Rail Design Director: Transit Innovation Leader

Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Jacobs is seeking an experienced Rail Design Director – Architecture in Abu Dhabi to lead the architectural design and delivery of major rail and transit infrastructure. You will steer multidisciplinary teams across concept to construction, ensuring quality and innovation while driving stakeholder engagement and client satisfaction.

With 15+ years in architecture and transportation design, you will mentor teams, set design standards, and collaborate with clients and authorities to transform rail

Qualifications

• 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.
• Experience leading major rail and transit infrastructure projects.
• GCC/Middle East project experience is preferred but not mandatory.
• Strong understanding of international rail, transportation, and infrastructure design standards.

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 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.

Skills

Leadership

Client-facing

Stakeholder management

Team mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Master's degree preferred

Professional registration or chartership

Job description

Jacobs is seeking an experienced Rail Design Director – Architecture in Abu Dhabi to lead the architectural design and delivery of major rail and transit infrastructure. You will steer multidisciplinary teams across concept to construction, ensuring quality and innovation while driving stakeholder engagement and client satisfaction.

With 15+ years in architecture and transportation design, you will mentor teams, set design standards, and collaborate with clients and authorities to transform rail