Rail Design Director - Architecture

Jacobs; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Jacobs in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced Rail Design Director – Architecture to lead architectural design, technical delivery and strategic direction of major rail and transit projects, overseeing multidisciplinary teams and ensuring design excellence across high-speed rail, metro and related transit infrastructure.

The candidate should have 15+ years in architecture and transportation design with leadership responsibilities, GCC/Middle East experience preferred, and a proven track record

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture; professional registration desirable.
• 15+ years in architecture and transportation infrastructure design, with leadership roles.
• Experience leading rail and transit projects in large, multi-stakeholder environments.
• GCC/Middle East experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural vision and delivery of large-scale rail projects.
• Direct multidisciplinary teams through concept to construction.
• Establish design quality standards and governance across projects.
• Provide strategic leadership to architects, urban designers and engineers.
• Mentor teams and foster collaboration and innovation.
• Drive rail station and depot design and passenger experience.

Skills

Leadership

Architecture

Rail Design

Stakeholder Management

Team Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Master's degree preferred

Job description

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

Jacobs is looking for an experienced Rail Design Director – Architecture to be part of our Buildings & Logistics team in Abu Dhabi. You will be responsible for leading the architectural design, technical delivery, and strategic direction of major rail and transit infrastructure projects. The role oversees multidisciplinary design teams and ensures the successful delivery of complex rail programs, including high-speed rail, metro, light rail, commuter rail, transit-oriented developments, and station infrastructure. The successful candidate will drive design excellence, innovation, stakeholder engagement and project performance throughout all project phases.

Here’s What You'll Do

• Lead the architectural vision, design strategy, and delivery of large-scale rail and transit infrastructure projects.
• Direct multidisciplinary teams through concept, schematic, detailed design, procurement, and construction support stages.
• Establish and maintain design quality standards, governance processes, and technical excellence across projects.
• Provide strategic leadership to architects, urban designers, technical specialists, and project teams.
• Mentor and develop high-performing teams while fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
• Lead the design and delivery of rail stations, interchanges, depots, maintenance facilities, and associated transit infrastructure.
• Provide technical expertise on high-speed rail, metro, light rail, commuter rail, and integrated transportation projects.
• Ensure station designs deliver exceptional passenger experience, operational efficiency, accessibility, safety, and sustainability outcomes.
• Drive integration of rail infrastructure with surrounding urban environments, multimodal transport hubs, and transit-oriented developments.
• Participate in client engagement and strategic planning for major rail expansion and transformation programs.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, government authorities, transport operators, contractors, and key stakeholders.
• Support business growth initiatives and identify opportunities within the rail and transportation sectors.

Here’s what you'll need

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture; Master's degree preferred.
• Professional registration or chartership with a recognized professional body is highly desirable.
• Typically 15+ years of experience in architecture and transportation infrastructure design, including leadership responsibilities.
• Demonstrated experience leading major rail and transit infrastructure projects.
• Strong experience in the design and delivery of rail stations, transit hubs, and passenger infrastructure.
• Experience working on high-speed rail, metro, light rail, commuter rail, or integrated transportation projects.
• Proven track record delivering large-scale and highly complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, technical interfaces, and demanding delivery environments.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams across multiple project locations.
• GCC/Middle East project experience is preferred but not mandatory.
• Strong understanding of international rail, transportation, and infrastructure design standards.
• Excellent client-facing, leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.Jacobs. A world where you can.

From our inclusive employee networks to our positive mental health champions – we’re committed to driving a culture of caring where you can be you. Joining Jacobs not only connects you locally but globally - and together, our diverse perspectives and unique backgrounds power our collective strength. We collaborate and share! By supporting one another, we all succeed.

With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we’ve gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential. You’ll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits and opportunities to do good too – from participating in our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place.

No matter what drives you, you’ll discover how you can cultivate, nurture and achieve your goals – all at a single global company.

Onsite employees are expected to attend a Jacobs Workplace on a full-time basis, as required by the nature of their role.