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Turbine Lead - Job Opportunity at NAWAH (ENEC Operations)

Barakah, AE

Full-time

Senior

Posted: July 29, 2025

On-site

USD 95,000 - 125,000 per year. This estimate reflects the specialized nature of nuclear turbine engineering, the senior-level responsibilities including contractor oversight and outage management, and the strategic importance of the UAE's nuclear program. The location in Abu Dhabi typically commands premium compensation for international talent, and the combination of 8+ years experience with nuclear specialization places this role in the upper tier of engineering positions. The lack of income tax in the UAE effectively increases the net compensation value significantly.

Key Responsibilities

Lead comprehensive turbine services operations including contractor oversight for Barakah Nuclear Power Plant outages, ensuring critical infrastructure maintenance aligns with long-term strategic objectives and operational excellence standards

Execute complex turbine maintenance programs to maintain peak equipment performance and support nuclear safety protocols, directly impacting plant reliability and operational continuity

Manage turbine overhauls and replacement projects to preserve system integrity and ensure safe, reliable, and efficient nuclear plant operations critical to national energy security

Develop and implement performance monitoring frameworks for turbine systems to optimize equipment functionality and minimize unplanned maintenance, reducing operational risks and costs

Conduct technical engineering reviews of plant design changes and temporary modifications, ensuring nuclear safety compliance while maintaining operational excellence standards

Oversee procurement strategies for critical turbine spare parts and equipment, maintaining readiness for plant modifications and emergency response scenarios

Manage installation and service contracts while providing technical oversight of maintenance activities, ensuring efficient delivery of contracted services and cost optimization

Lead development and revision of turbine-related procedures to maintain current, relevant operational documentation supporting daily plant operations and regulatory compliance

Execute periodic surveillance testing programs required for continuous plant operations, contributing to nuclear safety assurance and regulatory adherence

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related Science

Experience

8 years of relevant experience, out of which: 1 year in a nuclear power plant engineering

Required Skills

Nuclear power plant engineering Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) operations Advanced Pressurized-water Reactor APR-1400 Open Pool Reactor (OPR)-1000 Combustion Engineering Nuclear Steam Supply System (CE NSSS) Design Work Management Outage Management Turbine maintenance and overhaul Performance monitoring Technical review and analysis Procurement management Contract oversight Procedure development Equipment master data administration

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Industry Trends

The nuclear power industry is experiencing a renaissance driven by global decarbonization goals and energy security concerns, with countries like the UAE investing heavily in new nuclear capacity to diversify their energy portfolios away from fossil fuels. This trend is creating sustained demand for experienced nuclear professionals, particularly in turbine operations which are critical to plant efficiency and safety. The integration of advanced reactor technologies like APR-1400 requires specialized expertise, making professionals with this background increasingly valuable in the international nuclear market. Digital transformation in nuclear operations is revolutionizing turbine maintenance through predictive analytics, IoT sensors, and advanced monitoring systems. This technological evolution is requiring turbine specialists to develop new competencies in data analysis and digital maintenance strategies while maintaining traditional mechanical expertise. The shift toward condition-based maintenance from time-based maintenance is creating opportunities for professionals who can bridge traditional engineering with modern digital technologies. The global nuclear workforce is aging, with many experienced professionals approaching retirement, creating a significant knowledge transfer challenge. This demographic shift is accelerating career advancement opportunities for mid-career professionals and increasing the premium placed on experienced turbine specialists who can mentor next-generation engineers. Countries with active nuclear programs are investing heavily in workforce development and knowledge retention programs.

Role Significance

Typically manages a team of 8-15 professionals including direct reports, contractors, and cross-functional project teams during outages. The role involves coordination with multiple departments including maintenance, operations, engineering, and external service providers, requiring strong leadership and communication skills to manage complex interdisciplinary projects.

This is a senior-level technical leadership position with significant operational responsibility and strategic impact. The role combines deep technical expertise with leadership of critical infrastructure operations, including oversight of contractors and management of major outage activities. The position requires independent decision-making on complex technical issues that directly affect plant safety and operational performance, indicating a high level of organizational trust and responsibility.

Key Projects

Major turbine overhaul projects during planned outages, involving complex logistics, contractor coordination, and strict timeline management to minimize revenue impact Implementation of advanced turbine monitoring systems and predictive maintenance technologies to optimize performance and reduce unplanned downtime Leading turbine upgrade and modification projects to enhance plant efficiency and extend equipment lifecycle, often involving millions of dollars in capital investment Development and execution of long-term turbine maintenance strategies aligned with plant lifecycle management and regulatory requirements

Success Factors

Deep technical expertise in nuclear turbine systems combined with practical experience in PWR operations, as the role requires complex technical decision-making that directly impacts plant safety and performance. Success depends on the ability to troubleshoot sophisticated mechanical systems while maintaining strict adherence to nuclear safety protocols and regulatory requirements. Strong project management and leadership capabilities to coordinate complex outage activities involving multiple contractors, tight schedules, and significant financial implications. The ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining safety standards and meeting critical deadlines is essential for success in this role. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills to interface effectively with senior management, regulatory bodies, contractors, and cross-functional teams. The role requires the ability to translate complex technical issues into business impact assessments and strategic recommendations. Continuous learning mindset and adaptability to evolving nuclear technologies, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices. The nuclear industry is highly regulated and technically complex, requiring professionals who can stay current with advancing technologies and changing regulatory landscapes while maintaining operational excellence.

Market Demand

High demand with limited supply of qualified candidates. The nuclear industry faces a global shortage of experienced turbine specialists, particularly those with PWR and advanced reactor experience. The UAE's commitment to nuclear energy as part of their long-term energy strategy, combined with potential regional expansion of nuclear programs, creates strong job security and advancement opportunities. The specialized skill set required limits the candidate pool significantly, giving qualified professionals considerable negotiating power.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Nuclear safety culture and regulatory compliance expertise is absolutely essential as this role directly impacts the safe operation of critical nuclear infrastructure. Any compromise in safety standards could have severe consequences for public safety, environmental protection, and the future of nuclear energy in the region. Professionals must demonstrate unwavering commitment to safety protocols and the ability to make decisions that prioritize safety over operational convenience or cost considerations. Advanced turbine engineering knowledge specific to nuclear applications is critical because nuclear turbine systems operate under unique conditions and requirements compared to conventional power plants. The high-temperature, high-pressure steam conditions, combined with strict nuclear safety requirements, demand specialized understanding of materials science, thermodynamics, and mechanical engineering principles that are specific to nuclear applications. Project management and outage planning expertise is crucial because nuclear plant outages are complex, high-stakes operations involving hundreds of personnel, millions of dollars in costs, and strict regulatory oversight. The ability to plan, coordinate, and execute these activities efficiently directly impacts plant availability, revenue generation, and long-term asset value, making this competency essential for success in the role.

Beneficial Skills

Digital maintenance technologies and data analytics capabilities are increasingly valuable as the nuclear industry adopts predictive maintenance strategies and advanced monitoring systems. Professionals who can leverage IoT sensors, machine learning algorithms, and data visualization tools to optimize turbine performance will have significant competitive advantages and expanded career opportunities in the evolving nuclear landscape. International nuclear standards and cross-cultural communication skills are highly beneficial given the global nature of the nuclear industry and the multicultural environment in the UAE. The ability to work effectively with international partners, understand different regulatory frameworks, and communicate across cultural boundaries enhances professional effectiveness and opens opportunities for international career advancement. Business acumen and commercial awareness are increasingly important as nuclear operators focus on economic optimization and competitiveness in deregulated energy markets. Understanding the commercial implications of technical decisions, cost-benefit analysis, and the broader energy market dynamics enables technical professionals to contribute more strategically to organizational success and positions them for senior leadership roles.

Unique Aspects

This role offers the rare opportunity to work with cutting-edge APR-1400 reactor technology in the first commercial nuclear plant in the Arab world, providing exposure to advanced nuclear systems and the chance to contribute to a historic energy transition in the Middle East region

The position combines traditional nuclear engineering expertise with the challenges of operating in a developing nuclear market, offering unique professional development opportunities in regulatory interface, stakeholder management, and technology transfer that are not available in mature nuclear markets

Working for NAWAH provides exposure to international best practices through partnerships with leading global nuclear operators and technology providers, while contributing to the development of indigenous nuclear capabilities in a strategically important region

The role offers significant visibility and impact within a national strategic infrastructure program, with opportunities to influence long-term energy policy and contribute to the UAE's sustainability goals on a national scale

Career Growth

Career advancement to senior management typically occurs within 5-8 years for high-performing professionals, accelerated by the industry's need for experienced leaders and the limited pool of qualified candidates. The specialized nature of nuclear expertise and the strategic importance of these facilities create faster-than-average promotion opportunities for demonstrated performers.

Potential Next Roles

Nuclear Plant Manager or Assistant Plant Manager positions, representing the ultimate operational leadership roles in nuclear facilities with full responsibility for plant safety, performance, and regulatory compliance Senior Engineering Manager or Chief Engineer roles overseeing multiple technical disciplines and strategic engineering initiatives across the nuclear facility Regional Technical Director positions with multinational nuclear operators, providing technical leadership across multiple plant sites and contributing to corporate technical strategy Nuclear consulting roles with major engineering firms or regulatory bodies, leveraging deep technical expertise to support new plant construction, regulatory assessments, or technical advisory services

Company Overview

NAWAH (ENEC Operations)

NAWAH Energy Company is the operator of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, the first commercial nuclear power plant in the Arab world and a cornerstone of the UAE's clean energy strategy. As a subsidiary of Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), NAWAH represents the UAE's commitment to diversifying its energy portfolio and reducing carbon emissions through peaceful nuclear energy. The company operates under the highest international safety standards and has achieved significant milestones in bringing nuclear power to the Middle East region.

NAWAH holds a unique and prestigious position as the pioneer nuclear operator in the Arabian Peninsula, operating state-of-the-art APR-1400 reactors that represent advanced nuclear technology. The company has established itself as a regional leader in nuclear operations and safety, with strong backing from the UAE government and international partnerships with leading nuclear technology providers. Their successful operation of Barakah positions them as a potential model for other regional nuclear programs.

NAWAH plays a strategically critical role in the UAE's energy security and environmental goals, operating the largest source of clean electricity in the region. The company's regional significance extends beyond the UAE, as Barakah serves as a demonstration of successful nuclear deployment in the Middle East and positions the UAE as a regional leader in clean energy transition. The location in Abu Dhabi provides access to international expertise while contributing to the development of regional nuclear capabilities.

The organization maintains a safety-first culture typical of world-class nuclear operators, with rigorous adherence to international standards and continuous improvement practices. The work environment emphasizes technical excellence, professional development, and international collaboration, reflecting the company's commitment to operating at the highest global standards. The multicultural workforce and international partnerships create opportunities for knowledge exchange and professional growth in a dynamic, technology-focused environment.

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Turbine Lead - Job Opportunity at NAWAH (ENEC Operations)

Key Responsibilities

Requirements

Education

Experience

Required Skills

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Role Significance

Key Projects

Success Factors

Market Demand

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Beneficial Skills

Unique Aspects

Career Growth

Potential Next Roles

Company Overview

NAWAH (ENEC Operations)

Data Sources & Analysis Information

Job Listings Data

Sauge AI Market Intelligence