Principal - Mechanical Engineer

WSP; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 360,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the delivery of complex infrastructure projects across Saudi Arabia, with a focus on gas systems (LPG, NG, SNG), district cooling networks, pump stations and utility infrastructure.

The role requires technical leadership, mentoring of engineering teams, client and authority liaison, and ensuring high quality design and delivery in line with local regulations and international standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• 10–15 years of post‑graduate experience in mechanical infrastructure engineering.
• Chartered Engineer, Professional Engineer, or working towards a recognized accreditation.
• Proven experience in LPG, Natural Gas (NG), and Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG) systems.
• Strong design experience for gas pressure regulating stations (PPRS/SPRS) and distribution networks.
• Extensive knowledge of district cooling, chilled water networks, and utility pump stations.
• Experience in utility master planning, feasibility studies, and infrastructure strategy development.
• Proficiency in hydraulic modelling software (Bentley WaterGEMS, SISHYD/GasWorks, FLUIDIT, or equivalent).
• Solid understanding of ASHRAE, SBC, NFPA, IGEM, Civil Defense, Ministry of Energy, and related standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of mechanical infrastructure projects focusing on gas systems and district cooling networks.
• Provide technical leadership for engineering calculations, specs, reports, drawings, and procurement support.
• Develop feasibility studies and assessments for cooling strategies at master planning stage.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure integrated and efficient solutions.
• Manage authority approvals and liaise with utilities, Civil Defense, energy ministries, and municipal authorities.
• Review shop drawings, methods, and submittals for compliance with project requirements.
• Mentor junior engineers and uphold QA/QC standards across project execution.

Skills

Gas systems

District cooling

Chilled water networks

Gas distribution

PPRS/SPRS design

Hydraulic modelling

Technical leadership

Stakeholder management

QA/QC

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Chartered Engineer / PE (or in progress)

Tools

Bentley WaterGEMS

SISHYD/GasWorks

FLUIDIT

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the delivery of complex infrastructure projects across Saudi Arabia, with a primary focus on gas systems (LPG, SNG and Natural Gas networks), district cooling/chilled water networks, pump stations, and utility infrastructure. The role will be responsible for providing technical leadership, delivering engineering solutions, securing authority approvals, managing multidisciplinary coordination, and ensuring high‑quality project delivery in accordance with local regulations and international standards.

The successful candidate will act as a subject matter expert, mentor engineering teams, engage directly with clients and authorities, and contribute to the growth and technical excellence of the Infrastructure Business.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of mechanical infrastructure projects with a focus on gas systems, district cooling/chilled water networks, and utility pump stations.
• Provide technical leadership for engineering calculations, specifications, reports, drawings, and procurement support activities.
• Develop feasibility studies and engineering assessments for cooling strategies, including district cooling and decentralized cooling systems at master planning stage.
• Evaluate and recommend gas supply solutions, including LPG, Natural Gas (NG), and Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG), based on technical, commercial, and operational requirements.
• Design gas storage facilities, gas farms, pressure regulating stations (PPRS/SPRS), and associated distribution networks for developments of varying scale.
• Lead hydraulic modelling and network analysis for gas and chilled water systems using industry‑standard software.
• Prepare and review technical reports, design documentation, engineering specifications, and tender documents.
• Develop district cooling plant concepts and performance specifications for Design & Build (D&B) projects.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure integrated and efficient infrastructure solutions.
• Manage authority approvals and liaise with relevant stakeholders, including utility providers, Civil Defense, Ministry of Energy, district cooling operators, and municipal authorities.
• Review contractor shop drawings, method statements, and material submittals to ensure compliance with project requirements.
• Ensure all designs comply with applicable local regulations, international standards, safety requirements, and sustainability objectives.
• Identify project risks and develop mitigation measures to support successful project delivery.
• Support project planning, resource allocation, budgeting, and programme management activities.
• Attend and lead technical meetings, client presentations, authority workshops, and design review sessions.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers, providing technical guidance and supporting professional growth.
• Maintain high standards of QA/QC throughout project execution and ensure quality deliverables are produced on time and within budget.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, maintaining strong relationships and ensuring client satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent from a recognized university.
• Minimum 10–15 years of post‑graduate experience in mechanical infrastructure engineering.
• Chartered Engineer, Professional Engineer, or working towards a recognized professional accreditation.
• Proven experience in the design and delivery of LPG, Natural Gas (NG), and Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG) systems.
• Strong experience in the design of gas pressure regulating stations (PPRS/SPRS) and gas distribution networks.
• Extensive knowledge of district cooling systems, chilled water networks, and utility pump stations.
• Demonstrated experience in utility master planning, feasibility studies, and infrastructure strategy development.
• Proficiency in hydraulic modelling software such as Bentley WaterGEMS, SISHYD/GasWorks, FLUIDIT, or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of ASHRAE, SBC, NFPA, IGEM, Civil Defense, Ministry of Energy, and other relevant local and international standards.
• Experience in preparing technical reports, design calculations, specifications, tender documents, and authority approval submissions.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams and manage complex infrastructure projects.
• Experience coordinating with clients, contractors, utilities, and regulatory authorities.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and technical presentation skills.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making abilities.
• Experience delivering infrastructure projects within Saudi Arabia and/or the GCC region is preferred.