Technical Lead Water Design Engineer

Company Description CDM Smith is a global engineering and construction firm delivering integrated solutions in water, environment, transportation, and energy for public and private clients. The company focuses on combining technical expertise with digital innovation to address evolving infrastructure and resource challenges. By managing projects across the full life cycle, CDM Smith aims to provide high-quality results and enduring value. Team members collaborate across disciplines to design sustainable, future-focused solutions that shape what comes next. More information about CDM Smith’s work and values can be found at https://www.cdmsmith.com.Technical Lead Water Design Engineer

Location: UAE / GCC Business Unit: Water Services Experience: 12-15 Years Reporting To: Water Design Manager / Project ManagerPosition OverviewCDM Smith is seeking a highly motivated Technical Lead Water Design Engineer to lead the technical delivery of water infrastructure projects across the GCC region.

The successful candidate will provide design leadership, technical guidance, and quality assurance for multidisciplinary projects involving water transmission and distribution systems, wastewater collection networks, stormwater drainage systems, treated sewage effluent (TSE) systems, pumping stations, reservoirs, and treatment facilities.The role requires strong technical expertise, hands-on design experience, and proven success in delivering municipal and infrastructure projects for government authorities, utilities, and private sector clients within the GCC.Key ResponsibilitiesTechnical Design LeadershipLead the technical design and delivery of water infrastructure projects from concept through IFC stage.Develop and review engineering calculations, design criteria, feasibility studies, technical reports, and design documentation.Provide subject matter expertise for: Water transmission and distribution networksWastewater collection systemsStormwater drainage networksTSE and irrigation systemsPumping stationsReservoirs and storage facilitiesWater and wastewater treatment facilitiesEnsure designs comply with local authority standards, client requirements, and international best practices.Hydraulic Modelling & AnalysisLead hydraulic and hydrologic modelling activities.Review and validate model outputs, design assumptions, and network performance analyses.Optimize infrastructure solutions to improve performance, resilience, and cost efficiency.Provide technical support for master planning and infrastructure strategy studies.Project DeliveryCoordinate technical inputs from multidisciplinary teams including civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, BIM, and CAD disciplines.Support Project Managers in resource planning, project scheduling, and risk management.Monitor technical progress and identify solutions to project challenges.Ensure project deliverables are completed on time and meet quality requirements.Client & Authority CoordinationParticipate in client meetings, workshops, and technical reviews.Coordinate with utility authorities and government agencies to obtain approvals and NOCs.Respond to technical queries and provide engineering support during project execution.Represent CDM Smith as a technical leader in discussions with clients and stakeholders.Mentoring & Team DevelopmentProvide technical mentoring and coaching to junior and mid-level engineers.Review design work and support professional development within the team.Promote engineering excellence, knowledge sharing, and innovation.Construction SupportProvide engineering support during tendering and construction stages.Review contractor submissions, shop drawings, material approvals, and RFIs.Support commissioning and project close-out activities when required.Required QualificationsEducationBachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering.Master's Degree in Water Resources, Hydraulic Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or related discipline is preferred.Experience12-15 years of relevant experience in water infrastructure design.Minimum 8 years of experience delivering projects within the GCC region.Proven experience with municipal and infrastructure projects for government agencies, utility providers, and major developers.Experience leading technical teams and coordinating multidisciplinary design activities.Technical ExpertiseStrong technical experience in:Water transmission mainsWater distribution networksSewerage and wastewater collection systemsStormwater drainage systemsTSE distribution systemsHydraulic and hydrologic modellingPumping stations and reservoirsWater treatment plants (WTP)Wastewater treatment plants (WWTP)Infrastructure master planning and feasibility studiesDesign development through detailed design and IFC stagesSoftware RequirementsHands-on proficiency in:InfoWorks ICMWaterGEMSSewerGEMSHEC-RASHEC-HMSArcGISAutoCAD Civil 3DRevit / BIM platformsKnowledge of Primavera P6 and project delivery tools will be advantageous.Preferred CertificationsChartered Engineer (CEng)Professional Engineer (PE)PMP Certification (advantageous)Membership of recognized engineering institutionsKey CompetenciesStrong technical leadership and engineering judgementAdvanced hydraulic modelling capabilitiesDesign management and coordination skillsClient-facing communication abilitiesProblem-solving and analytical thinkingQuality-focused approach to project deliveryTeam mentoring and leadership skillsUnderstanding of GCC authority requirements and approval processes