WSP

Job Description

WSP in the Middle East are seeking a Principal Engineer – Electrical – Aviation Buildings to lead the design and delivery of complex aviation and industrial buildings—including aircraft maintenance hangars, engine/APU workshops, and large-scale flight catering environments.

You will act as the electrical technical authority, overseeing power distribution, ELV systems, airfield/ground systems interfaces, and hazardous-area electrical design—delivering concept-to-IFC solutions aligned with stringent safety, operational, and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical design from feasibility and Basis of Design (BoD) through detailed design, tender and construction support for aviation facilities.
• Own the electrical power strategy for large-scale facilities (e.g., hangar bays): MV/LV distribution, redundancy, load management, earthing, and control philosophies—balancing reliability, safety, and energy performance (IEC/NFPA context).
• Engineer electrical systems for hazardous operations: paint booths/rooms, fuel-cell maintenance areas, welding zones—ensuring compliance with ATEX/IECEx and coordination with mechanical ventilation and controls.
• Design and specify power systems for aviation facilities: transformers, generators, UPS, distribution boards, and backup systems for mission-critical operations.
• Integrate electrical utilities across MRO and workshop environments—ground power units (GPU), PCA interfaces, process equipment loads, and coordination with mechanical, fire/life safety, and control systems.
• Shape electrical systems for catering facilities: resilient power distribution for kitchens, cold-chain systems, and hygienic areas aligned with HACCP/ISO 22000 requirements.
• Deliver BIM-led coordination (Revit/Navisworks) across architecture, structures, MEP, and specialist systems; lead clash resolution and model QA.
• Perform calculations and studies: load estimation, cable sizing, protection coordination, short-circuit analysis, and lighting design.
• Author technical documents: BoD, load schedules, single-line diagrams (SLDs), specifications, and commissioning plans.
• Mentor and review engineers/designers; lead design reviews, HAZOPs, and constructability/operability workshops.
• Engage stakeholders—airlines, MROs, airport operators, and authorities—to secure approvals and ensure smooth delivery.
• Lead retrofit, refurbishment, and brownfield upgrades in operational airport environments—assessing existing systems, planning phased upgrades, and integrating new systems with minimal disruption while improving capacity, compliance, and energy performance.
• Key systems & domains you’ll cover
• Hangars & workshops: MV/LV distribution, ground power units (GPU), PCA electrical interfaces, high-bay lighting, emergency power, earthing and bonding for aircraft safety, and hangar door electrics.
• Paint/corrosion control: hazardous-area electrical systems, explosion-proof equipment, interlocks, LEL monitoring interfaces, and ATEX/IECEx compliance coordinated with ventilation and controls.
• Welding & fabrication: power distribution for welding equipment, equipment earthing, task lighting, and integration with extraction/LEV systems aligned with OSHA/ACGIH guidance.
• Power systems: transformers, generators, UPS, LV panels, and distribution networks designed for redundancy, resilience, and mission-critical operations.
• Catering facilities: resilient power supply for kitchens, cold rooms/freezers, food processing areas, and hygienic zoning aligned with HACCP/ISO 22000 requirements.
• ELV & controls: fire alarm systems (NFPA 72), ICT, security (CCTV/access control), structured cabling, and BMS/SCADA integration for operational monitoring and control.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering; Master's degree preferred.
• Professionally registered (CEng, PE, or equivalent).
• 15+ years' experience in electrical building services design, including aviation and complex infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary design teams and delivering major projects.

Technical Expertise

• Strong knowledge of international electrical design codes, standards, and aviation requirements.
• Expertise in MV/LV power distribution, load assessments, protection systems, and earthing design.
• Proficiency in BIM and industry-standard design software, including Revit, Navisworks, ETAP, and Dialux.
• Experience in airport facilities, terminal buildings, and aviation-related infrastructure is highly desirable.

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