Principal Mechanical Engineer📣 Job Ad

About the Role

WSP is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead the design and delivery of complex infrastructure projects across Saudi Arabia. This full-time role, based in Riyadh, requires a minimum of 10 years of post-graduate experience and focuses primarily on gas systems, district cooling/chilled water networks, pump stations, and utility infrastructure. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership, ensure high-quality project delivery, and contribute to the technical excellence of the Infrastructure Business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of mechanical infrastructure projects, with a focus on gas systems (LPG, SNG, Natural Gas), 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 and decentralized cooling systems at the 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.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent from a recognized university.
• Minimum 10–15 years of post-graduate experience in mechanical infrastructure engineering.
• Chartered Engineer, Professional Engineer, or actively working towards a recognized professional accreditation.
• Proven experience in the design and delivery of LPG, Natural Gas (NG), and Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG) systems.
• Strong experience in the design of gas pressure regulating stations (PPRS/SPRS) and gas distribution networks.
• Extensive knowledge of district cooling systems, chilled water networks, and utility pump stations.
• Demonstrated experience in utility master planning, feasibility studies, and infrastructure strategy development.
• Experience in preparing technical reports, design calculations, specifications, tender documents, and authority approval submissions.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams and manage complex infrastructure projects.
• Experience coordinating with clients, contractors, utilities, and regulatory authorities.
• Experience delivering infrastructure projects within Saudi Arabia and/or the GCC region is preferred.

Technical Proficiency

• Proficiency in hydraulic modelling software such as Bentley WaterGEMS, SISHYD/GasWorks, FLUIDIT, or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of ASHRAE, SBC, NFPA, IGEM, Civil Defense, Ministry of Energy, and other relevant local and international standards.

Required Skills and Attributes

• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and technical presentation skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

Work Environment

This is a full-time position based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, within a dynamic team focused on delivering critical infrastructure projects across the region.