Associate / Associate Director – MEP (Data Centres)

Position Summary

WSP in the Middle East is actively searching for a seasoned Associate or Associate Director specializing in MEP systems for Data Centres, based in Dubai, UAE. This role supports the expansion of our Building Services Data Centre segment, focusing on delivering comprehensive design and technical leadership for critical data centre infrastructure projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the sole technical contact for data centre projects, leading client engagements and technical scope negotiations.
• Oversee approvals and management of concept, schematic, and detailed design phases across mechanical and electrical domains, including UPS, generators, switchgear, HVAC, cooling systems, fire protection, BMS, and public health systems.
• Develop and implement standardized, scalable data centre solutions to enhance efficiency and consistency across UAE and KSA markets.
• Conduct site evaluations, capacity planning, and feasibility assessments aligned with Uptime Institute Tier guidelines.
• Ensure adherence to global standards such as Uptime Institute, TIA-942, NFPA, and ASHRAE while complying with local regulatory requirements.
• Provide mentorship and technical coaching to engineering teams, fostering knowledge sharing and continuous improvements.
• Collaborate with project supervision teams and stakeholders to control project costs, manage vendors, and reduce technical risks.
• Support business expansion by contributing to proposal development, client presentations, and identifying new service opportunities.
• Lead the enforcement and evolution of engineering standards and promote cross-regional cooperation to maintain design and delivery excellence.
• Serve as a senior technical liaison between engineering teams, centers of excellence, consultants, construction leads, and key stakeholders to align on technical strategy and execution.
• Manage the full engineering lifecycle from feasibility and concept development through detailed design and construction documentation, ensuring business objectives and performance standards are met.
• Provide visionary leadership responsible for design integrity, budget compliance, schedule adherence, and stakeholder communication.
• Engage with the global data centre engineering community to stay current with new technologies, standards, and best practices for continuous design improvements.
• Demonstrate expert knowledge in civil, structural, architectural (CSA) and mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP) engineering disciplines, with proven delivery of complex mission-critical infrastructure.
• Utilize advanced engineering analysis tools such as ETAP, 6Sigma CFD, AmpCalc, and others to validate and optimize system designs.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Building Services Engineering is required.
• At least 15 years of progressive experience in designing and delivering large-scale data center projects, with multiple Uptime Tier III/IV projects included.
• Proven leadership of multidisciplinary engineering teams and coordination in complex matrix environments.
• Professional certifications like Uptime Tier Certified Professional, PMP, LEED AP, or BICSI RCDD are highly valued.
• Deep understanding of medium and low voltage power distribution, UPS systems, emergency generators, CRAC units, economizers, chilled water systems, variable frequency drives, fire detection and suppression, building management systems, and data center infrastructure management (DCIM).
• Knowledge of emerging data center technology trends such as liquid cooling is a plus.
• Experience managing fast-track design/build projects or large-scale infrastructure upgrades for technical operations or compute farms is preferred.
• Familiarity with regional and international regulations and standards including NEC, IEC, ISO 50001, ISO 27001, PDPL, and ESMA.

Additional Information

This role offers the opportunity to influence landmark projects globally, delivering meaningful impact in your community and crafting a lasting professional legacy. Candidates are encouraged to apply and grow with us while contributing to a future of innovation and excellence.