Senior Hydrology and Drainage Expert

Systra; Dubai; On-site; AED 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

An international engineering consultancy is seeking a Senior Hydrology and Drainage Expert to lead hydrology and drainage investigations for high-speed rail projects in Dubai. The ideal candidate should possess a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, have over 15 years of experience in drainage and hydrology, and be well-versed with UAE regulations. Strong communication and technical leadership skills are essential for successful stakeholder engagement and project delivery. This position offers the opportunity to work on significant infrastructure projects and contribute to sustainable mobility.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years’ experience in drainage and hydrology for large transport projects.
• Proven track record of technical leadership in infrastructure projects.
• In-depth knowledge of UAE/local drainage regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead hydrology and drainage investigations across all project phases.
• Conduct hydrological analyses and flood risk assessments.
• Prepare and review drainage designs ensuring regulatory compliance.

Skills

Hydrological and hydraulic analysis

Technical leadership

Interdisciplinary coordination

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

HEC-RAS

MIKE FLOOD

InfoWorks

SWMM

Job description

SYSTRA is one of the world’s leading engineering and consultancy groups specialising in public transport and sustainable mobility. With over 10,300 employees, SYSTRA’s mission is to design safe and sustainable transport solutions to bring people together, develop social inclusion and facilitate access to employment, education and leisure throughout the world.

For 65 years, the Group has been working alongside cities and regions to contribute to their development by creating, improving and modernising their infrastructure and transport systems, throughout the life cycle of their projects. SYSTRA is involved from the earliest stages of design through to the testing, deployment and maintenance phases. The company provides all its services in over 80 countries worldwide and generates 74% of its turnover internationally. With its new services, SYSTRA supports its clients and partners in their digital, ecological and energy transition, in order to invent the mobility of tomorrow.

Senior Hydrology and Drainage Expert

Missions / Main Duties

• Technical Leadership: Lead and coordinate hydrology and drainage investigations and designs across all phases of the high-speed rail project.
• Assessment and Analysis: Conduct detailed hydrological and hydraulic analyses, including flood risk assessments, surface water modeling, and stormwater management planning.
• Design Management: Prepare and review drainage designs, reports, calculations, and drawings, ensuring solutions are robust, sustainable, and cost-effective.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all works comply with UAE local regulations, codes, and international best practices in hydrology and drainage.
• Interdisciplinary Coordination: Liaise with civil, geotechnical, environmental, and rail engineering teams to optimise integrated drainage solutions.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Represent the project’s drainage and hydrology interests to clients, authorities, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Quality Control: Ensure highest standards of deliverables through rigorous checking, peer review, and value engineering.
• Site Supervision: Support construction teams by providing technical advice, reviewing contractor submissions, and participating in inspections and site meetings as required.
• Reporting: Prepare technical reports, documentation, and presentations for both internal and external audiences.

Profile / Skills

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, or related discipline (Master’s preferred).

Background:

• Minimum 15 years’ relevant experience, with significant responsibility for drainage and hydrology in large transportation/rail or high-speed rail projects, preferably in the GCC/UAE region.
• In‑depth knowledge of hydrological and hydraulic modelling software (e.g., HEC-RAS, MIKE FLOOD, InfoWorks, SWMM).
• Experience with UAE/local drainage regulations, hydraulic design codes, and sustainable drainage principles.
• Proven track record of technical leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and client engagement on complex infrastructure projects.
• Excellent communication, reporting, and presentation skills in English.

Systra is an equal opportunities company; this position is open to all applicants.

Why SYSTRA? Read more.