Senior Principal Electrical Engineer

Mc Dermott; Dubai; On-site; AED 357,000 - 558,000; Full time

Job summary

McDermott International in Dubai seeks a Senior Principal Electrical Engineer to lead FEED and detailed engineering for major EPC projects, offshore and onshore. You will manage discipline strategy, coordinate cross-functional teams, and ensure safety and technical excellence.

The role requires 15+ years in oil and gas, strong leadership, and deep knowledge of electrical systems, instrumentation, and hazard classifications, with a track record of delivering large-scale projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• 15+ years in oil and gas projects with major EPC contractors or consultants.
• Expertise in FEED, detailed engineering, and electrical system design for large EPC projects.
• Knowledge of electrical systems, instrumentation, fire and gas systems, and hazardous area classification.
• Experience with load flow studies and lighting calculations.
• Proven leadership in managing large engineering teams and multidisciplinary project execution.

Responsibilities

• Perform conceptual, FEED, and detailed electrical engineering analyses and design per project specs.
• Lead large engineering teams on high-value EPC projects and manage discipline scope and schedules.
• Review and approve design basis, philosophies, specs, and technical procedures.
• Review electrical system studies, calculations, and reports using approved software.
• Coordinate with planning, fabrication, procurement, and project management teams.
• Support procurement through bid evaluations and vendor inquiries.
• Provide technical support during pre-commissioning, commissioning, and site startup.
• Mentor engineers and contribute to standards development and lessons learned.

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Job description

Senior Principal Electrical Engineer Job Snapshot

Role: Senior Principal Electrical Engineer Location: Dubai, UAE Industry: Oil and Energy Function: Electrical Engineering Experience: 15 Years Job Type: Full-time Position Overview Senior Principal Electrical Engineer hiring opportunity in Dubai, UAE within the Oil and Energy industry for highly experienced professionals specializing in FEED, detailed engineering, electrical system studies, and large-scale EPC project execution. This role leads complex electrical engineering strategy, discipline management, and technical decision-making across offshore and onshore energy developments while ensuring compliance, safety, and engineering excellence.

Job Details

Country: UAE

City: Dubai

Industry: Oil and Energy

Function: Electrical Engineering

Salary: 32000-50000 monthly (Market estimated)

Gender: Any

Candidate Nationality: Any

Job Type: Full-time

Role Context

The Senior Principal Electrical Engineer is responsible for solving the most complex electrical engineering challenges that impact project delivery, business direction, and discipline strategy. This role leads large engineering teams, manages discipline execution, and ensures electrical systems meet technical, commercial, and operational requirements across major EPC developments while supporting innovation, productivity, and engineering excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform conceptual, FEED, and detailed electrical engineering analyses and design according to project specifications, standards, and design basis
• Develop innovative, reliable, and cost-effective solutions for complex electrical engineering challenges
• Lead large engineering teams on high-value EPC projects while managing discipline scope, schedules, deliverables, and workforce planning
• Prepare, review, and approve discipline engineering design basis, philosophies, specifications, and technical procedures
• Review and approve electrical system studies, calculations, and reports using approved engineering software
• Review and approve one-line diagrams, schematic diagrams, interconnection drawings, and troubleshooting drawings
• Review and approve electrical building layout drawings, hazardous area classification drawings, and lighting layouts
• Perform lighting calculations and illumination studies for safe and compliant electrical systems
• Review and approve load lists, cable drum schedules, spare part lists, and preservation reports
• Review and approve specifications and datasheets for Electrical, Instrument, Fire and Gas, and Telecommunication equipment
• Participate in HAZOP and SIL studies and support safety reviews across multidisciplinary project execution
• Review and approve C and E charts, ESD logic diagrams, instrument layouts, and F and G detector layouts
• Support procurement through requisitions, technical bid evaluations, bid tabulations, vendor queries, and purchase recommendations
• Coordinate with planning, fabrication, marine, procurement, and project management teams for successful execution
• Lead discipline teams during project audits, technical reviews, design reviews, and customer meetings
• Provide technical support during pre-commissioning, commissioning, and site startup activities
• Mentor engineers, guide project teams, and contribute to standards development and lessons learned systems

Ideal Profile

• Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering
• Minimum 15 years of experience in oil and gas projects with major EPC contractors or consultants
• Strong expertise in FEED, detailed engineering, and electrical system design for large EPC projects
• Deep knowledge of electrical systems, instrumentation, fire and gas systems, and hazardous area classification
• Strong experience with load flow studies, lighting calculations, protection systems, and commissioning support
• Proven leadership in managing large engineering teams and multidisciplinary project execution
• Preferably Registered Professional Engineer or member of a recognized engineering society
• Strong commercial awareness, technical leadership, and client coordination abilities

Skills Set

• Electrical engineering leadership
• FEED and detailed engineering
• Electrical system studies and calculations
• One-line and schematic diagrams
• Hazardous area classification
• Fire and Gas system integration
• HAZOP and SIL participation
• Vendor technical review and procurement support
• Pre-commissioning and commissioning support
• Project audits and compliance reviews
• Cross-functional engineering leadership
• Technical mentoring and standards development

Why Join Us

• Lead major electrical engineering packages for world-class offshore and onshore energy infrastructure projects
• Work with one of the world's most respected engineering and EPC organizations
• Strong career progression in senior technical leadership and strategic engineering management
• Exposure to complex international projects and advanced multidisciplinary environments
• Opportunity to shape engineering standards and project delivery excellence across global energy developments

About the Company

McDermott International is a global leader in engineering, procurement, construction, and installation solutions for the energy industry. With more than 100 years of expertise and operations across over 50 countries, the company delivers advanced offshore, onshore, and subsea infrastructure projects that support safe and sustainable energy development worldwide. Its Dubai operations are a major center for electrical engineering excellence and large-scale EPC project delivery across the Middle East and international markets.