SME - Construction

About Ai71

Ai71 develops SuperHive, an AI platform tailored for the construction sector, aimed at optimizing decisions throughout the entire project lifecycle by leveraging data-driven AI agents that prioritize essential insights and automate routine tasks. Established firmly in the Gulf region, Ai71 collaborates with leading developers and project owners on major programs and is now expanding globally.

The company partners closely with clients to co-develop initial solution Packs such as Compliance, Schedule Intelligence, and Cost Estimation using authentic project data. Achieving industry-accurate domain expertise is critical, as inaccuracies in compliance checks, scheduling, or bills of quantities can be detrimental.

Role Overview

The position seeks a senior Construction Subject Matter Expert (SME) with extensive practical experience in construction and engineering functions. The SME will work centrally among product, engineering, and data teams to define accurate standards, validating workflows and guiding product development to reflect real-world industry practices rather than peripheral review.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish definitive standards for product Packs, detailing what constitutes acceptable compliance reviews, scheduling intelligence, and cost estimations including inputs, processes, exceptions, and failure scenarios.
• Translate domain knowledge into structured methodologies, helping convert on-hand expertise such as UAE code interpretations, critical-path and delay analyses, and elemental cost benchmarking into usable AI competencies.
• Evaluate AI-generated outputs against authentic project conditions to identify inaccuracies or superficial results and drive necessary improvements.
• Work alongside clients' domain specialists to ensure product alignment with real workflows and integrate client feedback into product strategic plans.
• Contribute to roadmap development by identifying key automation opportunities, prioritizing high-impact pain points, and sequencing product features based on actual project execution flows.
• Represent domain expertise during external interactions including workshops and demonstrations to developers, contractors, and consultants, enhancing product credibility.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Over 10 years of professional experience in construction or engineering, demonstrating strong depth in at least one of: compliance and design standards review, scheduling and planning (Primavera P6 / MSP), cost estimation and quantity surveying, or BIM/model coordination. Broad experience across multiple domains is advantageous.
• Proven hands-on practitioner experience, having personally managed key processes such as design submission for approvals, baseline and schedule reanalysis, cost estimate preparation and benchmarking, or model coordination; not limited to managerial oversight.
• Familiarity with UAE or wider GCC construction codes, authorities, developers, and project delivery conditions, or a rapid learning capability to assimilate this context.
• Solid familiarity with prevalent industry software tools including ACC/BIM 360, Procore, Aconex, Primavera P6, Revit/IFC, and QS/takeoff tools, along with a realistic understanding of their strengths and limitations.
• A strong product mindset with the ability to articulate workflows precisely, analyze failure points, distinguish between tool deficiencies and process issues, and a passion for innovation over preserving current methods.
• Effective communication skills capable of engaging both at granular model coordination levels and explaining concepts to technical teams without site experience.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience within master developers, project owners, or major project management consultants handling large Gulf projects.
• Exposure to construction-specific AI or niche software tools including experience in acquisition, pilot testing, or project discontinuation, with insights on success factors.
• Understanding of cross-domain coordination costs, especially when a single design modification impacts compliance, schedule, and cost simultaneously.
• Arabic language skills and a well-established professional network within UAE/GCC construction industries.
• Hands-on familiarity with cutting-edge AI technologies such as ChatGPT, Claude, and specifically agentic AI platforms (e.g., Claude Cowork), along with an appreciation for how these tools transform work practices.

Work Environment and Culture

• Operates primarily in a hybrid model with emphasis on onsite presence within UAE including regular interactions at client locations throughout the Gulf.
• AI-native environment where meetings, documentation, and workflows are digitally managed, incorporating agentic AI tools as standard operational support.
• Small, senior team structure promoting high autonomy, responsibility, and direct influence on product direction without predefined playbooks.
• Domain expertise is central; the SME is embedded continuously, driving product correctness and maintaining quality standards rather than serving as a peripheral advisor.