Principal Engineer - Bridges & Tunnels

About This Role

Job Description WSP is seeking a Principal Engineer – Bridges & Tunnels to provide technical leadership on major bridge and tunnel projects in Abu Dhabi. This senior role is suited to an accomplished structural engineer with extensive design experience, strong client relationships, and a proven track record of delivering complex infrastructure projects in the Emirate.

The Principal Engineer will act as a technical authority within the business, leading design excellence, supporting strategic growth, and working closely with Abu Dhabi‑based clients and approving authorities.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and oversight for the delivery of bridge and tunnel design projects across Abu Dhabi
• Lead the development of concept, preliminary, and detailed designs, ensuring compliance with Abu Dhabi and UAE standards
• Act as Engineer of Record or Design Lead on selected projects, accountable for technical quality and integrity
• Review and approve design calculations, drawings, reports, and specifications
• Interface directly with Abu Dhabi authorities and key clients, representing WSP at senior technical and commercial meetings
• Lead authority submissions, technical negotiations, and response to review comments
• Drive innovation, value engineering, and design optimisation while maintaining safety and constructability
• Mentor and develop senior, intermediate, and junior engineers within the bridges and structures team
• Support project managers with technical resourcing, programme planning, risk management, and delivery strategies
• Contribute to business development activities, including bids, proposals, and client engagement
• Support the growth of WSP’s bridges and tunnels capability and reputation in Abu Dhabi
• Ensure all work aligns with WSP’s quality management systems, health and safety standards, and sustainability objectives

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (Master’s degree preferred)
• 13+ years of relevant experience in bridges and tunnels design, preferably within a leading consultancy
• Significant experience delivering Abu Dhabi‑based bridge projects and working with local authorities
• Strong knowledge of AASHTO, Eurocodes, UK Standards, and applicable UAE / Abu Dhabi guidelines
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary design teams on large and complex projects
• Experience acting as Design Manager, Design Lead, or Engineer of Record
• Proficiency with industry‑standard bridge analysis and design software (e.g. MIDAS, LUSAS, RM Bridge, CSI Bridge, or equivalent)
• Chartered Engineer status (ICE, IStructE, or equivalent) is highly desirable or required
• Excellent communication, leadership, and client‑facing skills
• Fluent in English; Arabic language skills are an advantage

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.

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