Mission Critical Principal Engineer – Electrical

About the Role

WSP in the Middle East is seeking a seasoned Mission Critical Principal Engineer – Electrical to spearhead the design and delivery of high-performance electrical systems for data centers. This pivotal role demands expertise in crafting end-to-end solutions that prioritize reliability, energy efficiency, and strict adherence to global standards. You will play a key part in shaping the infrastructure of mission-critical facilities, ensuring seamless operation and resilience in the face of evolving technological demands.

Key Responsibilities

As a Mission Critical Principal Engineer – Electrical, your core responsibilities will include:

• Electrical System Design Leadership: Translate client specifications into robust electrical designs encompassing medium and low-voltage distribution, generator systems, UPS solutions, switchgear, busducts, grounding schemes, power monitoring systems, and fire detection and alarm systems. Ensure designs align with the highest standards of reliability and performance.
• Technical Documentation and Compliance: Develop and oversee the creation of comprehensive technical documentation, including calculations, system studies, single-line diagrams, layout drawings, specifications, block schematics, and compliance matrices. Ensure all deliverables meet international and local regulatory requirements.
• Collaborative Design Development: Lead conceptual and detailed design reviews using advanced analytical tools, BIM/Revit models, and cross-disciplinary coordination with architectural, mechanical, and building technology teams. Foster innovation and efficiency in design processes.
• Team Mentorship and Development: Mentor junior engineers, share industry best practices in mission-critical electrical systems, and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement within the design team. Contribute to the professional growth of your colleagues and the broader organization.
• Global and Regional Collaboration: Work closely with regional and global teams to expand consulting capabilities, align with global design standards, and drive consistency in scalable data center solutions across the UAE and KSA.
• Site Assessments and Strategic Planning: Conduct thorough site assessments, capacity planning, and feasibility studies to ensure alignment with Uptime Institute Tier requirements. Provide strategic insights to optimize data center performance and reliability.
• Compliance and Standards Adherence: Ensure all designs comply with international standards such as Uptime Institute, TIA-942, NFPA, and ASHRAE, as well as local regulations. Stay abreast of evolving industry benchmarks and regulatory frameworks.
• Business Growth and Innovation: Contribute to technical proposals, client presentations, and service enhancement initiatives. Identify opportunities to expand service offerings and strengthen client relationships through technical excellence.

Qualifications and Experience

To excel in this role, you will bring the following qualifications and experience:

• Education: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Professional Experience: A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in the planning, design, and delivery of large-scale data centers, including multiple Uptime Tier III/IV projects. Proven expertise in mission-critical electrical infrastructure is essential.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Demonstrated ability to navigate complex, matrixed environments and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and internal teams.
• Certifications: Professional certifications such as Uptime Tier Certified Professional, PMP, LEED AP, or BICSI RCDD are highly advantageous and reflect your commitment to excellence in the field.
• Technical Proficiency: In-depth knowledge of data center electrical infrastructure, power distribution topologies, servers, storage systems, network infrastructure, SCADA systems, power management, ELV systems, and security protocols. Experience with data center construction phasing and design planning is required.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, enabling you to deliver compelling client presentations, facilitate stakeholder workshops, and coordinate effectively across teams.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with local and international codes and standards, including NEC, IEC, ISO 50001, ISO 27001, PDPL, and ESMA, ensuring compliance and alignment with industry best practices.

Why Join WSP?

At WSP, we are committed to fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment where talented professionals can thrive. As part of our global team of over 69,000 employees, you will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that make a positive impact on communities worldwide. We offer a dynamic platform for professional growth, where your expertise can drive sustainable solutions and shape the future of critical infrastructure. Join us in redefining what’s possible and building a better future for all.