Senior Mechanical Engineer - Rail Infrastructure

About the role

A tier 1 main contractor in Abu Dhabi is looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer with 7 to 10 years of experience. The role leads technical evaluation, design coordination, shop drawing development and material procurement support for mechanical, HVAC, plumbing and fire protection scopes on large-scale rail and linear infrastructure projects, acting as the technical bridge between design consultants, site teams, subcontractors and local authorities.

Key responsibilities

• Manage, review and finalise mechanical submittals, value engineering proposals, design reviews, HVAC heat load calculations and method statements.
• Lead the drafting team in producing and approving shop drawings, ductwork and piping layouts, schematics and plant room designs using BIM/Revit, coordinating with electrical, structural and architectural disciplines.
• Prepare material take-offs, BOQ verifications, technical bid evaluations and compliance sheets for mechanical equipment suppliers and subcontractors.
• Coordinate technical approvals from UAE authorities (ADM, Civil Defence, Estidama) and international rail bodies.
• Support site execution by resolving RFIs, technical queries, NCRs and supporting testing and commissioning and air/water balancing.
• Oversee subcontractor technical compliance, progress reviews and shop drawing deliverables.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from a recognised university.
• 7 to 10 years of engineering experience, including 3 to 5 years of hands-on project delivery in the UAE/GCC.
• Proven track record with a Tier 1 contractor on large-scale rail, metro, transit or major infrastructure projects (depots, stations, tunnels, highways, utility networks).
• Knowledge of HVAC, station environmental control systems, tunnel ventilation, plumbing/drainage and firefighting systems.
• Familiarity with NFPA, ASHRAE, SMACNA, UIC standards and UAE codes (Civil Defence, Estidama).
• Leadership, technical communication, commercial acumen and stakeholder management skills.

Required skills

• BIM / Revit / AutoCAD
• Mechanical design and calculation software such as HAP, Elite or Pipe-Flo