Technical Director Speed Rail

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Your impact

Jacobs is looking for an experienced Technical Director – High‑Speed Rail to be part of our Rail team in Abu Dhabi. In this position, you will shape the technical vision, engineering strategy, and multidisciplinary integration of a major detailed design high‑speed rail project, ensuring solutions that are safe and future‑ready. The role leads diverse technical teams including civil, systems, rolling stock, operations, and digital engineering to deliver outcomes that reflect Jacobs’ commitment to innovation, integrity, and a more connected society.

Success requires deep expertise in high‑speed rail engineering as well as the ability to inspire and empower teams, and a collaborative approach that brings together partners, stakeholders, and communities to deliver transformative rail infrastructure that improves mobility and enhances quality of life.

• Lead the overall technical strategy, engineering direction, and design integration for a high‑speed rail program from concept through delivery.
• Oversee multidisciplinary engineering teams covering track, civil structures, stations, systems, signalling, rolling stock, power supply, and operations.
• Ensure compliance with global high‑speed rail standards, safety regulations, and performance requirements.
• Manage technical interfaces between design, construction, systems integration, and operations teams.
• Provide expert guidance on high‑speed rail technologies, alignment design, train control systems, and operational concepts.
• Review and approve technical documentation, design submissions, and engineering deliverables.
• Lead risk identification and mitigation strategies across all technical domains.
• Collaborate with government authorities, consultants, contractors, and international partners to ensure alignment on technical requirements.
• Support procurement strategies, technical specifications, and evaluation of major systems and rolling stock packages.
• Drive innovation, digital engineering, and sustainability initiatives within the program.
• Represent the project in high‑level technical forums, stakeholder meetings, and executive reviews.

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Railway Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 20+ years of experience in rail engineering, with at least 5 years in high‑speed rail programs.
• Proven leadership in delivering large‑scale, complex, multidisciplinary rail or transportation infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of international high‑speed rail standards (e.g., EN, UIC, FRA).
• Expertise in high‑speed alignment design, track systems, and civil structures.
• Deep knowledge of signalling, train control (ETCS/CBTC), traction power, and systems integration.

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 volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place.

No matter what drives you, you’ll discover how you can cultivate, nurture and achieve your goals – all at a single global company.

We value collaboration and believe that in‑person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

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