Lead Design Engineer - Infrastructure

Role Overview

Lead Design Engineer – Infrastructure at Nova International General Contracting, a UAE-based general contracting firm specializing in branded residences. The role is based on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, overseeing infrastructure design and construction for a large-scale, phased residential Design & Build development.

Company Overview

Nova International General Contracting is a well-established UAE-based company dedicated to delivering excellence in general contracting and construction, specialized in executing branded residences. The company is committed to the highest standards of quality, innovation, and client satisfaction in every project. Nova's ambition is to grow as a trusted partner and deliver landmark developments that shape the future of the UAE's built environment.

Role Purpose

The Infrastructure Lead Engineer is a senior technical role serving as Nova's primary technical authority for all infrastructure works. This position bridges design and construction phases, requiring rigorous understanding of infrastructure design standards in the UAE and hands-on experience managing delivery in the field. The role ensures all design deliverables are complete, compliant, and fit for purpose, and that construction is executed in strict accordance with approved drawings, specifications, and Abu Dhabi regulatory requirements.

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 including roads, drainage, utilities, and 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.

Qualifications & Experience

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.

Professional 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.

Skills & Competencies

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.

Core Competencies

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

Language & Communication

• 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.

Additional Information

• Valid UAE driving licence — required.
• Working knowledge of the following Abu Dhabi authorities and their applicable design and submission requirements: Department of Transport (DOT) for roads, access, and traffic requirements; Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC) for electrical and water network standards; Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC) for foul and storm drainage requirements; Department of Municipalities (DM) for development and planning compliance; Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (ADDED) for energy and sustainability requirements; TASAREEH for permit and approval management; and Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (ADQCC) for material and construction standards where applicable.
• Nova International General Contracting is an equal opportunity employer 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.