Principal Engineer - Maritime

WSP Middle East Limited seeks a Principal Maritime Engineer / Project Manager to lead the planning, design, and delivery of maritime infrastructure projects across the Middle East. The role requires a unique blend of technical expertise, project management skills and client relationship management to ensure successful project delivery from concept to construction.

As part of the Maritime Structures Service Line, the Principal Engineer will serve as a technical lead, guiding project delivery through technical oversight, governance, and mentorship. The role will be responsible for establishing design direction, ensuring adherence to applicable standards and best practices, reviewing engineering outputs, and fostering technical excellence across project teams.

The Principal Engineer will also play a key role in client engagement, business development, and strategic planning, helping to strengthen client relationships, secure new opportunities, and support the continued growth of WSP’s maritime structures service.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, designers, and construction professionals, to ensure seamless project execution.

Oversee the planning, design, and delivery of maritime infrastructure projects, including ports, harbours and marine terminals.

Manage project budgets, schedules, and resources effectively, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Provide technical expertise and guidance to project teams, ensuring the highest standards of engineering and design are achieved.

Review technical documentation, calculations, structural models when necessary.

Mentor and develop junior team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and professional growth.

Develop and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring client satisfaction and meeting project requirements.

Support in business development through engagement with clients, managing client accounts and supporting in bids.

Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in maritime engineering.

Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements throughout the project lifecycle.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering, preferably with a specialization in maritime or coastal engineering.

Minimum of 10 years’ experience in project management, with a proven track record of successfully delivering maritime infrastructure projects.

Prior experience in structural design of maritime infrastructure, including but not limited to, deck on pile structures, block walls, flexible retaining structures and terminal infrastructure.

Demonstrated leadership and people management skills, with the ability to lead, motivate, and coordinate multidisciplinary teams.

Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and interpersonal skills, with a strong client‑focused approach.

Proficiency in project management tools and structural engineering software.

Experience working within BIM project environments.

Professional Engineer (PE), Chartered Engineer (CEng), or equivalent professional accreditation is desirable.

Experience working with international clients and delivering projects across the Middle East region is preferred.

Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making abilities, with the capability to manage complex technical and commercial challenges.

Proactive, innovative, and results‑oriented mindset, with a commitment to delivering sustainable, resilient, and high‑quality maritime infrastructure solutions.