Deputy Project Director

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

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Deputy Project Director for high-speed rail systems in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The role involves overseeing contractor performance, ensuring compliance with technical specifications, and coordinating across disciplines. Candidates must have significant experience in rail systems delivery and hold an engineering degree. Attractive benefits include a tax-free salary, comprehensive medical coverage, and relocation assistance.

Benefits

Tax-free salary

Life insurance coverage

Comprehensive medical insurance

Paid annual leave

Discretionary bonus program

Annual flight contribution

Relocation assistance

Transportation & housing allowances

Employee Wellbeing Program

Qualifications

• Minimum 20 years of experience in rail systems delivery.
• At least 5 years in high-speed rail programmes.
• Strong understanding of depot operations and rolling stock commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Project Director in managing contractor performance.
• Ensure technical compliance and coordination across disciplines.
• Liaise with stakeholders for alignment and timely decision-making.

Skills

Experience in delivering high-speed rail systems

Strong background in systems integration

Experience in Design & Build contract environments

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Job description

Overview

AtkinsRéalis is looking for a Deputy Project director, in United Arab Emirates.

About AtkinsRéalis

Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a better future for our planet and its people. We create sustainable solutions that connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. We deploy global capabilities locally to our clients and deliver unique end-to-end services across the whole life cycle of an asset including consulting, advisory & environmental services, intelligent networks & cybersecurity, design & engineering, procurement, project & construction management, operations & maintenance, decommissioning and capital. The breadth and depth of our capabilities are delivered to clients in strategic sectors such as Engineering Services, Nuclear and Capital. News and information are available at www.atkinsrealis.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Learn more about our rail presence in the Middle East

AtkinsRéalis is seeking 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 Manager will play a key role in ensuring that systems integration, depot readiness, rolling stock delivery, and track installation are executed in line with programme objectives, safety standards, and operational requirements.

Key Requirements and Accountabilities

Sector Experience

• 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.

Programme Oversight & Coordination

• 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.

Technical Compliance & Assurance

• 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.

Stakeholder Engagement

• 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.

Risk & Change Management

• 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.

Reporting & Governance

• 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.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Mentor junior project engineers and technical coordinators.
• Promote a collaborative and accountable team culture across disciplines.
• Support performance reviews and development planning for assigned team members.

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.

Why choose AtkinsRéalis?

• Tax-free salary.
• Life insurance coverage.
• Comprehensive medical insurance coverage.
• 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, as well as personal health, fitness, and nutrition consulting.

Your difference makes a difference. We care for our people and are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where you can thrive and build a future you want to be a part of.

AtkinsRéalis is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our workforces. 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.

Our aim is for the company to be representative of all sections of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to a policy of treating all our employees and job applications equally.

We pursue this commitment by:

• Having clear and concise procedures and guidelines for both line managers and employees to ensure policies are fully understood and implemented.
• Complying with the relevant employment legislation and codes of practice.
• Ensuring that all existing employees, potential employees, colleagues, and customers are treated equally and with respect.

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