Principal Engineer - Bridges & Tunnels

WSP; Dubai; On-site; AED 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP Dubai seeks an experienced Principal Engineer – Bridges & Tunnels to lead design and delivery of major bridge, tunnel and interchange projects in the UAE. You will oversee concept through detailed design, coordinating with highways, drainage, geotechnical and utility teams while mentoring junior engineers and guiding client engagements.

Ideal candidates have extensive UAE-based experience, a strong track record on transportation infrastructure, and a solid grasp of local authority approvals

Qualifications

• Bachelors in Civil/Structural Engineering required.
• Masters in Structural/Bridge Engineering desirable.
• Chartered Engineer status preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of bridges, tunnels, interchanges and related structures.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to satisfy project requirements and standards.
• Mentor junior engineers and support knowledge-sharing within the team.
• Engage with clients and authorities to secure approvals and ensure design compliance.

Skills

Technical leadership

Multidisciplinary coordination

Mentoring & coaching

Stakeholder management

Leadership of complex projects

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Civil/Structural Engineering

Master's Degree in Structural Engineering or related

Chartered Engineer status (CEng/PE/ICE/IStructE)

Tools

Structural analysis software

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Principal Engineer - Bridges & Tunnels to join our growing Dubai-based team and contribute to the successful delivery of major bridge, tunnel, interchange, and transportation infrastructure projects.

Our Bridges & Tunnels team is involved in the design and delivery of some of the Middle East's most significant transportation infrastructure projects, supporting government, semi-government, and private sector clients across the UAE and wider region.

The Principal Engineer will provide technical leadership and design expertise on complex bridges and tunnels projects, overseeing project delivery from concept through detailed design. The role will involve managing multidisciplinary coordination, mentoring junior engineers, supporting client engagement activities, and ensuring technical excellence across all project stages.

Candidates with extensive experience delivering bridge and tunnel design projects in the UAE, particularly in Dubai, will be highly regarded. Preference will be given to candidates with current or previous RTA approval and a strong understanding of RTA standards, design requirements, and approval processes.

Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Design

• Lead the design and delivery of bridges, tunnels, interchanges, retaining structures, underpasses, and other transportation-related structures.
• Undertake and supervise structural analysis, design calculations, reports, specifications, and technical submissions.
• Review and approve engineering designs to ensure compliance with project requirements, industry best practices, and applicable design standards.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineers and designers within the Bridges & Tunnels team.
• Contribute to design innovation, value engineering, and constructability reviews.
• Ensure all designs comply with local authority requirements and international codes and standards.

Project Delivery

• Lead technical delivery of projects from feasibility and concept design through detailed design and construction support.
• Coordinate effectively with highways, drainage, geotechnical, utilities, traffic, and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Manage technical risks, programme requirements, and project deliverables.
• Support Project Managers in delivering projects on schedule and within budget.
• Participate in design reviews, workshops, and client presentations.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, contractors, and approval authorities.
• Act as a key technical point of contact for clients throughout project delivery.
• Liaise with local authorities including RTA, Dubai Municipality, and other relevant agencies.
• Support authority approvals and technical compliance submissions.

Team Development

• Mentor and develop graduate, junior, and mid-level engineers.
• Promote a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Participate in recruitment, technical training, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Business Development

• Support technical proposals, expressions of interest, and tender submissions.
• Contribute to identifying opportunities with existing and new clients.
• Assist in strengthening WSP's Bridges & Tunnels presence across the UAE and wider Middle East.

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or Structural Engineering.

Master's Degree in Structural Engineering, Bridge Engineering, or related discipline is desirable.

Chartered Engineer status (CEng, PE, ICE, IStructE, or equivalent) is preferred.

Minimum 12 years' experience in bridge and tunnel design within a consulting engineering environment.

Proven experience leading the design of major transportation infrastructure projects.

Strong technical expertise in:

Highway bridges

Flyovers and interchanges

Underpasses

Tunnel structures

Retaining structures

Reinforced and prestressed concrete structures

Experience using industry-standard structural analysis and design software.

Working knowledge of AASHTO, Eurocodes, British Standards, and relevant local authority requirements.

Significant UAE experience is preferred.

Experience working on projects requiring RTA review and approval is highly desirable.

Candidates with current or previous RTA Approval as a Bridges Engineer will be given preference.

• Strong technical and analytical capabilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Effective project planning and organisational abilities.
• Commercial awareness and client-focused approach.
• Commitment to quality, safety, and technical excellence.

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