Associate Director - Systems

WSP USA; Ireland; Hybrid; EUR 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Wellbeing programme (Thrive)

Gymflex discounts

Chartership support

Disability Confident recruitment

Job summary

WSP is recruiting an Associate Director - Systems for Ireland to lead the delivery of rail systems and multidisciplinary integration across major programmes. You will provide technical leadership, client advisory, and delivery oversight, ensuring systems are effectively defined and delivered.

You will work with clients, contractors, and teams across the full lifecycle—from early-stage development through design, construction, testing, and commissioning.

Qualifications

• Experience in rail, metro, or light rail with lifecycle delivery.
• Client-facing experience advising senior stakeholders.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams on large-scale projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead systems engineering and integration across rail programmes.
• Provide technical leadership and assurance across design, integration, and delivery phases.
• Advise clients and support decision making and programme outcomes.
• Oversee definition, management, and integration of system requirements across teams.
• Coordinate interfaces across rail, civils, MEP, and operations.
• Support and guide teams in applying systems engineering best practice.
• Lead technical reviews, assurance processes, and governance frameworks.
• Manage stakeholder relationships with clients, contractors, and regulators.
• Identify and manage technical risks and opportunities for delivery.
• Contribute to work-winning in the Irish rail sector.
• Mentor and develop early-career engineers.

Skills

Systems engineering

Rail industry

Stakeholder management

Client advisory

Leadership

Multidisciplinary coordination

Design assurance

Project lifecycle

Governance

Risk management

Education

Chartered Engineer (desirable)

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).

A little more about your 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.

• 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

What we are looking for you to demonstrate

• 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.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

We are one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

Work-life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It's important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community.

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 so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.

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 - giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

To enhance work-life balance, 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.

#WeAreWSP

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.