Principal Geotechnical Design Engineer

Parsons Oman; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

An engineering firm is seeking a Principal Geotechnical Design Engineer to lead designs for ground engineering solutions across Dubai and the UAE. This role involves both technical supervision and leadership, ensuring compliance with engineering standards, and managing a team for large infrastructure projects. Applicants should have significant experience in geotechnical analysis, strong communication skills, and a relevant degree. Join a firm that values your expertise and offers growth opportunities.

Benefits

Career growth opportunities

Comprehensive employee well-being programs

Qualifications

• Professional Engineer, Chartered Engineer or equivalent registration is essential.
• 12+ years of experience in large-scale infrastructure projects including transportation and tunnelling.
• Minimum 8+ years of relevant design experience in the UAE.

Responsibilities

• Plans, prioritises and delivers multiple projects/tasks in parallel.
• Directs and supervises complex geotechnical engineering tasks.
• Develops project-specific geotechnical design criteria and parameters.

Skills

Geotechnical analysis software (PLAXIS 2D/3D, GeoStudio)

Strong communication skills

Project management

Teamworking skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering

Master’s degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

Finite element and numerical modeling software

Job description

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next! At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what’s possible.

Job Description

Parsons is looking for an amazingly talented Principal Geotechnical Design Engineer to join our team preparing designs for ground engineering solutions for a wide variety of infrastructure and development projects across Dubai, the UAE and the wider Gulf region.

In this role, you will be the primary point of contact between our Geotechnical design team and Clients, Approving Authorities and other Stakeholders, as well as with other design disciplines within Parsons. You will also provide technical supervision and leadership to plan and design earthworks, foundations and ground engineering for large‑scale infrastructure projects, including transportation, tunnelling, bridges, roads, airports, harbours, dams, irrigation projects and others. You will manage your team’s work, prioritise tasks, plan resources and develop staff.

The Principal Engineer also analyses proposed projects to ensure geotechnical reliability, resource efficiency and cost‑effectiveness. The role includes guidance to less‑experienced engineers and meetings with Clients, Authorities and other Stakeholders to discuss technical matters, influence authorities and secure approvals.

Responsibilities

• Plans, prioritises and delivers multiple projects/tasks in parallel, reporting to the Technical Director in the Dubai Sector, and the MEA Regional Director (Geotechnical).
• Directs and provides technical supervision of complex geotechnical engineering tasks and particularly important engineering work efficiently and accurately, including soil‑structure interaction analysis where required.
• Develops project‑specific geotechnical design criteria, parameters and design philosophies.
• Undertakes complex geotechnical analyses using finite element and numerical modelling (e.g., PLAXIS, GeoStudio).
• Provides technical reviews, independent checking and sign‑off of geotechnical deliverables.
• Ensures compliance with relevant codes and standards (e.g., Eurocode 7, BS, AASHTO, FHWA, local authority requirements).
• Completes a variety of assignments such as drawings, specifications and other materials suitable for procurement and construction purposes.
• Prepares scopes/specifications for ground investigations, obtains market quotations and reports to Parsons’ Project Manager(s).
• Reviews supplier drawings, reports and data submissions and performs technical bid analyses.
• Prepares high‑quality technical reports, design memoranda, risk assessments and method statements.
• Supports construction teams through design clarification, site technical support and resolution of unforeseen ground conditions.
• Might provide the seal and signature of the Professional Engineer, as appropriate, ensuring compliance with all applicable codes, regulations and ordinances.
• Might act in an advisory capacity to senior management personnel on engineering related matters.
• Supervises development of direct report staff, including performance reviews and support of development plans.
• Supports the Regional Director (Geotechnical) and/or Technical Director in recruitment and staffing, including interviewing of candidates.
• Performs other responsibilities associated with this position as may be appropriate.

Required Skills

• Professional Engineer, Chartered Engineer or equivalent registration is essential.
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering (or related field) and 12+ years of strong experience in large‑scale infrastructure projects, including transportation, tunnelling and general infrastructure.
• Minimum 8+ years of relevant design experience, of which at least 2 years should be in the UAE.
• Client and Authority interface experience and strong communication skills to secure acceptance/approval of design proposals and represent Parsons with all external stakeholders.
• Strong technical knowledge of current technologies and good engineering practices.
• Strong expertise in geotechnical analysis software (PLAXIS 2D/3D, GeoStudio, ROCLAB, etc.).
• Management and self‑motivation to deliver multiple tasks and projects.
• Teamworking skills to work with Engineers and Technicians at all levels of experience.
• Good working knowledge of relevant computer software for analyzing ground engineering solutions.
• Fluent English (both spoken and written) is essential.
• Master’s degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering (or related field) is an advantage.
• Working knowledge of ground investigation scope development, execution and interpretation.

Parsons equally employs representation at all job levels no matter the race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information.

We truly invest in and care about our employees’ wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY!

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