Associate Director - Systems Engineering

Overview

Join WSP as an Associate Director - Systems and leverage our global expertise while contributing to prominent projects like MetroLink in Dublin and other major rail infrastructure initiatives across Ireland. Collaborate with top industry professionals and engage in a culture that fosters innovation and diverse perspectives.

Role Highlights

In this senior position, you will lead the delivery and integration of rail systems across multidisciplinary teams on large-scale infrastructure projects. Your responsibilities include providing technical leadership, client consultancy, and overseeing the entire project lifecycle from concept through commissioning.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead systems engineering and integration across significant rail and metro projects.
• Ensure solid technical guidance and quality assurance during design, integration, and delivery phases.
• Advise clients effectively and influence key decisions for project success.
• Manage system requirements definition, integration, and multidisciplinary coordination.
• Interface management spanning rail systems, civil infrastructure, MEP, and operational sectors.
• Promote best systems engineering practices including digital and model-based approaches.
• Oversee technical reviews, assurance processes, and governance frameworks.
• Maintain stakeholder relationships including clients, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks while capitalizing on opportunities.
• Contribute actively to business development and growth of WSP's rail systems capabilities in Ireland.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers and emerging team leaders.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Extensive experience in rail, metro, or light rail infrastructure projects within Ireland or the UK.
• Demonstrable expertise in systems engineering, integration or design assurance on complex infrastructure programmes.
• Familiarity with full project lifecycle management from design to commissioning.
• Proven client-facing skills with capability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Experience leading or supporting cross-disciplinary teams on large infrastructure projects.
• Strong grasp of systems engineering principles applied in rail environments.
• Competent in managing technical assurance and governance systems.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Proven skills in multidisciplinary coordination and interface management.
• Commercial awareness balancing quality, risk, and delivery targets.
• Leadership skills with a focus on collaboration and people development.

Desirable Credentials

• INCOSE ASEP Certification.
• Chartered Engineer status or significant progress toward it.

Work Environment and Benefits

• Balanced hybrid work policy enabling two days remote work per week.
• Inclusive culture encouraging diversity and supporting authentic self-expression.
• Health and wellbeing support including virtual GP access, workplace adjustments, gym discounts, and menopause support.
• Flexible working arrangements including part-time options, additional leave purchase, and flexible holiday use.
• Development opportunities via training, mentoring, and professional chartership support.

Equal Opportunity and Accessibility

WSP is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal employment opportunities. Applicants of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, and reasonable adjustments are provided for applicants with disabilities.