Principal Engineer (Dubai)

Position overview

Design review and technical assessment

• Review detailed design submissions, method statements, shop drawings, and temporary works for shafts, pipe jacking, tunnelling, and deep excavations.
• Assess geotechnical interpretations, ground treatment proposals, excavation support systems, and tunnelling methodologies.
• Verify compliance with project specifications, international engineering standards, and authority requirements.

Construction supervision and site support

• Provide technical oversight during construction of shafts, tunnels, jacking pits, and associated underground infrastructure.
• Monitor shaft excavation, ground support installation, dewatering, and pipe jacking activities.
• Advise on mitigating ground movement and protecting adjacent structures, utilities, and existing infrastructure.

Risk and interface management

• Identify and evaluate geotechnical, construction, and operational risks associated with deep excavation and tunnelling.
• Review instrumentation and monitoring proposals, trigger levels, settlement assessments, and contingency plans.
• Coordinate works interfacing with existing utility corridors and operational infrastructure.

Coordination, quality, and reporting

• Liaise with authorities and regulatory bodies on technical submissions, approvals, and compliance.
• Participate in technical meetings, design reviews, workshops, and site coordination meetings.
• Ensure works follow approved drawings, method statements, QA/QC requirements, and engineering best practices.
• Witness inspections, testing, and commissioning as required; support health, safety, environmental, and quality compliance.
• Prepare technical reports, engineering assessments, review comments, and project status updates.
• Maintain records of technical reviews, site observations, compliance findings, and engineering recommendations.

Technical problem solving

• Investigate and resolve engineering and construction issues during project execution.
• Provide practical engineering solutions that support progress while maintaining safety, quality, and compliance.

Essential qualifications and experience

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum eight years of relevant experience in deep excavation, shaft construction, pipe jacking, and tunnelling projects.
• Proven experience supporting or delivering sewer infrastructure projects.
• Strong knowledge of geotechnical engineering, excavation support systems, ground treatment, and tunnelling construction practices.
• Ability to review engineering drawings, technical submissions, method statements, and construction documentation.
• Ability to review documents, contracts, and technical materials in English and Chinese and communicate with stakeholders in both languages.

Preferred experience

• Large-scale infrastructure, utilities, or underground construction experience is highly preferred.
• Coordination experience with authorities, consultants, contractors, and multidisciplinary teams is an added advantage.
• International infrastructure project or overseas assignment experience is an added advantage.
• Familiarity with Middle East construction practices and authority requirements is preferred but not mandatory.

Location

• The role is based in Dubai, UAE; candidates should be willing to be based there.

Salary

• Salary is negotiable.