Project Director - Rail Systems, Power, Track, Depot and Rolling Stock

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

Job summary

A major engineering firm is seeking a Project Director for Rail Systems in Abu Dhabi. The role requires a seasoned professional to oversee the delivery of rail systems, ensuring integration and compliance with UAE standards. Candidates should have over 20 years of experience, significant leadership experience in large-scale rail projects, and a strong background in systems integration. Join a dynamic team focused on transforming transportation in the region.

Qualifications

• 20+ years' experience in rail systems design, construction, and commissioning.
• 10 years in systems and rolling stock leadership roles.
• Extensive knowledge of rail systems integration.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of rail systems components.
• Manage communications with clients and subcontractors.
• Drive safety assurance and RAMS activities.

Skills

Leadership in rail systems

Project management

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Education

Bachelor’s in Electrical, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering

Master’s degree and/or Chartered Engineer (CEng)

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 seeking an accomplished Project Director – Rail Systems, Power, Track, Depot & Rolling Stock (RSSTDP) to lead the end-to-end delivery of all systems, traction power, permanent way, depot facilities, and rolling stock components for a flagship national rail program in Abu Dhabi.

In this key leadership role, you will provide strategic, technical, and commercial direction across all systems disciplines, ensuring seamless integration between infrastructure, mechanical and electrical systems, and operational performance. You will oversee engineering, procurement, installation, testing, and commissioning activities, driving world-class standards of safety, quality, and reliability in alignment with UAE and international regulations.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Act as Parsons’ primary representative with the Client, government authorities, and key subcontractors, ensuring consistent communication, compliance, and issue resolution.

• Lead and manage all RSSTDP workstreams, including signaling, telecommunications, traction power, OCS, SCADA, track, depot systems, and rolling stock procurement and integration.

• Establish and implement the Rail Systems Integration Strategy, ensuring complete interoperability between civil works, systems, and operations.

• Develop and maintain the Systems Engineering Management Plan (SEMP), including configuration, verification, validation, and interface management procedures.

• Direct the design, construction, and commissioning of traction power supply and distribution systems, ensuring reliability, resilience, and energy efficiency.

• Oversee the delivery of depots, maintenance facilities, and stabling yards, ensuring readiness for operation and optimized asset performance.

• Manage rolling stock procurement, testing, and acceptance, ensuring alignment with performance specifications, interface compatibility, and lifecycle cost objectives.

• Coordinate closely with civil infrastructure teams to guarantee effective interface management between track, structures, and systems.

• Lead safety assurance and RAMS activities, ensuring compliance with international and UAE rail safety standards.

• Manage the contractual, financial, and risk aspects of the RSSTDP scope, maintaining control of cost, schedule, and performance objectives.

• Champion digital delivery, data-driven decision-making, and sustainability across all systems engineering and management processes.

• Drive value engineering, cost optimization, and technical excellence throughout design and implementation.

• Mentor and develop technical leaders, fostering a high-performance, collaborative, and accountable project culture.

• Conduct regular coordination and progress review meetings to maintain momentum, alignment, and transparency.

• Perform other executive responsibilities consistent with the seniority and scope of the position.

What Required Skills You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

• Master’s degree and/or Chartered Engineer (CEng) preferred.

• Minimum of 20 years’ experience in the design, construction, and commissioning of major rail systems, including at least 10 years in systems and rolling stock leadership roles.

• Proven success delivering large-scale metro, mainline, or high-speed rail projects, ideally in a PMC or client representative capacity.

• Demonstrated experience in high-speed is mandatory.

• At least 5 years of experience in the Middle East, with demonstrated capability in multi-package, interface-intensive environments.

• Extensive knowledge of rail systems integration, including traction power, signaling, telecommunications, SCADA, OCS, track, depots, and rolling stock.

• Strong experience in testing, commissioning, and operational readiness of complex rail systems.

• Proven leadership in projects exceeding USD 2 billion in installed systems value.

• Strong commercial, contractual, and risk management acumen with understanding of FIDIC-based agreements.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills, with proven ability to engage and influence at senior Client and government levels.

• In-depth knowledge of international railway standards (EN, IEC, ISO, AREMA, etc.) and high-speed rail integration requirements.

• Commitment to safety, quality, and sustainability in all aspects of project delivery.

What Success Looks Like (PMC Role):

• All systems, power, track, depot, and rolling stock packages are delivered safely, on schedule, and within budget and quality targets.

• Full systems integration and operational readiness achieved with verified interoperability between infrastructure, systems, and rolling stock.

• A robust systems engineering and assurance framework (SEMP, RAMS, configuration, and interfaces) implemented and maintained.

• Parsons maintains Client confidence through transparency, digital performance reporting, and proactive issue resolution.

• The RSSTDP program sets a regional benchmark for technical excellence, reliability, and sustainable railway systems.

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 and care about our employee’s 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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