Principal Highway Design Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Highway Engineer to join our dynamic Dubai HighwayTeam. The successful candidate will play a key technical and leadership role in the planning, design, and delivery of major highway and road infrastructure projects in the UAE and the wider Middle East region.

You will lead multidisciplinary teams, guide the development of design solutions, ensure technical excellence, and support the growth of our Transportation business by fostering client relationships and mentoring future engineering talent.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of highway and road infrastructure projects, including expressways, urban roads, interchanges, junction improvements, and active mobility corridors.
• Provide technical leadership and oversight for geometric design, horizontal and vertical alignments, cross-sections, and associated highway elements in accordance with UAE and international standards (AASHTO, DM, RTA, AASHTO Green Book).
• Review, coordinate, and integrate designs with other disciplines (structures, drainage, utilities, traffic, and environmental teams).
• Act as the technical authority for complex engineering challenges, ensuring designs meet safety, sustainability, and constructability requirements.
• Prepare and review technical reports, feasibility studies, design documents, specifications, and tender documents.
• Engage with clients (such as RTA, ADM, and other regional authorities), attend project meetings, and provide expert technical input.
• Contribute to project planning, resource allocation, and quality assurance to deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers and provide knowledge sharing across the Transportation team.
• Support business development efforts including proposal preparation, presentations, and client relationship management.

Additional Information

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline (Master’s preferred).
• 15+ years of relevant experience in highway engineering and design, preferably with exposure to major UAE or GCC infrastructure projects.
• Chartered / Professional Engineer status (CEng, PE, or equivalent) is strongly preferred.
• Proven track record in leading multidisciplinary teams in the delivery of highway and road infrastructure projects.
• Comprehensive knowledge of regional authority standards (RTA, DM, ADM) and international highway design codes (AASHTO, DMRB, etc.).
• Strong understanding of road safety engineering, sustainable transport solutions, and digital delivery tools (OpenRoads, Civil 3D, Infraworks, etc.).
• Excellent technical report writing, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proactive, collaborative, and able to work in a fast-paced consultancy environment.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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