Lead Electrical Engineer- Mission Critical (Data Centres)

GHD; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 400,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

GHD in the UAE is seeking an experienced Lead Electrical Engineer to join the Global Data Centre Design Team (Mission Critical). Based in Abu Dhabi, this role leads electrical design on advanced AI and hyperscale facilities.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, deliver compliant, high-performance power systems, and mentor junior engineers to drive excellence across projects. This position offers exposure to globally significant data centre work and a dynamic, innovative work

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (Master’s degree or Chartered status preferred).
• Minimum 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 specific to high-availability environments.
• Familiarity with hyperscale and AI data centre design considerations is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in ETAP, Amtech, AutoCAD, Revit, and other relevant design tools.
• Track record of producing detailed designs including schematic diagrams, fault and discrimination studies, technical reports, and specifications.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to lead discussions, influence decision-making, and collaborate across multiple disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical design for mission critical facilities, covering MV/LV power distribution, UPS, standby generation, lighting, earthing, and lightning protection.
• Drive technical excellence by producing high-quality designs, specifications, reports, and calculations in line with client requirements and standards.
• Conduct load assessments, redundancy strategy 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 designs.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring, supporting growth of less experienced engineers.
• Oversee project budgets, deliverables, and programmes, ensuring compliance with contractual and quality requirements.
• Maintain direct client engagement, presenting solutions and managing expectations.
• Contribute to development/adaptation of client reference designs and bespoke facilities.
• Champion energy efficiency, sustainability, and emerging technologies in design strategies.

Skills

Electrical engineering

MV/LV distribution

UPS systems

Standby generation

Redundancy planning

Power distribution design

Lightning protection

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Client engagement

Project budgets

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Master’s degree or Chartered Engineer status preferred

Tools

ETAP

Amtech

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

Who we are

With over 14,000 professionals globally, GHD is a leading multidisciplinary professional services company delivering engineering, design, and advisory solutions across water, energy, resources, environment, property & buildings, and transportation sectors.

Job Description

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 the design and delivery of complex data centre projects.

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

You will play a central role in influencing future data centre 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 the electrical design for mission critical facilities, covering all aspects including medium and low voltage power distribution, UPS systems, standby generation, lighting, earthing, and lightning protection.
• Drive technical excellence by producing high-quality designs, specifications, reports, and calculations in accordance with client requirements, local regulations, and international standards.
• Conduct load assessments, redundancy strategy 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 optimised designs.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring, supporting the growth of less experienced engineers and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Oversee project budgets, deliverables, and programmes, ensuring compliance with contractual and quality requirements.
• Maintain direct client engagement, presenting solutions, managing expectations, and offering proactive technical input during all project phases.
• Contribute to the development, adaptation, and improvement of client standard reference designs, as well as the design of bespoke facilities.
• Champion innovation, integrating energy efficiency, sustainability, and emerging technologies into design strategies.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (Master’s degree or Chartered Engineer status preferred).
• Minimum 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 specific to high-availability environments.
• Familiarity with hyperscale and AI data centre design considerations is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in ETAP, Amtech, AutoCAD, Revit, and other relevant design tools.
• Track record of producing detailed designs including schematic diagrams, fault and discrimination studies, technical reports, and specifications.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to lead discussions, influence decision-making, and collaborate across multiple disciplines.

Why Join Us?

• Work on globally significant projects, influencing the next generation of AI and hyperscale data centre design.
• Be part of a globally recognised, fast-growing mission critical team delivering projects that blend technical excellence, sustainability, and commercial success.
• Collaborate in a multi-disciplinary, innovative environment where your input shapes both standardised and bespoke solutions.
• Join a team that values knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and professional excellence.
• Be part of a workplace that combines collaboration, flexibility, and connection. Join us in the office three days per week to contribute, connect and excel in our vibrant environment.

Our Pledge to You

At GHD, we don’t just believe in the power of commitment, we live and breathe it every day. That’s why we pledge to empower our people to make a positive impact. Combining our deep technical expertise with the capabilities of our clients and partners, we respond to some of the most complex challenges facing our planet today.

See where your commitment could take you.

#PowerOfCommitment