Home Jobs Technical / Design Manager - Geotechnical
Back to Jobs

Technical / Design Manager - Geotechnical - Job Opportunity at AtkinsRéalis

Abu Dhabi, AE
Full-time
Senior
Posted: June 1, 2025
On-site
USD 120,000 - 180,000 per year tax-free (equivalent to USD 180,000 - 270,000 gross in taxed jurisdictions), with the tax-free advantage providing substantial net income benefits. The UAE market typically offers premium compensation for senior geotechnical roles due to specialized expertise requirements and regional project complexity.

Benefits

Tax-free compensation package providing significant financial advantage over traditional taxed income structures
Comprehensive life insurance coverage ensuring family financial security and peace of mind
Premium medical insurance with extensive coverage reducing personal healthcare costs and providing access to quality medical services
Generous paid annual leave allocation supporting work-life balance and personal rejuvenation
Company gratuity scheme providing additional retirement security and long-term financial benefits
Performance-based discretionary bonus program rewarding exceptional contributions and aligning personal success with company objectives
Annual flight contribution facilitating global mobility and family connections for expatriate employees
Full relocation assistance package minimizing transition costs and administrative burden for international moves
Transportation and housing allowances reducing living expenses and providing lifestyle flexibility in expensive expatriate markets
Comprehensive Employee Wellbeing Program offering 24/7 access to financial, legal, family care, health, fitness, and nutrition specialists

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage multidisciplinary geotechnical design teams to deliver complex infrastructure projects that shape urban development and economic growth in the UAE region
Develop and review critical geotechnical designs, reports, and specifications that form the foundation for major construction projects worth millions of dollars
Conduct comprehensive site investigations and analyze complex soil, rock, and groundwater conditions to inform strategic project decisions and risk mitigation
Collaborate with senior project managers, engineers, and key stakeholders to integrate innovative geotechnical solutions that optimize project performance and reduce construction risks
Ensure strict compliance with international codes, standards, and regulations while adapting to local UAE construction requirements and environmental conditions
Provide expert technical guidance and critical support to construction teams during project execution, preventing costly delays and ensuring structural integrity
Manage substantial project budgets, tight schedules, and specialized resources related to geotechnical activities that directly impact project profitability
Prepare and present high-level technical reports and documentation to demanding clients and regulatory bodies, representing company expertise and maintaining client relationships
Identify and proactively mitigate geotechnical risks throughout the complete project lifecycle, protecting company reputation and project success
Coordinate with environmental consultants to assess and manage complex environmental impacts, ensuring sustainable development practices and regulatory compliance
Develop and implement cutting-edge geotechnical solutions that optimize project performance and cost-efficiency while maintaining the highest safety standards
Monitor and evaluate the long-term performance of geotechnical systems and structures during construction and post-construction phases, ensuring project longevity
Conduct specialized training sessions and technical workshops for team members to enhance organizational capabilities and maintain competitive advantage
Participate in high-level project meetings and provide expert advisory services on complex geotechnical matters that influence major project decisions
Ensure comprehensive documentation and systematic archiving of all geotechnical data and reports for future reference and continuous improvement

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field (Master's degree preferred)

Experience

Minimum of 15 years of experience in geotechnical engineering, with a focus on built environment projects in UAE

Required Skills

Strong knowledge of geotechnical principles, soil mechanics, and foundation engineering Proficiency in geotechnical software and tools (e.g., PLAXIS, GeoStudio, SLOPE/W) Excellent project management and leadership skills Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities Effective communication and interpersonal skills Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment Experience with large-scale construction projects

Certifications

Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent certification
Advertisement
Ad Space

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The Middle East construction and infrastructure sector is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by Vision 2030 initiatives, mega-projects like NEOM, and diversification away from oil dependency, creating exceptional demand for senior geotechnical expertise. The UAE specifically is investing heavily in sustainable infrastructure, smart cities, and climate-resilient construction, requiring advanced geotechnical solutions for challenging desert and coastal environments. Digital transformation in geotechnical engineering is accelerating with increased adoption of AI-powered soil analysis, IoT monitoring systems, and advanced modeling software like PLAXIS and GeoStudio, making technical proficiency in these tools essential for competitive advantage. The industry is also shifting toward predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring of geotechnical systems. Sustainability and environmental compliance are becoming critical differentiators in the geotechnical engineering sector, with increasing focus on carbon reduction, material optimization, and ecosystem preservation. Projects now require comprehensive environmental impact assessments and innovative solutions that balance development needs with environmental stewardship.

Role Significance

Typically manages teams of 8-15 geotechnical engineers, technicians, and specialists across multiple concurrent projects, with matrix management responsibilities extending to external consultants and contractors. The role involves coordination with larger multidisciplinary teams of 50-100+ professionals on major infrastructure projects.
This is a senior leadership position requiring 15+ years of experience and carrying significant responsibility for project success, client relationships, and team development. The role involves strategic decision-making, risk management, and direct client interaction at the highest levels, positioning the incumbent as a key technical authority within the organization.

Key Projects

Large-scale urban development projects including master-planned communities, commercial districts, and mixed-use developments requiring complex foundation systems and ground improvement solutions Critical infrastructure projects such as airports, ports, highways, and utilities requiring specialized geotechnical expertise for challenging soil conditions High-rise and super-tall building developments requiring deep foundation systems, excavation support, and settlement analysis in complex urban environments Coastal and marine projects including land reclamation, waterfront developments, and offshore structures requiring expertise in marine geotechnics and environmental considerations

Success Factors

Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical projects from conception through completion while maintaining strict quality standards, budget control, and schedule adherence in challenging environmental conditions. Success requires balancing technical excellence with commercial awareness and client relationship management. Strong expertise in advanced geotechnical analysis software and emerging technologies, combined with practical field experience in UAE soil conditions and construction practices. The ability to adapt international best practices to local conditions while innovating solutions for unique regional challenges is essential. Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills to effectively interface with diverse international teams, demanding clients, and regulatory authorities while maintaining technical credibility and project momentum. Success requires cultural awareness and ability to work effectively in multicultural environments. Strategic thinking and business development capabilities to identify opportunities, propose innovative solutions, and contribute to company growth while maintaining technical leadership and team development responsibilities.

Market Demand

Exceptionally high demand driven by massive infrastructure investments across the GCC region, with limited supply of senior professionals having specific UAE project experience and regional regulatory knowledge.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Advanced proficiency in geotechnical analysis software (PLAXIS, GeoStudio, SLOPE/W) is absolutely essential as these tools are industry standard for complex projects and client deliverables. The ability to model complex soil-structure interactions and validate designs through sophisticated analysis directly impacts project success and professional credibility. Project management and leadership capabilities are fundamental to success as this role involves coordinating multiple teams, managing budgets, and ensuring timely delivery of complex technical solutions. The ability to balance technical excellence with commercial awareness and stakeholder management determines overall effectiveness. Deep understanding of UAE-specific geotechnical conditions and construction practices is critical for professional credibility and project success. Local experience enables effective risk assessment, appropriate design solutions, and seamless collaboration with regional contractors and regulatory authorities.

Beneficial Skills

Advanced degrees and research publications enhance professional standing and provide access to cutting-edge technical developments that can differentiate project solutions and client relationships Professional organization memberships (ASCE, ISSMGE) provide access to international networks, technical resources, and industry developments that support continuous learning and business development opportunities Environmental and sustainability expertise becomes increasingly valuable as projects require comprehensive environmental compliance and sustainable development solutions, creating competitive advantages for professionals with integrated technical and environmental knowledge

Unique Aspects

This role uniquely combines technical leadership with business development responsibilities in one of the world's most dynamic construction markets, offering exposure to cutting-edge projects and international best practices while building regional expertise
The position provides opportunity to work on diverse project types from urban development to infrastructure and high-rise construction, creating exceptional technical breadth and market knowledge
AtkinsRéalis's comprehensive service offering allows the successful candidate to influence projects from initial feasibility through long-term operations, providing unusual continuity and impact visibility
The UAE location offers unique advantages including tax-free income, international exposure, and access to a rapidly growing market with substantial infrastructure investment

Career Growth

Career progression to director-level roles typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing individuals, with opportunities for regional leadership emerging within 5-7 years. The dynamic regional market and ongoing mega-project pipeline create accelerated advancement opportunities.

Potential Next Roles

Regional Technical Director or Chief Geotechnical Engineer with responsibility for multiple countries and major client relationships, typically involving P&L responsibility and business development leadership Practice Leader or Discipline Head for geotechnical services across Middle East operations, focusing on technical excellence, capability development, and market expansion Project Director or Programme Director for mega-projects, transitioning from technical specialization to overall project leadership and client relationship management Independent consulting practice or partnership opportunities leveraging regional expertise and established client networks

Company Overview

AtkinsRéalis

AtkinsRéalis represents one of the world's largest engineering consultancies, formed through the integration of established firms dating back to 1911, combining deep historical expertise with modern innovation capabilities. The company operates across the complete project lifecycle from advisory services through operations and maintenance, positioning it as a comprehensive solution provider for complex infrastructure challenges.

AtkinsRéalis holds a dominant position in the global engineering services market with particular strength in infrastructure, nuclear, and capital projects. The company's scale and breadth of capabilities provide competitive advantages in securing and delivering large, complex projects that smaller firms cannot handle independently.
The Middle East represents a strategic growth market for AtkinsRéalis, with established operations across the GCC supporting major infrastructure development initiatives. The company's international expertise combined with local presence positions it advantageously for capturing significant market share in the region's ongoing development boom.
AtkinsRéalis emphasizes technical excellence, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving within a structured corporate environment that values diversity, professional development, and sustainable solutions. The company culture balances entrepreneurial thinking with systematic project delivery methodologies.
Advertisement
Ad Space
Apply Now

Data Sources & Analysis Information

Job Listings Data

The job listings displayed on this platform are sourced through BrightData's comprehensive API, ensuring up-to-date and accurate job market information.

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Our advanced AI system analyzes each job listing to provide valuable insights including:

  • Industry trends and market dynamics
  • Salary estimates and market demand analysis
  • Role significance and career growth potential
  • Critical success factors and key skills
  • Unique aspects of each position

This integration of reliable job data with AI-powered analysis helps provide you with comprehensive insights for making informed career decisions.