Senior Rail & Transit Design Director

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

Job summary

Jacobs Engineering Group Inc in Abu Dhabi seeks an experienced Rail Design Director – Architecture to lead architectural design, technical delivery, and strategic direction of major rail and transit infrastructure projects. You will guide multidisciplinary teams through all design stages and ensure delivery excellence.

The role requires 15+ years in architecture and transportation infrastructure, with strong leadership, client-facing skills, and familiarity with international standards.

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, 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.

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.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Jacobs Engineering Group Inc in Abu Dhabi seeks an experienced Rail Design Director – Architecture to lead architectural design, technical delivery, and strategic direction of major rail and transit infrastructure projects. You will guide multidisciplinary teams through all design stages and ensure delivery excellence.

The role requires 15+ years in architecture and transportation infrastructure, with strong leadership, client-facing skills, and familiarity with international standards.