Lead Fire Systems Engineer – UAE Business Unit
Wood is recruiting for a Lead Fire Systems Engineer to join its UAE Business Unit focusing on executing assigned scopes of work for a Major Onshore Brownfield Project in Dubai, UAE. This is a full‑time office‑based role in Dubai with travel requirements.
The role
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Lead Fire Systems Engineer to join our UAE Business Unit.
Our Clients and Projects
Wood is an integral part of operations in Iraq, and we are continuing to grow our footprint across the country. With a 90‑year heritage, 10 major contracts and over 850 employees, we have the skills, expertise and asset knowledge to support clients to deliver energy security and decarbonisation ambitions. Wood excels in supporting our clients to deliver complex upstream and midstream oil and gas projects in Iraq delivering maintenance, modifications and engineering solutions. We are committed to decarbonising existing assets, producing cleaner energy and developing a sustainable national workforce, ensuring the long‑term growth of the region.
What we can offer
- Meaningful and interesting projects Delivered to high profile clients and complex projects in Iraq
- Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion – we are actively committed to diversity and inclusion across our business with employee networks giving all employees a voice
- Competitive salary with regular reviews to reward at the right level in line with the market
- Commitment to continued professional development – tailored development plans for individual needs and interests
- Global connections – join experts around the world who shape the standards of our profession
- Medical insurance – inpatient and outpatient medical care available as required
- Group life and personal accident insurance – life assurance cover provided by the company
- Employee share plan – opportunity to purchase Wood shares with a company match
- Long service award – recognition of commitment and loyalty at 5‑year milestones
Key Objectives
- Definition and approval of technical scopes
- Executing assigned scopes of work
- Providing technical expertise to the business
- Contributing to business growth
- May manage and supervise teams and/or act as a technical specialist
Performs complex assignments often requiring development of new or improved products, processes, or techniques, and assesses the feasibility of proposed engineering designs.
Uses advanced technical knowledge to produce engineering deliverables and may serve as Lead Engineer or Project Technical Authority with advanced specialization.
Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities
Definition and approval of technical scopes
- Assist in establishing project aims and outcomes for comprehensive design
- Evaluate current procedures and recommend efficiency improvements
- Recommend project organization, work methods, and technical innovations
Executing assigned scopes of work
- Supervise and participate in delivery of complex engineering tasks
- Formulate investigations or prototypes, analyze data, and recommend solutions
- Resolve issues such as conflicting design requirements or coordination challenges
- Coordinate implementation of design engineering solutions and review documentation for accuracy
- Supervise complex engineering tasks related to major projects and exercise mature judgement
- Participate in incident investigations as required and assess work against standards and specifications
- Adhere to discipline‑specific procedures and provide feedback for continuous improvement
- Manage stakeholders, organize, actively participate, and lead design reviews
Providing technical expertise
- Advise on design processes, construction methods, and new engineering methods
- Serve as Technical Authority when appointed
- Evaluate options and select technical solutions optimizing technical and financial success
- Act as technical custodian for low‑to‑medium value bids and proposals
- Provide awareness of technical advancements and new customer‑serving approaches
- Help establish a culture of technical excellence through role modelling and communication
- Undertake Technical Bid Evaluation for subcontracted scopes and oversee vendors
Contributing to business growth
- Engage with clients, build relationships, and seek opportunities to expand Wood’s scope of work
- Contribute to engineering bids and proposals
Manage and supervise others
- Supervise technical specialists or engineers responsible for complex tasks
- Provide technical guidance and direction to teams, assign tasks, and monitor progress
- Coach and mentor direct reports, enforce competence standards, and support recruitment and promotion
- Manage performance and ensure efficient resource allocation, including HSSE leadership and compliance with safety requirements
- In consultancy business areas, manage multiple small projects with responsibility for cost, risk, and resource allocation
Working Relationships
Internal
- Establish effective working relations with colleagues, associates, direct reports, and project team members
- Develop productive, collaborative relationships across offices, regions, and functions
- Interface with multiple disciplines, including project engineers and proposal groups
- Facilitate effective communication between disciplines
External
- Establish effective working relations with clients and officials
- Build relationships to discuss requirements and apply technical solutions to meet goals
- Participate in professional organizations to stay current on technical innovations
Level of Influence and Decision-Making Authority
- Actions and decisions significantly influence medium‑term technical, operational, and financial results
- Work is performed under general direction and reviewed for conformance with policies and efficiency
- Provide assistance in unusual situations and keep managers informed of progress and critical matters
- Supervise groups of engineers or serve as expert in the field, providing guidance and advice
- Teach and coach problem‑solving and project planning for less experienced staff
- Input for recruitment, discipline, and performance issues, and provide functional supervision
- Errors may significantly impact profitability and customer relations; ensure accuracy and timelines of work
What makes you remarkable?
At Wood, we are committed to equal opportunities and welcome all talented individuals to consider joining our team. Even if you don't match every statement below but feel you have some of the experience, knowledge or skills needed, we encourage you to apply. It will take all of us working together to deliver solutions to the world’s most critical challenges.
Expected
- ISCED Level 6 Bachelor’s (minimum) or Level 7 Master’s (preferred) degree in engineering discipline, or equivalent tertiary education combined with suitable industry experience
- Chartership, PE status or relevant professional licence/registration accredited by a recognised body (preferred)
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Typically requires more than 10 years progressively responsible experience; multidiscipline knowledge and quality management standards and practices required
Role‑Specific Skills and Knowledge
- Technically competent in own discipline with continuous professional development
- Professional knowledge of regulatory framework and legislation
- Ability to supervise, manage, motivate and mentor technical professionals
- Multidiscipline knowledge, advanced principles and techniques of engineering, and quality management standards needed
- Recognised as a technical expert capable of developing and mentoring junior staff
- Ability to execute and oversee project scope, budget and schedule
- Consistently demonstrates creativity and innovation to address complex client requirements
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills for internal and external interactions
- Ability to diagnose and resolve significant problems and generate substantial improvements
- Agile and able to troubleshoot solutions
- Broad interpretation of engineering principles, theories, and concepts
- Knowledge of various business units, functions, sectors, and services offered within the business area
- Understanding of Wood’s business position and commercial objectives, and ability to manage technical and commercial risk
Personal attributes
- Solutions‑oriented and creative, applying process and rigour to deliver quality solutions
- Compelling communicator, verbally and written
- Good interpersonal and teamwork skills, building positive relationships with supervisors, subordinates, peers and clients
- Enthusiastic, conscientious and committed to continuous professional development
- High level of awareness and commitment to safety in all aspects of daily work
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
- Highly motivated and demonstrates personal initiative
- Integrity, strong work ethic, positive attitude, and dependability
- Adaptable and flexible to changing project needs
Diversity Statement
We are an equal‑opportunity employer that recognises the value of a diverse workforce. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective criteria and without regard to race, colour, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other characteristics in accordance with relevant governing laws.