Principal Engineer – Electrical (Aviation)

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.

• 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.

• 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 projec