Associate Technical Director

Job Description

Overview

Responsible for leading the engineering and multidisciplinary design management of complex rail and transit infrastructure projects (Metro, LRT, High-Speed Rail, Freight Rail) across the global with key focus on Middle East. The role ensures integrated, safe, and compliant delivery of engineering solutions, aligned with client requirements, international rail standards, and project commercial objectives.

Your role

Key Responsibilities

• Engineering & Design Management
• Develop and maintain the Engineering & Design Management Plan aligned with project and client requirements.
• Contribute to and support the Project Execution Plan (PEP) and overall engineering delivery strategy.
• Ensure delivery of high-quality engineering outputs, including Basis of Design, design reports, and specifications.
• Establish and enforce technical governance, QA/QC systems, and configuration control across all design disciplines.
• Ensure all design outputs comply with international rail standards (EN, IEC, BS, AREMA as applicable) and project-specific requirements.
• Rail Systems Integration & Interface Management
• Lead multidisciplinary integration across civil, track, stations, depots, and rail systems (signaling, telecom, traction power, rolling stock etc.).
• Manage interface coordination and document the same between disciplines and stakeholders.
• Apply systems engineering principles to ensure a fully integrated, operable, and maintainable railway system.
• Oversee system assurance, RAMS (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, Safety) processes and design validation.
• Support testing, commissioning, and handover strategies for integrated rail systems.
• BIM, Digital Engineering & Collaboration
• Ensure effective implementation of the BIM Execution Plan (BEP) and digital delivery standards.
• Provide a collaborative platform for multidisciplinary teams using industry tools (e.g., Common Data Environment).
• Drive digital engineering and data-driven decision-making across project lifecycle
• Stakeholder & Client Management
• Act as a key interface with clients, transport authorities, and stakeholders (e.g., RTA, Etihad Rail, Ashghal, municipalities).
• Lead technical discussions, design reviews, and stakeholder workshops to align project outcomes.
• Ensure client requirements, operational needs, and constructability considerations are fully embedded in design.
• Manage communication related to scope changes, technical issues, and design decisions.
• Programme, Commercial & Risk Management
• Support the Project Manager in delivering projects on time, within budget, and to quality standards.
• Monitor engineering deliverables, milestones, and resource requirements.
• Identify and manage technical and commercial risks, implementing mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with FIDIC-based contract frameworks and change control processes.
• Support revenue growth by identifying new opportunities, variations, and additional scope.
• Leadership & Team Management
• Lead, mentor, and motivate multidisciplinary engineering teams across geographies.
• Coordinate with discipline leads to ensure adequate resources and capability for project delivery.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, safety-by-design, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct performance input, competency development, and technical capability building within the team.
• Safety, Compliance & Sustainability
• Ensure safe-by-design principles are embedded across all stages of the design.
• Coordinate with Independent Safety Assessors (ISA) and regulatory bodies for approvals and certifications.
• Ensure compliance with railway safety, system assurance, and regulatory frameworks applicable to the region.
• Integrate sustainable design practices, Net Zero goals, and environmentally responsible solutions.
• Business Development & Growth
• Support preparation of pre-qualification submissions, technical proposals, and tenders for rail projects.
• Contribute to the growth of the rail engineering portfolio and work pipeline across the globe, particularly the Middle East.
• Actively identify new business opportunities and strengthen client relationships.

About you

Experience

• Significant experience in rail and transit infrastructure projects (Metro, LRT, High-Speed Rail, Freight).
• Proven track record in engineering/design management on large-scale, multidisciplinary projects.
• Experience working in the Middle East or similar international mega-project environments preferred.

Technical Expertise

• Rail systems integration
• RAMS and system assurance
• Multidisciplinary coordination
• BIM and digital engineering
• Familiarity with international rail standards (EN, IEC, BS, AREMA).

Commercial & Contractual

• Experience working under FIDIC or similar contract frameworks.
• Good understanding of programme management, cost control, and risk management.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Systems, or related discipline).
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent professional accreditation required.
• Core Competencies
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills
• Excellent communication and coordination abilities
• Strategic thinking with a systems-oriented approach
• Proven ability to deliver under complex, high-pressure environments

Rewards & benefits

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive – at every stage of your life and your career.

This includes:

• Comprehensive life insurance coverage.
• Premium medical insurance for you and your dependents.
• Generous annual leave balance.
• Flexible and hybrid work solutions.
• Remote work opportunities outside of country.
• Company gratuity scheme.
• Discretionary bonus program.
• Relocation assistance.
• Employee Wellbeing Program: 24/7 access to specialists in finance, legal matters, family care, personal health, fitness, and nutrition.

Seize every opportunity to sharpen your skills, expand your expertise, and be recognized for the impact you make.

About AtkinsRéalis

We're AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our industry partners and clients, and our global team of consultants, designers, engineers and project managers, we can change the world. We're committed to leading our clients across our various end markets to engineer a better future for our planet and its people.

Find out more.

Worker Type

Employee

Job Type

Regular

At AtkinsRéalis, we seek to hire individuals with diverse characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly believe that world-class talent makes no distinctions based on gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual identity and orientation, age, religion or disability, but enriches itself through these differences.