Lead Architect

Systra; Dubai; On-site; AED 400,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

A global engineering consultancy is seeking a Lead Architect located in Dubai, UAE. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience leading large-scale railway infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with UAE codes and international standards. Responsibilities include overseeing design development, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and mentoring junior staff. Strong proficiency in architectural design software and excellent stakeholder management skills are essential for success in this role, which promotes sustainable design strategies and universal accessibility.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of professional experience in railway or HSR projects.
• Demonstrated expertise in high-profile transportation infrastructure.
• Strong familiarity with UAE codes and international standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural design for HSR stations and infrastructure.
• Ensure compliance with UAE regulations and international standards.
• Mentor junior architects and contribute to team knowledge.

Skills

Architectural design leadership

Stakeholder management

Fluency in English

Multicultural team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture

Master’s degree in Transportation/Stations Architecture

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

BIM platforms

Job description

SYSTRA is one of the world's leading engineering and consultancy groups specialising in public transport and sustainable mobility. With over 10,300 employees, SYSTRA's mission is to design safe and sustainable transport solutions to bring people together, develop social inclusion and facilitate access to employment, education and leisure throughout the world.

For 65 years, the Group has been working alongside cities and regions to contribute to their development by creating, improving and modernising their infrastructure and transport systems, throughout the life cycle of their projects. SYSTRA is involved from the earliest stages of design through to the testing, deployment and maintenance phases. The company provides all its services in over 80 countries worldwide and generates 74% of its turnover internationally. With its new services, SYSTRA supports its clients and partners in their digital, ecological and energy transition, in order to invent the mobility of tomorrow.

Context

Lead Architect

Missions / Main Duties

• Lead and manage the architectural design development for HSR stations, ancillary buildings, and related infrastructure, from concept through to detailed design and construction.
• Ensure all architectural deliverables meet international standards, UAE regulations, and the vision established by client authorities.
• Oversee the review and approval of architects’, consultants’, and contractors’ design submissions, material selection, shop drawings, mockups, and method statements.
• Integrate functional, technical, and aesthetic requirements into cohesive design solutions that support safe, efficient, and passenger-focused rail environments.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams (engineering, urban planning, MEP, sustainability, landscape, etc.) to ensure coordinated and integrated project delivery.
• Lead workshops, progress meetings, and design reviews with clients, teams, and stakeholders.
• Administer architectural design change management, providing technical advice and solutions to mitigate risks and address site conditions.
• Champion implementation of sustainable design strategies, universal accessibility, and UAE-specific innovations.
• Monitor site progress, conduct inspections, and provide recommendations to ensure compliance with architectural intent and quality standards.
• Mentor junior architects and contribute to the broader knowledge base of the team.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and project documentation as required.

Profile / Skills

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Architecture; Master’s degree or specialization in Transportation/Stations Architecture is preferred.

Background

• Minimum 15 years’ professional experience, including significant senior/lead roles delivering large multidisciplinary railway or HSR projects.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and delivering high-profile transportation infrastructure, preferably rail stations in challenging or iconic contexts.
• Strong familiarity with UAE codes, local authority approvals, and international standards (e.g., NFPA 130, ADA, LEED, WELL, etc.).
• High proficiency in architectural design software (Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, BIM platforms, Adobe Creative Suite).
• Experience collaborating with contractors, consultants, and authorities in PMC/project management environments.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural, multidisciplinary project teams.
• Fluency in English is essential; Arabic language skills are an advantage.

Systra is an equal opportunities company; this position is open to all applicants.