Principal Electrical Engineer - Data Center
Jacobs
Description
Location
Bur Dubai, All AE Regions, United Arab Emirates
Capabilities
Electrical
Office Setup
Hybrid
Job ID
#41424
Market
Cities & Places
At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.
Your impact
Jacobs is seeking an experienced Principal Electrical Engineer – Design with a strong background in data center projects to be based in Dubai. In this role, you will play a key role in shaping the next generation of data centers across the region. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise in electrical systems design, leadership capability, and a proven track record delivering complex, mission‑critical facilities. You will also lead electrical design packages, coordinate multidisciplinary interfaces, and ensure compliance with global and regional standards. You will work as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team delivering high‑performance, resilient, and sustainable data center solutions for our clients.
What You’ll Do:
Lead the electrical design for data center projects from concept through detailed design, with regional and international teams to delivery energy efficient solutions to the Client.
Develop and review electrical systems including MV/LV distribution, UPS systems, generators, earthing, lighting, and critical power infrastructure.
Ensure compliance with local authority regulations, LEED, Uptime Institute and Jacobs’ internal governance frameworks.
Coordinate closely with mechanical, ICT, structural, fire protection, architecture, and project management teams to deliver integrated design solutions.
Lead design reviews, technical workshops, and client presentations, representing Jacobs with professionalism and technical authority.
Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior and mid‑level engineers, fostering a culture of learning and innovation.
Support tender evaluations, technical reports, and design‑build contractor submissions.
Drive continuous improvement, digital delivery, and best‑practice adoption across the electrical discipline.
Here's what you'll need
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (Master’s preferred).
10+ years of electrical design experience, in data center projects in the ME region.
Strong understanding of data center electrical systems, redundancy topologies (N, N+1, 2N), and mission‑critical design principles.
Experience delivering projects in the KSA, UAE or wider GCC region.
Proficiency in ETAP, Dialux, AutoCAD, Revit, and digital design workflows.
Strong knowledge of IEC, NFPA, IEEE, and other relevant international standards.
Demonstrated leadership experience managing design packages or engineering teams.
Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and problem‑solving skills.
Experience with hyperscale or colocation data center clients.
Familiarity with BIM workflows and digital delivery platforms.
Experience working in multidisciplinary global delivery models.
From our inclusive employee networks to our positive mental health champions – we’re committed to driving a culture of caring where you can be you. Joining Jacobs not only connects you locally but globally - and together, our diverse perspectives and unique backgrounds power our collective strength. We collaborate and share! By supporting one another, we all succeed.
With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we’ve gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential. You’ll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits and opportunities to do good too – from participating in our global giving and vol