Principal Project Engineer - Abha

SYSTRA; Riyadh Region; On-site; SAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering and consultancy group is seeking a highly experienced Principal Project Engineer to lead major transportation and infrastructure projects in Saudi Arabia. The successful candidate will have at least 15 years of experience, with a strong background in stakeholder engagement and technology transfer. Fluency in English is required, and local GCC experience is preferred. This role offers an opportunity to work on impactful projects supporting transportation development.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years' experience in transportation and infrastructure planning.
• At least 5 years in a leading/PMC role.
• Fluency in English required; knowledge of Arabic is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee planning, design, and delivery of major projects.
• Provide strategic and technical support to PMC operations.
• Champion integration of advanced planning methodologies.

Skills

Project leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Technology transfer

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering

Job description

SYSTRA is one of the world's leading engineering and consultancy groups specialising in public transport and sustainable mobility. With over 10,300 employees, SYSTRA's mission is to design safe and sustainable transport solutions to bring people together, develop social inclusion and facilitate access to employment, education and leisure throughout the world.

For 65 years, the Group has been working alongside cities and regions to contribute to their development by creating, improving and modernising their infrastructure and transport systems, throughout the life cycle of their projects. SYSTRA is involved from the earliest stages of design through to the testing, deployment and maintenance phases. The company provides all its services in over 80 countries worldwide and generates 74% of its turnover internationally. With its new services, SYSTRA supports its clients and partners in their digital, ecological and energy transition, in order to invent the mobility of tomorrow.

Context

We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Project Engineer to support our Project Management Consultancy (PMC) team in the field of Transportation and Infrastructure Planning. The ideal candidate will possess in-depth technical expertise, significant leadership experience, and a proven background in large-scale projects within the GCC, preferably Saudi Arabia. This position emphasizes technology transfer, effective stakeholder engagement, and departmental development.

The role is based in Abha, Saudi Arabia.

Missions / Main Duties

• Project Leadership: Lead and oversee planning, design, and delivery of major transportation and infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with client and organizational objectives.
• PMC Support: Provide strategic and technical support to PMC operations, including scheduling, budgeting, procurement, risk management, and quality assurance.
• Technology Transfer: Champion and manage the integration of advanced planning methodologies, emerging technologies, and international best practices, ensuring effective knowledge transfer to client and local teams.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate strong communication and collaboration with clients, government entities, contractors, consultants, and community representatives to ensure project success.
• Department Development: Mentor and develop engineering teams; drive recruitment, training initiatives, and succession planning to enhance department capabilities.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all project activities comply with local, regional, and international laws, standards, and regulations.
• Reporting: Prepare and present project status reports, technical documents, and recommendations to senior management and key stakeholders.

Profile / Skills

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Planning, or related field.
• Minimum of 15 years' experience in transportation and infrastructure planning and delivery, with at least 5 years in a leading / PMC role.
• Proven experience in the GCC; Saudi Arabia experience highly preferred.
• Strong background in technology transfer and training local teams.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Membership in a recognized engineering body is advantageous.
• Fluency in English required; knowledge of Arabic is a plus.

Systra is an equal opportunities company; this position is open to all applicants.