Rigging Engineering Manager (Permanent Installation) - Freelance (m/f/d)

We are looking for an experienced Project Rigging Engineering Manager / Rigging Package Manager to support a complex permanent installation at a venue in Abu Dhabi.

The role requires full-time involvement and regular physical presence onsite and in project meetings and workshops.

The successful candidate will take ownership of the coordination, technical management and delivery of the rigging-related work packages. Final specialist engineering will be completed by appointed subcontractors; however, the candidate is responsible for supervising, coordinating and managing these subcontractors and ensuring the packages are technically complete and delivered according to the project requirements and programme.

As this is a freelance role, candidates must hold their own valid UAE residence visa and have a medical insurance. Contract Duration: ASAP till end of November 2026. Primary Job Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Important Note This is not a remote consultancy or occasional advisory role. You will need to become fully involved, understand the existing project status, take ownership of the open rigging topics and actively drive the packages forward. The candidate must be able to work in the UAE, attend onsite coordination regularly and provide substantial availability to the project until at least November 2026.

Main Scope The role covers the following systems:

• Theatre Pipe Grid and associated support structures
• Motorised Winch Systems
• Motorised Acoustic Banner Systems
• Associated rigging interfaces and coordination with structural, architectural, MEP and AVL systems

Detailed acoustic design knowledge is not required; however, a basic understanding of motorised acoustic banner systems and their installation requirements is expected.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the rigging engineering and coordination scope.
• Manage and supervise specialist rigging subcontractors.
• Review technical proposals, calculations, shop drawings and subcontractor documentation.
• Coordinate interfaces between structural steel, winch systems, pipe grids, chain hoists and acoustic banners.
• Identify missing information, technical risks and coordination issues.
• Follow up RFIs, technical decisions and outstanding engineering actions.
• Coordinate directly with the project engineering, BIM, construction and project management teams.
• Participate physically in technical meetings, workshops and onsite coordination sessions.
• Review drawings and BIM information for technical and installation feasibility.
• Ensure subcontractor engineering is aligned with the project specifications and design requirements.
• Support technical submittals, drawing reviews and consultant/client comments.
• Track the engineering and procurement status of the rigging packages.
• Drive open technical topics to closure and escalate critical risks where required.
• Support the transition from Design & Engineering into procurement, installation and commissioning.

Must-Have Skills and Qualifications

• Strong professional experience with permanent installation rigging in museums, theatres, auditoriums or other cultural/ entertainment venues.
• Experience with theatre pipe grids, winches and motorised rigging systems.
• Experience managing specialist subcontractors and engineering packages.
• Good understanding of structural and mechanical interfaces.
• Ability to review technical drawings and engineering documentation.
• Experience working within formal construction project procedures and approval workflows.
• Strong coordination and technical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of complex technical packages.
• Good communication skills in an international project environment.

Nice-To-Have Skills and Qualifications

• Knowledge of EN 17206 and relevant entertainment rigging standards.
• Experience with BIM-based project coordination.
• Ability to work with AutoCAD and/or Vectorworks is highly beneficial.
• Previous project experience in the UAE or other countries in the Middle East is beneficial.

• The opportunity to work in an international and multi-cultural team with collaboration across our offices in the Middle East and Europe.
• Collaborative and motivated working environment.
• Trusting and partnership-based cooperation across all units.

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