Principal Design Engineer - Water & Wastewater

AECOM; Dubai; Hybrid; AED 650,000 - 950,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM is seeking a senior water/wastewater engineering leader to drive strategic direction for wet utilities projects in Dubai and across the UAE. You will oversee complex infrastructure programs, mentor teams, and engage with clients and regulators to secure and deliver high-impact projects.

Ideal candidates have 15+ years of experience in civil engineering related to water networks, expertise in hydrology, hydraulic modeling, and proficiency with tools like Sewer GEMS, Water GEMS, InfoWorks,

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in wet utilities engineering, including leadership, with UAE/GCC exposure.
• Professional Engineer certification or equivalent is preferred; LEED AP or PMP desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and leadership for wet utilities projects in alignment with client needs and organizational goals.
• Oversee planning, design, and execution of water and wastewater infrastructure projects, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Water/wastewater design

Hydrology/hydraulic modeling

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in civil engineering

Professional Engineer (Peng)

Tools

Sewer GEMS

Water GEMS

Info Works

InfoWater

GIS

Job description

• Contract
• State/Province: Dubai
• Business Group: DCS
• Legal Entity: AECOM MIDDLE EAST LIMITED DUBAI BRANCH
• Business Line: Transportation
• Work Location Model: Hybrid
• Operating Group: International
• Primary Location: AE - Dubai, UAE - UBora Tower

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

• Strategic Leadership:
  • Provide strategic direction and leadership for wet utilities projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and client requirements.
  • Act as a technical authority and subject matter expert in the field of wet utilities engineering.
• Project Oversight:
  • Oversee the planning, design, and execution of complex water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
  • Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet quality standards.
  • Manage risk and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards.
• Client and Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies, mainly Dubai Municipality and DEWA.
  • Lead client meetings, presentations, and negotiations to secure and maintain projects.
• Team Development:
  • Mentor and develop junior engineers and technical staff.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement within the team.
• Technical Excellence:
  • Lead the development of innovative solutions for complex engineering challenges.
  • Ensure the application of advanced modeling techniques and software tools, such as InfoWorks and InfoWater, in project delivery.
  • Promote the adoption of sustainable and resilient design practices in all projects.
• Business Development:
  • Lead proposal development efforts.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with key clients to secure repeat business.

Qualifications:

• Professional Engineer (Peng) certification, MICE or similar is required; additional certifications such as LEED AP or PMP are highly desirable.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in wet utilities engineering, including leadership roles out of which minimum 8 years should be in UAE or other GCC countries.
• Proven track record in managing large-scale, multidisciplinary projects.
• Extensive experience with hydrology, hydraulic modeling, and municipal infrastructure design.
• Proficiency in relevant software tools, including Sewer GEMS, Water GEMS, Info Works, InfoWater, and GIS applications.

Key Skills:

• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Expertise in water and wastewater infrastructure design and management.
• Advanced knowledge of hydrology and hydraulic modeling.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.

Strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in civil engineering or a related field from a University or institute recognized by UAE SOE.

Additional Information

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options,well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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