Lead Design Engineer - Infrastructure

The Infrastructure Lead Engineer is a senior technical role responsible for overseeing all infrastructure design and construction activities within a large-scale, phased residential Design & Build development on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The role serves as Nova's primary technical authority for infrastructure works, ensuring that all design deliverables produced by the appointed design consultant are complete, compliant, and fit for purpose — and that construction on the ground is executed in strict accordance with approved drawings, specifications, and Abu Dhabi regulatory requirements.

This position bridges the design and construction phases, requiring both a rigorous understanding of infrastructure design standards in the UAE and hands-on experience managing delivery in the field.

Key Responsibilities:

Design Management & Oversight

• Monitor and coordinate with the appointed design consultant to ensure timely delivery of all infrastructure design packages across project phases.
• Review and verify all design submissions including roads and drainage, utilities, MEP networks, and site infrastructure to confirm compliance with project requirements and authority standards.
• Identify design gaps, clashes, or non-conformances and issue formal technical comments for resolution.
• Ensure design deliverables align with Abu Dhabi authority requirements including DOT, ADDC, ADSSC, DM, ADDED, TASAREEH, and Etihad Rail where applicable.
• Maintain a design deliverable register and track submission, review, and approval status across all disciplines.
• Coordinate across infrastructure sub-disciplines (roads, drainage, utilities, MEP networks) to ensure design integration and consistency.

Construction Phase Oversight

• Oversee infrastructure construction works to ensure execution is in accordance with approved drawings, specifications, and method statements.
• Conduct regular site inspections and technical audits of infrastructure works in progress.
• Review and approve contractor submittals, shop drawings, and material approvals related to infrastructure scope.
• Coordinate with the site team on resolution of technical queries (RFIs) and design clarifications during construction.
• Monitor construction quality, sequencing, and programme adherence for infrastructure packages.
• Support the commissioning and handover of completed infrastructure to relevant authorities and end users.

Authority Coordination & Compliance

• Liaise with the NOC and Permitting team to ensure design submissions are authority-ready and address all technical conditions.
• Provide technical input to support NOC applications, authority inspections, and approval processes.
• Maintain awareness of current Abu Dhabi infrastructure design standards, codes of practice, and Yas Island-specific development requirements.

Stakeholder & Project Coordination

• Act as Nova's senior technical point of contact for all infrastructure-related matters with internal and external stakeholders.
• Attend design review meetings, site progress meetings, and authority coordination sessions as required.
• Provide regular technical reports and design status updates to the Project Director and PMO.
• Coordinate with commercial, planning, and other technical disciplines to ensure infrastructure scope is aligned with the overall project delivery strategy.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering (BSc or BEng) from an accredited university — mandatory.
• Master's Degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline — advantageous.
• Chartered Engineer status (CEng) with a recognised professional body such as ICE, ASCE, or equivalent — preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in infrastructure engineering, with a proven track record in the UAE.
• Demonstrated experience in large-scale residential, mixed-use, or master development projects in Abu Dhabi — essential.
• Prior experience working on Yas Island projects or with Yas Island-specific authority requirements — highly advantageous.
• Experience in Design & Build project delivery, covering both design management and construction supervision phases.
• Strong background in multi-disciplinary infrastructure encompassing roads and drainage, utilities, and MEP networks.
• Experience interfacing with Abu Dhabi authorities including DOT, ADDC, ADSSC, DM, ADDED, and TASAREEH.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in AutoCAD and Civil 3D for design review and mark-up — mandatory.
• Ability to interpret and critically review engineering drawings, specifications, and technical reports across infrastructure sub-disciplines.
• Familiarity with BIM/3D coordination workflows — advantageous.
• Working knowledge of project management and document control systems.

Other Requirements

• Valid UAE driving licence — required.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English; Arabic is advantageous.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to manage technical interfaces across design, construction, and authority stakeholders.

Key Competencies

• Technical Leadership
• Design Review & Quality Assurance
• Regulatory & Authority Compliance (Abu Dhabi)
• Stakeholder Management
• Construction Supervision & Quality Control
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Communication & Reporting

Relevant Abu Dhabi Authorities & Standards

The successful candidate is expected to have working knowledge of the following authorities and their applicable design and submission requirements:

• Department of Transport (DOT) — roads, access, and traffic requirements.
• Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC) — electrical and water network standards.
• Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC) — foul and storm drainage requirements.
• Department of Municipalities (DM) — development and planning compliance.
• Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (ADDED) — energy and sustainability requirements.
• TASAREEH — permit and approval management platform for Abu Dhabi construction works.
• Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (ADQCC) — material and construction standards where applicable.

Nova International General Contracting is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are treated fairly and with respect. Employment decisions are made based on qualifications, experience, and business requirements, without unlawful discrimination, and in accordance with applicable UAE labor and employment laws. All hiring and employment is subject to compliance with UAE regulatory requirements, including those relating to work permits and residency visas, where applicable.