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Principal Infrastructure Engineer - Job Opportunity at Mott MacDonald

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Full-time
Senior
Posted: July 7, 2025
On-site
AED 420,000 - 550,000 annually (USD 114,000 - 150,000) reflecting the premium for senior infrastructure expertise in the UAE market, with potential for performance bonuses adding 15-25% additional compensation

Benefits

90 calendar days of fully paid maternity leave providing comprehensive family support that exceeds regional market standards
Competitive annual leave package ensuring superior work-life balance compared to industry norms
Annual professional institution subscription investment demonstrating company commitment to continuous professional development and career advancement
Annual company performance bonus scheme tied to organizational success creating financial upside potential beyond base compensation

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic infrastructure planning initiatives across major master planning projects spanning UAE and KSA markets, directly influencing regional development outcomes
Drive business development through technical proposal leadership, translating complex client requirements into winning project solutions
Provide executive-level technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams, ensuring delivery excellence on high-profile infrastructure developments
Establish and enforce project governance frameworks that maintain quality standards while optimizing delivery timelines and budget performance
Architect comprehensive civil infrastructure solutions including detailed engineering specifications that form the foundation of major development projects
Oversee strategic feasibility assessments and innovative servicing solutions that differentiate project approaches in competitive markets
Exercise financial stewardship over project budgets and schedules, implementing proactive management strategies to achieve business targets
Navigate complex regulatory environments through coordination with municipal authorities and utility providers, ensuring seamless project approvals
Orchestrate integrated planning approaches by collaborating with senior stakeholders across urban planning, architecture, and specialized engineering disciplines
Serve as senior technical representative in high-level client and stakeholder meetings, providing authoritative guidance on complex infrastructure challenges
Champion professional development initiatives for junior staff, building organizational capability and technical expertise

Requirements

Education

Minimum Bachelors' Degree in Civil Engineering; progressing towards Professional Registration (CEng or similar) with membership in a professional institution

Experience

Minimum exprience of 12 years with extensive exposure to Master Planning

Required Skills

ProjectWise Infraworks Navisworks Openutilities Ability to manage a design and approval process interfacing with the project team, Clients and Stakeholders Sound knowledge of local authority and standards mainly (DMT, TAQA, DoE/ ADWEA, ETISALAT, DU, RSB, ADM, DEWA, RTA, DM)

Certifications

Professional Registration (CEng or similar) with membership in a professional institution
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The Middle East infrastructure sector is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by Vision 2030 initiatives and mega-project developments across UAE and Saudi Arabia, creating exceptional demand for senior infrastructure planning expertise with regional regulatory knowledge. Digital transformation in infrastructure planning is accelerating adoption of integrated design platforms like ProjectWise and Infraworks, making technical proficiency in these tools essential for competitive advantage in major project pursuits. Master planning projects are increasingly requiring holistic approaches that integrate smart city technologies, sustainability frameworks, and resilient design principles, elevating the strategic importance of principal-level infrastructure engineers. Regional governments are prioritizing infrastructure projects that support economic diversification goals, creating sustained demand for professionals who can navigate complex regulatory environments while delivering innovative solutions.

Role Significance

Typically responsible for leading multidisciplinary teams of 8-15 professionals including civil engineers, planners, and technical specialists, with matrix management responsibilities across multiple concurrent projects.
This principal-level position represents senior technical leadership within the organization, operating at the intersection of business development and technical delivery with direct influence over major project outcomes and strategic client relationships.

Key Projects

Large-scale urban master planning developments spanning 1000+ hectares with integrated infrastructure systems Mixed-use mega-developments requiring coordination of utilities, transportation, and municipal services Smart city initiatives incorporating advanced infrastructure technologies and sustainable design principles Cross-border infrastructure projects requiring coordination between UAE and Saudi Arabian regulatory frameworks

Success Factors

Demonstrating exceptional technical leadership while maintaining hands-on expertise in complex infrastructure systems, balancing strategic oversight with practical engineering problem-solving capabilities. Building and maintaining strong relationships with regional authorities and utility providers, leveraging these connections to streamline approval processes and ensure regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions. Developing innovative infrastructure solutions that address unique regional challenges including climate resilience, resource optimization, and rapid urbanization pressures while meeting international engineering standards. Leading high-performing multidisciplinary teams through complex project challenges, fostering collaboration between diverse technical specialties while maintaining focus on delivery excellence and client satisfaction.

Market Demand

Very High - The combination of regional mega-projects, infrastructure modernization initiatives, and limited pool of professionals with 12+ years of Middle East master planning experience creates a highly competitive talent market

Important Skills

Critical Skills

ProjectWise and Infraworks proficiency represents essential technical capabilities for modern infrastructure delivery, enabling integrated design coordination and stakeholder visualization that are fundamental to winning and executing major projects in competitive markets. Deep knowledge of regional regulatory frameworks including DMT, TAQA, and municipal standards is absolutely critical for project success, as regulatory compliance challenges can significantly impact project timelines and commercial outcomes. Master planning experience spanning 12+ years provides the strategic thinking and technical depth necessary to navigate complex multi-stakeholder environments and deliver solutions that balance competing technical, commercial, and regulatory requirements. Leadership and team management capabilities are essential for coordinating multidisciplinary teams across complex projects, requiring both technical credibility and interpersonal skills to drive collaborative outcomes.

Beneficial Skills

Advanced digital modeling capabilities in emerging technologies like BIM integration and smart city planning tools would provide competitive advantage in next-generation infrastructure projects. Business development and proposal writing skills enhance career progression opportunities and increase value to the organization through direct contribution to revenue generation and client relationship management. Sustainability and climate resilience expertise aligns with growing regional focus on environmental performance and supports differentiation in competitive project pursuits. Cross-cultural communication and relationship-building skills are valuable for success in the diverse Middle East market and for advancing within international consultancy environments.

Unique Aspects

The role offers direct exposure to some of the world's largest and most innovative infrastructure projects, providing unparalleled experience in mega-project delivery and cutting-edge engineering solutions.
Unique opportunity to shape regional infrastructure development across two of the world's most ambitious economic transformation programs, with direct impact on urban planning outcomes affecting millions of residents.
The position combines technical leadership with business development responsibilities, offering comprehensive experience in both engineering excellence and commercial success within a premium consultancy environment.
Access to international best practices and global knowledge networks through Mott MacDonald's worldwide presence, while building specialized expertise in Middle East regulatory frameworks and market dynamics.

Career Growth

Progression to regional leadership roles typically occurs within 3-5 years given the accelerated growth environment and limited talent pool in the Middle East infrastructure sector

Potential Next Roles

Regional Infrastructure Director overseeing multiple country operations and strategic market development Associate or Partner track positions within major consultancies focusing on Middle East infrastructure markets Client-side roles as Head of Infrastructure Development for major real estate developers or government entities Independent consulting practice specializing in master planning and infrastructure advisory services

Company Overview

Mott MacDonald

Mott MacDonald is a globally recognized engineering consultancy with over 16,000 employees across 150 countries, specializing in infrastructure advisory, design, and project management services with particular strength in transportation, utilities, and urban development sectors.

Positioned as a tier-one international consultancy competing with Arup, Atkins, and AECOM for major infrastructure mandates, with strong regional presence and established relationships with key government and private sector clients.
Maintains significant Middle East operations with offices across UAE, Saudi Arabia, and broader GCC region, positioning the company as a key player in regional infrastructure development and Vision 2030 implementation.
Emphasizes technical excellence, professional development, and social impact through infrastructure delivery, offering structured career progression and international mobility opportunities within a collaborative, engineering-focused environment.
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