Senior Mechanical Engineer - Infrastructure

Role Overview

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Infrastructure at WSP in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, supporting the design and delivery of multidisciplinary infrastructure and masterplan projects.

Company Overview

WSP is a global engineering consultancy with more than 69,000 employees working on landmark projects and community impact worldwide. The role sits within the Transport & Infrastructure team.

Role Purpose

To produce engineering calculations, models, technical reports, specifications, tender documentation, and authority submission packages for district cooling, chilled water networks, gas distribution systems, and mechanical utilities. The role coordinates with clients, authorities, contractors, and internal disciplines to deliver safe, sustainable, buildable, and cost-effective engineering solutions under the direction of senior technical leaders.

Key Responsibilities

Mechanical Infrastructure Design

• Develop mechanical infrastructure designs, calculations, specifications, schedules, reports, and drawings for district cooling, chilled water, gas distribution, and associated utility systems.
• Undertake concept, feasibility, preliminary, and detailed design activities for infrastructure and masterplan developments.
• Support cooling strategy studies, including district cooling and decentralised cooling options, considering technical, commercial, constructability, sustainability, and operational factors.
• Support gas supply studies and option assessments, including LPG, SNG, and other suitable solutions based on project requirements.
• Develop designs for gas farms, pressure regulating stations, distribution pipework, and associated mechanical infrastructure.
• Contribute to mechanical design interfaces for pump stations and other infrastructure facilities.

Modelling & Technical Analysis

• Undertake hydraulic modelling and engineering analysis for chilled water and gas networks using appropriate industry software.
• Prepare design calculations, equipment selections, technical assessments, and option comparison reports.
• Review modelling outputs and coordinate findings with civil, utilities, electrical, structural, and masterplanning teams.

Codes, Standards & Approvals

• Apply the Saudi Building Code, applicable Saudi authority requirements, Civil Defense requirements, NFPA, IGEM, ASHRAE, and relevant international standards.
• Prepare authority submission documentation and support the resolution of technical comments through to approval.
• Remain current with Saudi regulations, industry standards, emerging technologies, and good practice for mechanical infrastructure.

Project Delivery & Coordination

• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated infrastructure solutions.
• Prepare and review technical reports, design packages, tender documents, performance specifications, and procurement information.
• Review contractor shop drawings, material submittals, and technical queries during construction support stages.
• Attend progress meetings and technical workshops with clients, consultants, contractors, and authorities.
• Maintain accurate project records and technical documentation, and deliver assigned work to agreed programme, budget, and quality requirements.

Quality, Safety & Sustainability

• Follow project QA/QC procedures and undertake checking of calculations, drawings, reports, and specifications.
• Identify technical risks and support the development of practical mitigation measures.
• Develop solutions that consider safety, sustainability, cost, constructability, maintainability, and whole-life performance.

Team & Client Support

• Provide clear technical updates to project managers, discipline leads, and clients.
• Support and guide graduate and junior engineers, sharing technical knowledge and good practice.
• Contribute to design schedules, resource planning, fee estimates, and technical inputs to bids where required.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 8+ years of post-graduate experience in mechanical engineering, preferably within an international engineering consultancy or infrastructure design environment.
• Demonstrable experience designing mechanical infrastructure systems, particularly district cooling/chilled water and gas distribution networks.
• Experience supporting infrastructure, utilities, land development, or masterplan projects in Saudi Arabia or the wider Middle East is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of the Saudi Building Code, Saudi authority requirements, Civil Defense requirements, NFPA, IGEM, ASHRAE, and relevant international standards.
• Experience preparing design calculations, technical reports, specifications, tender documentation, and authority approval packages.
• Ability to review shop drawings and material submittals and provide construction-stage technical support.
• Professional membership or progress toward chartership or equivalent registration is desirable.

Skills & Competencies

• Experience with hydraulic modelling tools for chilled water and gas networks; familiarity with Bentley WaterGEMS, SISHYD/GasWorks, FLUIDIT, or comparable software is advantageous.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.

Additional Information

WSP offers flexible working arrangements including remote work, part-time options, and flexible start and finish times to support work-life balance. Benefits include competitive pay, first class medical cover, generous annual leave, and paid professional subscriptions.