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Mechanical Engineering SME - Job Opportunity at Govcio LLC

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: June 14, 2025
On-site
USD 120,000 - 185,000 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program providing mental health and wellness support, positioning the company as employee-centric in a high-stress overseas deployment environment
Extensive corporate discount network offering significant cost savings on personal expenses, particularly valuable for overseas workers with limited local vendor relationships
Advanced learning and development platform with certification preparation, demonstrating investment in employee growth and technical advancement
Training, education and certification assistance with financial support, providing competitive advantage in skill development and career progression
Referral bonus program incentivizing employee network expansion and quality hiring
Internal mobility program offering career advancement opportunities within the organization
Pet insurance coverage addressing personal life balance needs, uncommon in government contracting sector
Flexible work environment arrangements balancing operational requirements with work-life integration

Key Responsibilities

Lead comprehensive mechanical engineering oversight for critical AFCENT construction projects, directly impacting U.S. Air Force operational readiness and mission success across multiple facility types including airfield infrastructure, utility systems, and mission-critical facilities
Drive strategic project development and monitoring from conception to completion, ensuring alignment with DoD standards and Host Nation requirements while maintaining operational continuity for military operations
Execute high-level technical review and analysis of complex engineering plans and specifications, serving as the primary technical authority for mechanical systems integration across diverse infrastructure projects
Provide expert consultation and coordination across multiple engineering disciplines and military units, facilitating seamless project execution and stakeholder alignment for mission-critical infrastructure
Lead Host Nation contractor oversight and compliance verification, ensuring adherence to both U.S. and UAE building codes while maintaining project quality and timeline objectives
Manage sophisticated engineering software systems including AutoCAD, GIS, and project management platforms to deliver accurate technical solutions and maintain comprehensive project documentation
Serve as primary liaison with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other federal agencies, representing AFCENT interests in high-level technical discussions and project negotiations
Champion continuous process improvement across engineering operations, establishing best practices and knowledge transfer protocols that enhance long-term operational effectiveness
Direct Site Master Plan development and maintenance, ensuring strategic alignment of facility development with evolving mission requirements and base planning objectives

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Experience

4 years minimum experience in mechanical engineering

Required Skills

Mechanical design service capabilities including HVAC load determination, equipment selection, duct sizing and routing Interior and exterior plumbing design expertise Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite Advanced computer aided design and drafting (CADD) programs (AutoCAD) Project tracking programs (Microsoft Project) Geographic Information System (GIS) software Engineering calculation software packages Fluent English language skills (read, write, speak, understand) Physical capability for CENTCOM AOR deployment Ability to travel between ADAB TSG and AUAB TSG sites up to 4 times per year

Certifications

Secret security clearance required Licensed Mechanical Engineer preferred
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The defense contracting sector is experiencing unprecedented growth in overseas infrastructure support, driven by expanded U.S. military presence in strategic regions and aging international base infrastructure requiring comprehensive modernization. This trend is particularly pronounced in the Middle East where geopolitical stability demands have increased infrastructure investment by over 40% in recent years. Government engineering contracts are increasingly emphasizing integrated project management and multi-disciplinary coordination capabilities, moving away from traditional siloed engineering roles toward comprehensive project leadership positions that combine technical expertise with stakeholder management skills. The mechanical engineering field within defense contracting is seeing heightened demand for professionals who can navigate both U.S. and international building codes, as military installations worldwide require compliance with increasingly complex regulatory frameworks that blend American standards with host nation requirements.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of $120,000-185,000 annually is highly competitive for this role level and location, representing approximately 15-25% premium above comparable domestic positions due to overseas deployment requirements, security clearance needs, and the specialized nature of military infrastructure work. The compensation package likely includes additional overseas allowances and benefits not reflected in base salary.

Role Significance

Typically manages or coordinates with teams of 8-15 professionals including junior engineers, technicians, and contractor personnel, while serving as the primary technical interface between multiple military units, host nation contractors, and federal agencies.
This position represents a senior technical leadership role with significant autonomous decision-making authority and direct impact on military operational readiness. The SME designation indicates expert-level responsibility with minimal supervision, requiring independent judgment on complex technical matters affecting critical infrastructure.

Key Projects

Comprehensive airfield infrastructure modernization projects involving runway systems, aircraft maintenance facilities, and support infrastructure critical to flight operations Multi-million dollar utility system upgrades including electrical distribution, HVAC systems, water treatment facilities, and emergency power generation systems Strategic facility construction projects encompassing dormitories, administrative complexes, recreational facilities, and specialized military operational buildings Master planning initiatives that shape long-term base development and ensure alignment with evolving military mission requirements and force structure changes

Success Factors

Exceptional technical competency in mechanical engineering principles combined with practical experience in military construction standards and international building codes, enabling effective navigation of complex regulatory environments and technical challenges inherent in overseas military infrastructure projects. Strong diplomatic and communication skills essential for managing relationships with host nation contractors, military personnel across multiple units, and federal agency representatives, requiring cultural sensitivity and professional expertise in high-stakes international environments. Comprehensive project management capabilities including advanced proficiency in engineering software systems, quality assurance protocols, and timeline management for complex, multi-phase infrastructure projects with critical operational deadlines. Adaptability and resilience necessary for extended overseas deployment in challenging operational environments, including ability to maintain high performance standards while managing personal and professional demands of international assignment.

Market Demand

Extremely high demand exists for this specialized role combination, as it requires the rare intersection of mechanical engineering expertise, security clearance eligibility, overseas deployment capability, and military construction experience. The Middle East region specifically faces acute shortages of qualified engineering professionals willing to accept long-term overseas assignments.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Advanced mechanical engineering design capabilities are absolutely essential as the role requires independent technical decision-making on complex HVAC, plumbing, and mechanical systems that directly impact military operational readiness and personnel safety in challenging environmental conditions. Comprehensive proficiency in engineering software systems including AutoCAD, GIS, and project management platforms is critical for managing complex documentation requirements, maintaining accurate technical records, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders across different technological platforms and organizational systems. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are vital for success in this role due to extensive requirements for coordination with military personnel, host nation contractors, and federal agencies, requiring diplomatic finesse and technical credibility in high-stakes international environments. Project management expertise and attention to detail are crucial given the role's responsibility for monitoring multi-million dollar infrastructure projects from conception through completion, where technical errors or oversight failures can result in significant operational disruption and safety concerns.

Beneficial Skills

Additional engineering discipline knowledge in electrical or civil engineering would enhance effectiveness in coordinating complex multi-disciplinary projects and provide broader technical perspective on integrated infrastructure systems. International construction experience and familiarity with Middle Eastern building practices would accelerate adaptation to regional construction methods and cultural considerations affecting project execution and stakeholder relationships. Advanced project management certifications (PMP, etc.) would strengthen credentials for managing complex infrastructure projects and demonstrate commitment to professional excellence in project leadership capabilities. Foreign language capabilities, particularly Arabic, would facilitate more effective communication with host nation contractors and local authorities, potentially improving project efficiency and relationship management.

Unique Aspects

This role offers rare opportunity to directly impact U.S. Air Force operational capabilities in a strategically critical region, providing visibility into high-level military operations and infrastructure planning that few civilian engineers experience.
The position combines cutting-edge engineering challenges with international cultural experience, requiring navigation of complex technical requirements across American and UAE regulatory frameworks while working in a dynamic geopolitical environment.
Professional exposure to multi-billion dollar military infrastructure programs and direct collaboration with senior military leadership provides accelerated career development opportunities unavailable in domestic positions.
The role offers unique professional development through exposure to advanced military engineering standards, international project management protocols, and security-sensitive infrastructure projects that establish exceptional credentials for future career advancement.

Career Growth

Career advancement to senior management or principal consultant roles typically occurs within 3-5 years given the accelerated experience gained through overseas military assignments and the high-visibility nature of international defense projects. The specialized experience and security clearance significantly compress normal advancement timelines.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Program Manager for large-scale military infrastructure programs, overseeing multiple engineering disciplines and managing portfolios exceeding $50 million annually Regional Engineering Director for defense contractors, responsible for engineering operations across multiple international locations and diverse military installation types Federal civilian engineering leadership positions within Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) or other DoD agencies, leveraging field experience for policy and strategic planning roles Principal Engineering Consultant for specialized defense engineering firms, providing expert testimony and technical guidance on complex military infrastructure projects worldwide

Company Overview

Govcio LLC

GovCIO LLC operates as a premier government IT and engineering services contractor with substantial presence in the defense and federal civilian sectors. The company has established itself as a trusted partner for complex technical solutions requiring security clearances and specialized expertise, with particular strength in overseas military support operations and integrated technology services.

GovCIO holds a strong competitive position in the government contracting marketplace, recognized for delivering complex technical solutions in challenging environments. The company's focus on transformation and innovation in government IT positions it favorably for continued growth in an expanding federal services market, particularly in areas requiring security clearances and specialized technical expertise.
The company maintains significant international presence supporting U.S. military operations worldwide, with particular expertise in Middle East operations and complex overseas logistics. This UAE position reflects GovCIO's established infrastructure and proven capability in supporting critical military installations in strategically important regions.
GovCIO emphasizes professional development and employee support, particularly important for personnel accepting challenging overseas assignments. The company culture appears to balance mission-critical performance expectations with comprehensive employee support systems, recognizing the unique demands placed on professionals working in international military environments.
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