Principal Engineer – Water

Job Summary

The Principal Engineer – Water role at WSP in Riyadh involves leading the design and delivery of large-scale water infrastructure projects, focusing on hydrology and wet utilities within Saudi Arabia. This senior position requires technical leadership and coordination across multidisciplinary teams to ensure compliance with local standards and innovative solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the complete design and execution of major water infrastructure projects including potable water, stormwater drainage, foul sewerage, TSE/irrigation networks, and hydrological systems.
• Provide technical guidance in hydrology, hydraulic modelling, and wet utilities design aligned with local authority standards and international best practices.
• Manage multidisciplinary teams integrating civil, structural, environmental, transport, and other engineering disciplines.
• Produce high-quality technical deliverables such as design reports, modelling outputs, specifications, drawings, tender documents, and engineering studies.
• Engage with clients by presenting design solutions, offering subject-matter expertise, and maintaining effective stakeholder communication.
• Oversee authority submissions and liaise with local authorities to ensure compliance and timely approvals.
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers to promote technical excellence and knowledge sharing.
• Support project managers in planning, budgeting, risk management, and technical strategy for major programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Water Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 12-15+ years of experience in water infrastructure design, hydrology, or wet utilities engineering, preferably in an engineering consultancy.
• Proven experience delivering large-scale water or wet utilities projects in KSA with knowledge of local authority standards and approval processes.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing multidisciplinary teams and complex infrastructure projects.
• Advanced skills in hydrological and hydraulic modelling software such as InfoWorks, EPANET, WaterGEMS, SewerGEMS, StormCAD, Civil 3D, or similar.
• Strong technical writing, communication, client-facing leadership, and presentation skills.
• Ability to navigate local regulatory requirements and maintain relationships with local authorities.
• Commitment to innovation, sustainable design, and continuous improvement.

What the company offers

• Competitive pay and standard benefits including first-class medical coverage.
• Generous annual leave and paid professional subscriptions.
• Flexible working arrangements such as part-time, working from home, or flexible start and finish times to support work-life balance.

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