GIS Lead - Urban Design Masterplanning

AECOM; Dubai; On-site; AED 367,000 - 478,000; Full time

Job summary

A global infrastructure consulting firm is seeking a GIS Lead for its Dubai location. This role involves using spatial data as a design tool to shape sustainable and inclusive urban environments. The GIS Lead will analyze complex urban systems, support scenario planning, and manage GIS infrastructure. Ideal candidates should have a degree in geography or related fields, with at least 12 years of GIS experience and proficiency in software such as Adobe Creative Suite and Rhino. Join us to leverage technology for impactful urban design projects.

Benefits

Hybrid work options

Wide array of compensation and benefits programs

Qualifications

• 12 years of GIS experience ideally within urban design or multidisciplinary design.
• Experience with 3D modeling tools and urban visualization platforms is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with scripting (Python, SQL) for data analysis and automation is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced spatial analysis to guide design decisions.
• Support scenario planning and geodesign processes.
• Produce high-quality visual content for reports and presentations.

Skills

Advanced proficiency in GIS platforms

Strong understanding of urban design principles

Excellent communication skills

Education

Degree in Geography, GIS, Urban Design or related fields

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Rhino

SketchUp

Grasshopper

Job description

AECOMs Urbanism Planning studio is currently seeking a GIS Lead to be based in Dubai. This role goes beyond traditional GIS. It’s about using spatial data and analysis as a design tool to shape better places. You’ll lead the development of innovative geospatial solutions and visualizations that support the creation of vibrant sustainable and inclusive urban environments.

You’ll play a central role in the urban design and master‑planning process using GIS to analyze complex urban systems, test land use scenarios, assess environmental and social impacts, and visualize design concepts. Collaborating closely with urban designers, planners, landscape architects and engineers, you’ll bring a geospatial perspective to projects shaping sustainable, resilient and people‑centered places.

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced spatial analysis to identify opportunities and constraints that guide design decisions.
• Support scenario planning and geodesign processes, testing different urban design concepts and their impacts.
• Produce high‑quality visual content for reports, presentations, exhibitions and public consultations that integrate seamlessly with urban design graphics.
• Work hand‑in‑hand with urban designers to integrate spatial data into the conceptualization, design and refinement of projects.
• Lead the GIS function within the Urban Design and Planning team, managing spatial data infrastructure systems and workflows.
• Utilize GIS as a design tool to inform urban design strategies, including site analysis, land use planning, public realm design and community development projects.
• Analyze urban systems: transportation networks, open spaces, land use, mobility, sociodemographics and environmental assets to support the development of strategic master‑plans and urban frameworks.
• Analyze urban systems: transportation networks, open spaces, land use, mobility, sociodemographics and environmental assets to support the development of strategic master‑plans and urban frameworks.
• Establish and maintain the GIS infrastructure workflows and data management systems, ensuring efficient delivery of high‑quality spatial outputs.
• Manage project timelines, budgets and resources related to GIS components of large‑scale master‑planning and urban design projects.

Qualifications

• Degree in Geography, GIS, Urban Design, Urban Planning, Architecture or related fields. Master’s degree is a plus.
• 12 years of GIS experience, ideally within an urban design or multidisciplinary design practice.
• Strong understanding of urban design principles, placemaking, public realm design and city‑making processes.
• Advanced proficiency in GIS platforms and their integration with design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Rhino, SketchUp, Grasshopper).
• Experience with 3D modeling tools and urban visualization platforms is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with scripting (Python, SQL) for data analysis and automation is an advantage.
• A keen eye for design, layout and storytelling through maps, diagrams and data‑driven visuals.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey complex spatial information in a clear and engaging way to diverse audiences.

Additional Information

AECOM

AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle: from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. On projects spanning transportation, buildings, water, new energy and the environment, our public and private‑sector clients trust us to solve their most complex challenges. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our unrivaled technical and digital expertise, a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion and a commitment to environmental, social and governance priorities. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm and its Professional Services business had revenue of $14.4 billion in fiscal year 2023.

Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity

You will have the flexibility you need to do your best work with hybrid work options. Whether you’re working from an AECOM office, remote location or at a client site you will be working in a dynamic environment where your integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering mindset are championed.

You will help us foster a safe and respectful workplace where we invite everyone to bring their whole selves to work, using their unique talents, backgrounds and expertise to create transformational outcomes for our clients.

AECOM provides a wide array of compensation, benefits and wellbeing programs to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families. We’re the world’s trusted global infrastructure firm and we’re in this together—you’re growth and success are ours too.

Join us and you’ll get all the benefits of being a part of a global publicly traded firm: access to industry‑leading technology and thinking, transformational work with big impact and work flexibility. As an Equal Opportunity Employer we believe in each person’s potential and will help you reach yours.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Remote Work

No

Employment Type

Fulltime