Lead Electrical Engineer – Mission Critical (Data Centers)

With more than 14000 people around the globe, GHD is one of the world’s leading professional services companies operating in the global markets of water, energy and resources, environment, property and buildings, and transportation. Serving clients across five continents and the Pacific region, GHD people share a passion for exceeding the expectations of our clients and contributing to their success.

Our Middle East operations have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Electrical Engineer to join our office in Abu Dhabi, UAE building services team.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and driven Lead Electrical Engineer to join our Global Data Centre Design Team (Mission Critical), based in our UAE offices. This is a high-profile leadership role for a technically accomplished engineer with a proven track record in the design and delivery of complex data centre projects.

You will have the opportunity to lead the electrical engineering design on some of the most advanced AI and hyperscale data centre projects worldwide. These projects range from deploying and refining standardized, high-performance designs for global clients to delivering fully bespoke, cutting-edge facilities that set new benchmarks for innovation, resilience, and sustainability.

You will play a central role in influencing future data center design approaches, working closely with clients, multidisciplinary teams, and industry experts to deliver efficient, sustainable, and commercially viable engineering solutions that meet the rapidly evolving demands of AI-driven infrastructure.

 Key Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical design for mission critical facilities, covering all aspects including medium and low voltage power distribution, UPS systems, standby generation, lighting, earthing, and lightning protection.
• Drive technical excellence by producing high-quality designs, specifications, reports, and calculations in accordance with client requirements, local regulations, and international standards.
• Conduct load assessments, redundancy strategy planning, fault/discrimination studies, and resilience planning for high-availability facilities .
• Coordinate with mechanical, structural, ICT, security, and other disciplines to ensure integrated, clash-free, and optimised designs.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring, supporting the growth of less experienced engineers and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Oversee project budgets, deliverables, and programmes, ensuring compliance with contractual and quality requirements.
• Maintain direct client engagement, presenting solutions, managing expectations, and offering proactive technical input during all project phases.
• Contribute to the development, adaptation, and improvement of client standard reference designs, as well as the design of bespoke facilities.
• Champion innovation, integrating energy efficiency, sustainability, and emerging technologies into design strategies.

 Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering (master’s degree or Chartered Engineer status preferred).
• Minimum 10 years’ relevant experience, with at least 3 years in mission critical and/or data center projects.
• Proven expertise in MV/LV distribution systems, UPS and generator systems, and advanced redundancy schemes.
• Strong understanding of cooling integration, ICT systems, and commissioning processes specific to high-availability environments.
• Familiarity with hyperscale and AI data centre design considerations is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in ETAP, Amtech, AutoCAD, Revit, and other relevant design tools.
• Track record of producing detailed designs including schematic diagrams, fault and discrimination studies, technical reports, and specifications.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to lead discussions, influence decision-making, and collaborate across multiple disciplines.

 Why Join Us?

• Work on globally significant projects, influencing the next generation of AI and hyperscale data center design.
• Be part of a globally recognized, fast-growing mission critical team delivering projects that blend technical excellence, sustainability, and commercial success.
• Collaborate in a multi-disciplinary, innovative environment where your input shapes both standardised and bespoke solutions.
• Join a team that values knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and professional excellence.

Take on some of the world's toughest challenges- with everyone at GHD backing you every step of the way.

At GHD, we celebrate the power of a multicultural workforce and champion individual achievement. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to providing fair and inclusive employment opportunities to all qualified candidates and employees—regardless of background, identity, or experience. We believe that diversity drives innovation, and we welcome the unique perspectives that each team member brings to our organization.