Senior Mechanical Engineer – District Cooling Systems

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer specialized in District Cooling Systems to join our engineering and construction team in Abu Dhabi. You will lead the full lifecycle of major district cooling projects, from design review and planning through installation, budget control, and commissioning.

Key responsibilities

• Review and approve detailed mechanical designs, hydraulic calculations, chiller plant configurations, pump sizing, TES systems and piping networks ensuring compliance with DoE, ASHRAE, ASME and local codes.
• Lead on‑site engineering teams, manage subcontractors, supervise mechanical submissions, and enforce strict budget controls across central chiller plants, Energy Transfer Stations and distribution networks.
• Collaborate with project controls to develop and track mechanical construction schedules, identify bottlenecks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Utilize AutoCAD to review and modify shop drawings, piping layouts and coordinate MEP overlays to resolve spatial clashes.
• Oversee testing, adjusting and balancing, pressure testing, chemical flushing and commissioning of chiller plants and ETS installations, and prepare hand‑over documentation.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (Master’s or PMP a plus).
• 8+ years of mechanical engineering experience with at least 5 years in District Cooling Systems construction and design in the UAE or Middle East.
• Strong commercial acumen, proven budget management and subcontractor leadership.
• Fluent English communication skills.

Required skills

• AutoCAD (Civil 3D, BIM/Revit preferred).
• Hydraulic modeling software (Pipe‑Flo, KYPIPE).
• HVAC load estimation software (HAP).
• Knowledge of centrifugal chillers, cooling towers, variable pumping systems, TES tanks, plate heat exchangers and pre‑insulated steel/HDPE piping.
• Familiarity with ASHRAE, ASME B31.3/B31.9, NFPA and Abu Dhabi DoE regulations.