Principal Mechanical Engineer📣 Job Ad

About the Opportunity

WSP in the Middle East is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead complex infrastructure projects from our office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This full-time position requires 5-10 years of experience and focuses on gas systems, district cooling networks, and utility infrastructure across Saudi Arabia.

Role Purpose and Scope

The Principal Mechanical Engineer will provide technical leadership for the design and delivery of mechanical infrastructure projects. This includes a primary focus on gas systems (LPG, SNG, and Natural Gas networks), district cooling/chilled water networks, pump stations, and general utility infrastructure. The role involves developing engineering solutions, securing necessary authority approvals, managing multidisciplinary coordination, and ensuring high-quality project delivery in adherence to local regulations and international standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of mechanical infrastructure projects with a focus on gas systems, district cooling/chilled water networks, and utility pump stations.
• Provide technical leadership for engineering calculations, specifications, reports, drawings, and procurement support activities.
• Develop feasibility studies and engineering assessments for cooling strategies, including district cooling and decentralized cooling systems at master planning stage.
• Evaluate and recommend gas supply solutions, including LPG, Natural Gas (NG), and Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG), based on technical, commercial, and operational requirements.
• Design gas storage facilities, gas farms, pressure regulating stations (PPRS/SPRS), and associated distribution networks for developments of varying scale.
• Lead hydraulic modelling and network analysis for gas and chilled water systems using industry-standard software.
• Prepare and review technical reports, design documentation, engineering specifications, and tender documents.
• Develop district cooling plant concepts and performance specifications for Design & Build (D&B) projects.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure integrated and efficient infrastructure solutions.
• Manage authority approvals and liaise with relevant stakeholders, including utility providers, Civil Defense, Ministry of Energy, district cooling operators, and municipal authorities.
• Review contractor shop drawings, method statements, and material submittals to ensure compliance with project requirements.
• Ensure all designs comply with applicable local regulations, international standards, safety requirements, and sustainability objectives.
• Identify project risks and develop mitigation measures to support successful project delivery.
• Support project planning, resource allocation, budgeting, and programme management activities.
• Attend and lead technical meetings, client presentations, authority workshops, and design review sessions.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers, providing technical guidance and supporting professional growth.
• Maintain high standards of QA/QC throughout project execution and ensure quality deliverables are produced on time and within budget.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, maintaining strong relationships and ensuring client satisfaction.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will function as a subject matter expert, mentoring engineering teams and engaging directly with clients and authorities. This role requires a professional who can contribute to the growth and technical excellence of the Infrastructure Business, demonstrating strong leadership and a commitment to delivering high-quality engineering solutions.

Experience and Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Mechanical Engineer, with 5-10 years in a relevant field.
• Demonstrated technical leadership in complex infrastructure projects, particularly in gas systems and district cooling.
• Ability to manage multidisciplinary coordination and secure authority approvals.
• Strong understanding of local regulations and international standards relevant to mechanical infrastructure.

About WSP in the Middle East

WSP in the Middle East is a professional services consulting firm dedicated to delivering innovative solutions. This role is integral to our Infrastructure Business, based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, contributing to significant projects within the region.