Principal Designer - Civil and Structural

Mc Dermott; Dubai; On-site; AED 201,000 - 335,000; Full time

Job summary

McDermott International, Ltd seeks a Principal Designer – Civil and Structural in Dubai to lead civil and structural design efforts, produce 2D drawings and 3D models, and coordinate interfaces across disciplines. The role requires senior expertise to deliver complex Oil & Energy projects within approved schedules and budgets.

The successful candidate will manage a design team, review work, ensure constructability, and maintain compliance with design codes and HSE requirements, working in a

Qualifications

• Diploma in Civil/Structural Engineering.
• At least 10 years of experience with a major contractor or engineering consultant.
• Minimum 5 years of civil or structural design in oil and gas.

Responsibilities

• Prepare civil and structural drawings from conceptual to detailed stages.
• Develop coordinated 3D models and resolve interdisciplinary clashes.
• Lead design teams and coordinate multidisciplinary interfaces.
• Ensure compliance with project specs, schedules, and budgets.
• Coordinate with project teams, customers, suppliers, and authorities.

Skills

Civil design

Structural design

3D modeling

AutoCAD

MicroStation

E3D

S3D

Design reviews

Project leadership

Clash detection

Education

Diploma in Civil Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

Job description

Principal Designer - Civil and Structural

Job Snapshot

Role: Principal Designer – Civil and Structural

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Industry: Oil and Energy

Function: Civil & Structural Engineering

Experience: Minimum 10 years, including 5 years in oil and gas

Job Type: Full-time

Gender: Any

Candidate Nationality: Any

Job Overview

The Principal Designer - Civil and Structural position in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is a senior design opportunity within the Oil and Energy industry. McDermott International seeks an experienced professional to lead civil and structural design activities, develop high-quality 2D drawings and 3D models, coordinate multidisciplinary interfaces, and deliver complex projects within approved schedules and budgets.

Job Details

Country: United Arab Emirates

City: Dubai

Industry: Oil and Energy

Function: Civil & Structural Engineering

Salary: AED 18000-30000 per month

Estimated salary range based on similar jobs in Dubai; please confirm the final offer with the employer.

Contract Type: Full-time

Role Context

This position combines advanced civil and structural design expertise with team leadership and project coordination. The Principal Designer may work independently within established procedures or lead medium and large design teams in a multi-office project execution environment. The role requires close collaboration with engineering disciplines, project teams, customers, suppliers, subcontractors, and external authorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare conceptual, FEED, study, arrangement, and detailed civil and structural drawings.
• Produce technically accurate deliverables with clear, consistent, and construction-friendly presentation.
• Develop coordinated 3D models and ensure they remain free from interdisciplinary clashes.
• Prepare civil and structural layouts using engineering data and multidisciplinary inputs.
• Complete design deliverables according to project specifications, the Master Document Register, procedures, schedules, and budgets.
• Coordinate the development or modification of 3D macros used in E3D and S3D.
• Establish and organize project-specific 2D and 3D design systems.
• Review the project scope, specifications, schedule, and interdisciplinary requirements.
• Identify design concerns early and initiate suitable corrective measures.
• Assist with technical queries, estimates, proposals, and changes to job scope.
• Attend project kickoff meetings, design reviews, and vendor meetings when acting as Lead Designer.
• Coordinate remote design teams and support multi-office project execution.
• Ensure compliance with company, client, statutory, design-code, and HSE requirements.
• Supervise Designers and Associate Designers assigned to the project.
• Check designs for constructability, operability, maintainability, safety, and interdisciplinary interfaces.
• Review drawings produced by other disciplines and suppliers.
• Provide drafting and technical design support where required.
• Perform design engineering for miscellaneous steel structures.
• Contribute specialist civil and structural design expertise to project proposals.
• Plan discipline scope, deliverables, schedules, and workforce requirements.
• Forecast resource needs and agree allocations with the Engineering Manager.
• Monitor team progress and productivity and initiate corrective actions when required.
• Serve as the discipline contact for project teams, customers, vendors, subcontractors, certifying authorities, auditors, and third parties.
• Maintain appropriate design administration, documentation, and filing.

Ideal Profile

• High school qualification with a diploma in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or an equivalent discipline.
• Equivalent professional experience may be considered.
• At least 10 years of experience with a major contractor or engineering consultant.
• Minimum 5 years of civil or structural design experience in the oil and gas sector.
• Experience working on or reviewing at least two projects using E3D or S3D.
• Detailed knowledge of applicable industry drafting standards and design codes.
• Proven ability to lead civil and structural design projects and multidisciplinary teams.
• Capable of working independently and making decisions within established procedures.
• Experienced in coordinating design activities across multiple offices.
• Able to contribute as a civil, structural, and architectural design specialist during proposals.

Skills Set

• Civil and structural design
• Conceptual and FEED design
• Detailed engineering drawings
• 3D model development
• Clash detection and resolution
• E3D and S3D
• AutoCAD
• MicroStation
• 2D drafting systems
• Material control systems
• Structural steel detailing
• Miscellaneous steel engineering
• Constructability reviews
• Multidisciplinary coordination
• Design-code compliance
• HSE design reviews
• Resource forecasting
• Schedule and budget control
• Technical query preparation
• Team leadership
• Multi-office project execution

Why Join Us

This role offers the opportunity to lead technically complex civil and structural design work for major energy projects. The successful candidate will influence design methods, coordinate international teams, improve discipline processes, and contribute specialist expertise across engineering, procurement, construction, and proposal activities.

About the Company

McDermott International, Ltd is a global engineering and construction company serving the energy industry. For more than 100 years, the company has transformed complex ideas into operational infrastructure, including subsea systems, offshore platforms, offshore wind facilities, and major onshore developments. With more than 30000 professionals across 54 countries, McDermott combines engineering expertise, technology, and project execution capabilities to support reliable energy delivery and the global energy transition.