Senior Geotechnical Design Engineer

About the role

A leading construction client in the UAE is looking for a Senior Geotechnical Design Engineer to hold a strategic leadership position combining advanced technical expertise with team management. The role works closely with the Department Head to lead geotechnical design, mentor engineers and designers, and drive technical excellence across projects in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The work location is Abu Dhabi.

Key responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical and foundation design for complex systems such as bored piles, secant piles, diaphragm walls, barrettes, anchors, struts and piled raft foundations.
• Perform advanced 3D finite element modeling using PLAXIS 3D for soil-structure interaction analysis.
• Conduct structural analysis of raft foundations and ground slabs using SAFE.
• Review and approve design calculations, drawings, specifications and technical reports.
• Ensure compliance with international and local codes: BS, Eurocodes, ACI, UAE local authority requirements and the Saudi Building Code.
• Manage, mentor and develop a multidisciplinary team of geotechnical engineers, designers and CAD draftsmen.
• Coordinate with construction, planning, QA/QC and commercial teams.
• Support business development through technical proposals, tenders and client presentations.
• Provide expert technical input during construction and resolve complex site issues.

Required profile

• Minimum 8 to 10 years of experience, with at least 6 years in the UAE.
• Strong background as a Geotechnical Design Engineer.
• Mandatory experience in piling and foundation systems.
• Experience on infrastructure or large-scale construction projects.
• Ability to act as both a hands-on technical contributor and a supervisor of a small team.
• Strong understanding of geotechnical design, soil behaviour and foundation engineering.
• UAE or GCC experience is required; candidates currently outside the UAE may be considered if they have prior UAE experience.

Required skills

• PLAXIS 3D
• SAFE
• BS, Eurocodes, ACI and Saudi Building Code