Digital Design Lead (Structural) - Dubai

HDR; Dubai; On-site; AED 250,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Digital Design Lead (Structural) in Dubai to guide the structural digital design discipline across complex projects. You will shape BIM strategy, lead a team of designers, and ensure high-quality deliverables aligned with project goals and standards.

The role emphasizes advanced BIM execution, cross‑discipline coordination, and mentorship of staff to strengthen digital delivery across HDR’s global operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil/Structural Engineering or related field with leadership experience.
• Advanced proficiency in 3D design and BIM software for structural systems.
• Strong understanding of BIM standards, data management, and digital delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead the structural digital design function across projects with oversight of BIM staff.
• Manage model strategy, align with LOD, DDP, and project objectives.
• Oversee BIM element creation, coordination, and quality assurance.
• Develop modeling methodologies, libraries, workflows, and best practices.
• Provide technical leadership in 3D modeling and resolve coordination challenges.
• Direct production of drawings and reinforcement documentation.
• Ensure model integrity, correct scaling, and documentation structure.
• Lead design reviews and 3D coordination to resolve cross‑discipline conflicts.
• Collaborate with project leadership to align outputs with engineering intent.
• Mentor junior staff and promote BIM process improvements.

Skills

Civil Engineering

3D design

BIM software

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Model coordination

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil/Structural Engineering

Technical degree or related experience

Tools

3D coordination tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

In the role of Digital Design Lead (Structural), you will operate at an advanced specialist level, providing technical leadership, oversight, and strategic direction for structural digital delivery across projects. You will elevate discipline performance, ensure alignment with project and organizational standards, and guide teams in delivering high-quality BIM outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the structural digital design function on projects, providing expert guidance and oversight to Digital Design staff while coordinating closely with Architects, Structural Engineers, and other technical leaders.
• Take ownership of the structural discipline model strategy, ensuring delivery aligns with the Level of Development (LOD), Digital Delivery Plan (DDP), and overall project objectives.
• Oversee the creation, management, and quality of BIM elements for structural systems, ensuring accuracy, constructability, and compliance with project standards and digital delivery requirements.
• Establish and maintain discipline-specific modeling methodologies, content libraries, workflows, and best practices to drive consistency and efficiency across projects.
• Provide technical leadership in the use of 3D modeling and BIM tools, supporting team capability development and resolving complex modeling, coordination, and structural integration challenges.
• Direct and review the production of detailed drawings, layouts, structural details, reinforcement documentation, and design deliverables to ensure accuracy, completeness, and alignment with scope, schedule, and budget.
• Ensure the integrity of structural models, including project data, coordinates, shared positioning, scales, orientations, scope boundaries, and documentation structure.
• Lead model quality assurance processes, including audits, clash detection reviews, model health assessments, and constructability reviews, implementing corrective actions where required.
• Drive interdisciplinary coordination through structured Design Reviews and 3D Coordination processes, proactively identifying and resolving conflicts between structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical, and other project disciplines.
• Act as the primary point of contact for structural digital delivery, collaborating with project leadership to align digital outputs with engineering intent and design requirements.
• Champion continuous improvement of digital delivery standards, tools, workflows, and BIM execution practices across the organization.
• Support and implement advanced Digital Delivery initiatives, including automation, reality capture integration, digital twins, data management strategies, and innovation in BIM processes.
• Mentor and support junior and mid-level digital design staff, fostering technical growth, quality awareness, and adherence to best practices.
• Ensure all structural digital outputs meet internal quality standards, client expectations, and project requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Engineering Technology, Architecture, Construction Technology, or a related technical field, or a minimum of 8–10 years of progressive industry experience, including leadership responsibilities.
• Advanced proficiency in 3D design and BIM software, with extensive experience modeling and coordinating structural systems within a digital delivery environment.
• Strong understanding of digital delivery ecosystems, BIM standards, and document/data management infrastructure.
• Demonstrated expertise with 3D coordination and model review tools, including leading coordination workflows and resolving complex multidisciplinary design and construction issues.
• Strong command of Microsoft Office Suite and collaboration platforms, with the ability to support reporting, analysis, and team coordination.
• Proven leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence multidisciplinary teams and guide decision‑making.
• Advanced understanding of structural engineering principles, building systems, construction methodologies, and design documentation, with the ability to interpret engineering intent and translate it into high‑quality digital outputs.
• Experience developing and coordinating structural models for concrete, steel, timber, and other structural systems.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational capability, and ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining model quality and project standards.
• Experience leading BIM delivery for large‑scale building, industrial, transportation, water, or infrastructure projects is preferred.
• Familiarity with industry standards, BIM execution planning, digital delivery best practices, and emerging technologies within the AEC industry.

Required Qualifications

• Technical degree or a combination of education and related industry experience
• A minimum of 5 years related industry experience
• Advanced skillset of 3D design software and document management infrastructure
• Advanced skillset of 3D Coordination tool
• Competency of Microsoft Office products and communication tools
• Advanced understanding of engineering or architectural concepts
• Knowledge of industry standards and practices, along with discipline codes and specifications
• Excellent communication skills, attention to detail and organizational traits are essential

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Primary Location:United Arab Emirates-Dubai Industry:Building Engineering Schedule:Full-time Employee Status:Regular BusinessClass:Building Structural Job Posting:Jul 22, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affiante Action and Equal Opportunity Employer (https://www.hdrinc.com/equal-employment-opportunity-employer). We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.