Lead Electrical Engineer – Mission Critical (Data Centers)

GHD; Dubai; On-site; AED 250,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global professional services company in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced Lead Electrical Engineer. In this high-profile role, you will lead the electrical engineering design on advanced AI and hyperscale data centre projects, ensuring technical excellence and managing client engagement. The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of experience and a strong background in mission-critical facilities. Join a collaborative environment that values professional growth and sustainability.

Benefits

Opportunities for professional growth

Inclusive and diverse workplace

Work on significant global projects

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience, with at least 3 years in mission-critical and/or data centre projects.
• Strong understanding of cooling integration and commissioning processes for high-availability environments.
• Proven expertise in MV/LV distribution systems and UPS systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical design for mission-critical facilities.
• Ensure technical excellence by producing high-quality designs.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers.

Skills

Electrical engineering design leadership

Load assessments

Technical specifications

Project budget management

Client engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering

Master’s degree or Chartered Engineer status

Tools

ETAP

Amtech

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

With more than 14,000 people around the globe, GHD is one of the world’s leading professional services companies operating in the markets of water, energy and resources, environment, property and buildings, and transportation. Serving clients across five continents and the Pacific region, GHD people share a passion for exceeding client expectations and contributing to their success.

Our Middle East operations have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Electrical Engineer to join our office in Abu Dhabi, UAE, within the building services team.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and driven Lead Electrical Engineer to join our Global Data Centre Design Team (Mission Critical), based in our UAE offices. This is a high-profile leadership role for a technically accomplished engineer with a proven track record in designing and delivering complex data centre projects.

You will have the opportunity to lead electrical engineering design on some of the most advanced AI and hyperscale data centre projects worldwide. These projects range from deploying standardized, high-performance designs for global clients to delivering bespoke, cutting-edge facilities that set new standards for innovation, resilience, and sustainability.

You will play a key role in shaping future data center design approaches, working closely with clients, multidisciplinary teams, and industry experts to deliver efficient, sustainable, and commercially viable engineering solutions that meet the rapidly evolving demands of AI-driven infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead electrical design for mission-critical facilities, including medium and low voltage power distribution, UPS systems, standby generation, lighting, earthing, and lightning protection.
• Ensure technical excellence by producing high-quality designs, specifications, reports, and calculations in line with client requirements, local regulations, and international standards.
• Perform load assessments, redundancy planning, fault/discrimination studies, and resilience planning for high-availability facilities.
• Coordinate with mechanical, structural, ICT, security, and other disciplines to ensure integrated, clash-free, and optimized designs.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship, supporting the growth of less experienced engineers and fostering continuous improvement.
• Manage project budgets, deliverables, and schedules, ensuring compliance with contractual and quality standards.
• Maintain direct client engagement, presenting solutions, managing expectations, and providing proactive technical input throughout all project phases.
• Contribute to the development and enhancement of client standard reference designs and bespoke facilities.
• Promote innovation by integrating energy efficiency, sustainability, and emerging technologies into design strategies.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering (master’s degree or Chartered Engineer status preferred).
• Minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience, with at least 3 years in mission-critical and/or data centre projects.
• Proven expertise in MV/LV distribution systems, UPS and generator systems, and advanced redundancy schemes.
• Strong understanding of cooling integration, ICT systems, and commissioning processes for high-availability environments.
• Familiarity with hyperscale and AI data centre considerations is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in ETAP, Amtech, AutoCAD, Revit, and other relevant design tools.
• Experience in producing detailed designs, including schematics, fault and discrimination studies, technical reports, and specifications.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent communication skills to lead discussions, influence decisions, and collaborate across disciplines.

Why Join Us?

• Work on globally significant projects shaping the next generation of AI and hyperscale data center design.
• Be part of a recognized, fast-growing mission-critical team delivering projects that combine technical excellence, sustainability, and commercial success.
• Collaborate in a multidisciplinary, innovative environment where your input influences both standardized and bespoke solutions.
• Join a team that values knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and professional growth.

Take on some of the world's toughest challenges—supported every step of the way at GHD.

At GHD, we celebrate a multicultural workforce and champion individual achievement. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fair and inclusive employment practices, welcoming candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We believe diversity drives innovation and value the unique perspectives each team member brings.