Principal Highway Design Engineer

About the role

AECOM is seeking a highly experienced Principal Highway Design Engineer to lead the planning, design and delivery of major highway and road infrastructure projects across the UAE and the wider Middle East. Based in Dubai, you will join a dynamic transportation team and act as a technical authority for complex engineering challenges.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of expressways, urban roads, interchanges, junction improvements and active mobility corridors.
• Provide technical leadership for geometric design, horizontal and vertical alignments, cross‑sections and related highway elements in line with UAE and international standards (AASHTO, DM, RTA, AASHTO Green Book).
• Coordinate and integrate designs with structural, drainage, utility, traffic and environmental disciplines.
• Prepare and review technical reports, feasibility studies, design documents, specifications and tender packages.
• Engage with clients such as RTA and regional authorities, attend project meetings and deliver expert technical input.
• Contribute to project planning, resource allocation, quality assurance and ensure delivery on time and within budget.
• Mentor junior engineers and support business development through client relationship building.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in highway and road design, preferably in the Middle East.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage large‑scale infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of UAE and international design standards.
• Excellent communication skills for client interaction and team coordination.

Required skills

• Geometric highway design
• Horizontal and vertical alignment design
• Cross‑section development
• Application of AASHTO, DM, RTA and AASHTO Green Book standards