Associate Director - Systems

WSP USA; Dublin; On-site; EUR 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Personal development and training

Health and wellbeing tools

Job summary

WSP USA is looking for an Associate Director – Systems in Dublin to lead the delivery of rail systems and multidisciplinary integration for major infrastructure programmes. You will provide technical leadership and client advisory across the project lifecycle, working closely with clients, contractors, and teams to ensure successful delivery. This role requires strong experience in rail infrastructure and systems engineering principles, with responsibilities including stakeholder management and team mentoring while fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Qualifications

• Strong experience within rail, metro, or light rail infrastructure, ideally in Ireland or the UK.
• Proven track record in systems engineering, integration, or design assurance on complex infrastructure programmes.
• Client-facing experience, with the ability to advise and influence senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of systems engineering and integration activities across major rail and metro programmes.
• Coordinate interfaces across rail systems, civils, MEP, and operational environments.
• Mentor and develop early-career engineers and emerging leaders within the team.

Skills

Systems engineering

Stakeholder engagement

Multidisciplinary coordination

Technical leadership

Education

INCOSE ASEP Certification

Chartered Engineer

Job description

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

From MetroLink in Dublin to wider light rail and heavy rail investment programmes, you’ll work with industry-leading experts delivering complex, high-profile projects for clients including Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail).

About the role

As an Associate Director – Systems, you will play a senior role in leading the delivery of rail systems and multidisciplinary integration across major infrastructure programmes in Ireland. You will provide technical leadership, client advisory, and delivery oversight, ensuring that systems are effectively defined, integrated, and delivered across complex project environments. Working closely with clients, contractors, and internal teams, you will support projects across the full lifecycle—from early-stage development and design through to construction, testing, and commissioning. You will also contribute to the growth of WSP’s rail systems capability in Ireland, supporting work winning, team development, and strategic delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of systems engineering and integration activities across major rail and metro programmes.
• Provide technical leadership and assurance across design, integration, and delivery phases.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, supporting decision-making and programme outcomes.
• Oversee the definition, management, and integration of system requirements across multidisciplinary teams.
• Coordinate interfaces across rail systems, civils, MEP, and operational environments.
• Support and guide teams in the application of systems engineering best practice (including digital and model‑based approaches where appropriate).
• Lead and contribute to technical reviews, assurance processes, and governance frameworks.
• Manage stakeholder relationships, including clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies.
• Identify and manage technical risks and opportunities, supporting successful delivery.
• Contribute to business development and work‑winning activities within the Irish rail sector.
• Mentor and develop early‑career engineers and emerging leaders within the team.

Qualifications

• Strong experience within rail, metro, or light rail infrastructure, ideally in Ireland or the UK.
• Proven track record in systems engineering, integration, or design assurance on complex infrastructure programmes.
• Experience working across the full project lifecycle, including design, construction, and commissioning.
• Client‑facing experience, with the ability to advise and influence senior stakeholders.
• Experience leading or supporting multidisciplinary teams on large‑scale projects.
• Strong understanding of systems engineering principles and integration in rail environments.
• Ability to lead technical assurance and governance processes.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Strong capability in multidisciplinary coordination and interface management.
• Commercial awareness, with the ability to balance quality, risk, and delivery outcomes.
• Leadership capability with a collaborative and people‑focused approach.

Desirable Skills

• INCOSE ASEP Certification.
• Chartered Engineer, or strong progress towards.

Benefits

Work‑life balance: Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging: We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work.

Health & Wellbeing: We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments. Additional benefits include the Gymflex scheme, a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time: WSP offers the "WSP My Hour", allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part‑time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development: We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria; please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.