Principal Engineer - Bridges & Tunnels
WSPJobsCloseBy Editorial Insights
Join WSP Dubai as Principal Engineer - Bridges & Tunnels to lead the design and delivery of major bridges, tunnels, interchanges and related structures from feasibility through detailed design, coordinating highways, drainage, geotechnical and utilities teams. This role requires technical leadership, rigorous design oversight, mentoring of engineers, and strong client engagement with government and private sector clients, including experience navigating approvals with authorities such as RTA. We value 12+ years in bridge and tunnel design, UAE/Dubai familiarity, and Chartered status if possible, plus expertise in AASHTO, Eurocodes or British Standards. To apply, tailor your CV to show leadership on large transport projects, RTA approvals, constructability reviews, and clear stakeholder communication.
The Principal Engineer will provide technical leadership and design expertise on complex bridges and tunnels projects, overseeing project delivery from concept through detailed design. The role will involve managing multidisciplinary coordination, mentoring junior engineers, supporting client engagement activities, and ensuring technical excellence across all project stages.
Candidates with extensive experience delivering bridge and tunnel design projects in the UAE, particularly in Dubai, will be highly regarded. Preference will be given to candidates with current or previous RTA approval and a strong understanding of RTA standards, design requirements, and approval processes.
Technical Leadership & Design
- Lead the design and delivery of bridges, tunnels, interchanges, retaining structures, underpasses, and other transportation-related structures.
- Undertake and supervise structural analysis, design calculations, reports, specifications, and technical submissions.
- Review and approve engineering designs to ensure compliance with project requirements, industry best practices, and applicable design standards.
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineers and designers within the Bridges & Tunnels team.
- Contribute to design innovation, value engineering, and constructability reviews.
- Ensure all designs comply with local authority requirements and international codes and standards.
Project Delivery
- Lead technical delivery of projects from feasibility and concept design through detailed design and construction support.
- Coordinate effectively with highways, drainage, geotechnical, utilities, traffic, and multidisciplinary project teams.
- Manage technical risks, programme requirements, and project deliverables.
- Support Project Managers in delivering projects on schedule and within budget.
- Participate in design reviews, workshops, and client presentations.
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, contractors, and approval authorities.
- Act as a key technical point of contact for clients throughout project delivery.
- Liaise with local authorities including RTA, Dubai Municipality, and other relevant agencies.
- Support authority approvals and technical compliance submissions.
Team Development
- Mentor and develop graduate, junior, and mid-level engineers.
- Promote a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Participate in recruitment, technical training, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Business Development
- Support technical proposals, expressions of interest, and tender submissions.
- Contribute to identifying opportunities with existing and new clients.
- Assist in strengthening WSP's Bridges & Tunnels presence across the UAE and wider Middle East.
Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or Structural Engineering.
Master's Degree in Structural Engineering, Bridge Engineering, or related discipline is desirable.
Chartered Engineer status (CEng, PE, ICE, IStructE, or equivalent) is preferred.
Minimum 12 years' experience in bridge and tunnel design within a consulting engineering environment.
Proven experience leading the design of major transportation infrastructure projects.
Strong technical expertise in:
Highway bridges
Flyovers and interchanges
Viaducts
Underpasses
Tunnel structures
Retaining structures
Reinforced and prestressed concrete structures
Steel bridge structures
Experience using industry-standard structural analysis and design software.
Working knowledge of AASHTO, Eurocodes, British Standards, and relevant local authority requirements.
Significant UAE experience is preferred.
Experience working on projects requiring RTA review and approval is highly desirable.
Candidates with current or previous RTA Approval as a Bridges Engineer will be given preference.
Key Competencies
- Strong technical and analytical capabilities.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Effective project planning and organisational abilities.
- Commercial awareness and client-focused approach.
- Commitment to quality, safety, and technical excellence.
Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.
Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.
With us, you can. Apply today.