Principal Mechanical Engineer

Robert Bird Group; Dubai; On-site; AED 350,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

A global multidisciplinary consultancy is seeking a skilled Principal Mechanical Engineer for major building and infrastructure projects in the Middle East. This role involves providing technical leadership, managing MEP design, and ensuring project delivery. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering and at least 15 years of experience, particularly in MEP design relevant to the Middle East. Join to work on high-profile developments and shape sustainable environments.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years’ relevant experience in building services and MEP design.
• Experience delivering projects in the Middle East, knowledgeable of regional codes.
• Proven experience as Project MEP Lead on complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate MEP scope from design to handover.
• Ensure compliance with client requirements and standards.
• Lead client-facing activities and interdisciplinary coordination.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Technical presentations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Job description

About Surbana Jurong

Surbana Jurong (SJ Group) is a global multidisciplinary consultancy dedicated to shaping cities, transforming communities, and delivering sustainable, people-centric environments. With over 16,500 professionals across 40+ countries, our Middle East practice continues to grow rapidly, delivering major programmes across buildings, infrastructure, cities, and complex mixed-use developments.

The Role

We are seeking an accomplished Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide technical leadership and project delivery excellence across major building and infrastructure projects in the Middle East. Based within our regional design hubs, this role will play a key part in leading MEP design delivery, client engagement, and multidisciplinary coordination in line with SJ’s standards and strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as Project MEP Lead, with full responsibility for managing and coordinating the MEP scope from concept design through construction and handover.
• Provide technical leadership and oversight for mechanical (and overall MEP) design, ensuring compliance with client requirements, regional codes, and SJ standards.
• Lead and manage multidisciplinary MEP teams, including resource planning, task allocation, and performance management.
• Drive high-quality project delivery aligned with programme, quality, and commercial objectives.
• Lead client-facing activities, including technical presentations, design reviews, coordination workshops, and stakeholder meetings.
• Coordinate closely with Architecture, Structural, Civil, and other disciplines to ensure integrated and efficient design solutions.

Key Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (BEng/BSc Hons) in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.
• Minimum 15 years’ relevant experience, with a strong focus on building services and MEP design.
• Mandatory experience delivering projects in the Middle East, with strong knowledge of regional codes, standards, and authority requirements.
• Proven experience acting as Project MEP Lead on complex, multidisciplinary projects.
• Demonstrated ability to manage large teams, multiple stakeholders, and technically challenging projects.

Key Knowledge and Skills

• Strong technical expertise in mechanical engineering and integrated MEP systems.
• Excellent client-facing, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven leadership capability with a collaborative and delivery-focused mindset.
• High level of ownership, accountability, and attention to detail.
• Strong understanding of programme, quality, and commercial drivers within consultancy environments.

Why Join SJ?

Join a global, multidisciplinary consultancy delivering landmark projects across the Middle East. At SJ, you will collaborate with world-class professionals, contribute to complex and high-profile developments, and play a key role in shaping sustainable and resilient built environments.

How to Apply

Please submit your application through our official careers portal by clicking the “Apply Now” button and following the instructions.

Note: Recruitment for this role is managed internally. Unsolicited CVs from agencies will not be considered.

At Surbana Jurong, we put talent, hard work, teamwork and a fun workplace together to approach problems and solve them creatively and collaboratively. Join us in making a positive impact on the world!