Rail Design Director: Architecture for Next-Gen Transit

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

Job summary

Jacobs in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced Rail Design Director – Architecture to lead architectural design and delivery of major rail and transit projects. You will guide multidisciplinary teams through all design phases, drive quality standards, and shape strategic direction.

The role requires 15+ years in architecture and transportation infrastructure, GCC/Middle East experience preferred, and strong leadership and client engagement to deliver safe, accessible, sustainable passenger

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture required; Master's preferred.
• 15+ years in architecture and transportation infrastructure design.
• Experience leading major rail and transit projects.
• Strong design delivery of rail stations and hubs.
• GCC/Middle East project experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• 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 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 fostering 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 passenger experience, operational efficiency, accessibility, safety, sustainability.
• Drive integration of rail infrastructure with urban environments, multimodal hubs, TODs.
• Participate in client engagement and strategic planning for major expansion programs.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, government authorities, transport operators, contractors, stakeholders.
• Support business growth initiatives in rail and transportation sectors.

Skills

Architectural leadership

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Design governance

Client engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Jacobs in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced Rail Design Director – Architecture to lead architectural design and delivery of major rail and transit projects. You will guide multidisciplinary teams through all design phases, drive quality standards, and shape strategic direction.

The role requires 15+ years in architecture and transportation infrastructure, GCC/Middle East experience preferred, and strong leadership and client engagement to deliver safe, accessible, sustainable passenger