbeing Program: 24/7 access to specialists in finance, legal matters, family care, personal health, fitness, and nutrition consulting.
• Inclusive work environment and equal opportunity employment policy.

AtkinsRéalis is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our workforce. We aim to provide quality and fairness for all job applicants and employees and not to discriminate on grounds of gender, marital status, age, race, ethnic origin, religious conviction, or disablement. We oppose all forms of unlawful treatment and discrimination. We pursue this commitment by having clear procedures, complying with employment legislation, and ensuring that all employees and applicants are treated with respect.