Lead Aquatics Engineer

Position Overview :

The Lead Aquatics Engineer is responsible for leading the aquatic teams for the site activities design coordination, technical review, and authority approval processes for mechanical and electrical (MEP) systems associated with swimming pools, water features, lagoons, and water parks. The role operates from a contracting perspective, working closely with clients, consultants, suppliers, specialist subcontractors, and regulatory authorities to ensure compliant, efficient, built-to-last, and aesthetic aquatics systems for prestigious projects.

Key Responsibilities:

Design Coordination & Technical Leadership

• Lead coordination with design consultants to review mechanical and electrical designs for aquatics systems, ensuring alignment with project specifications, contract requirements, and local authority regulations.
• Review and validate hydraulic calculations, filtration systems, pump sizing, pipe sizing, chemical dosing systems selections, heating systems selections, and water treatment processes.
• Oversee integration of electrical systems including load schedules, control panels, VFDs, instrumentation, and lighting systems for aquatics installations.
• Identify design gaps, constructability issues, and value-engineering opportunities, and formally communicate them through technical submissions and RFIs.

Authority Approvals & Compliance

• Prepare, review, and follow up on authority submissions to relevant bodies (e.g., DM, DDA / Trakhees, DEWA, DCD, and other local authorities as applicable).
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and guidelines including local authority regulations, international standards (BS, EN, ASHRAE, etc.), and project-specific specifications.
• Coordinate responses to authority comments and manage resubmissions through to final approval.

Contractor-Side Site Support

• Support the project team during procurement, reviewing supplier technical proposals, material submittals, and shop drawings for compliance and performance.
• Liaise with specialist suppliers to ensure supplied materials are practical, coordinated, and aligned with construction methodology.
• Provide technical guidance during installation, testing, and commissioning of aquatics systems.
• Review method statements, ITPs, as built, O&Ms and commissioning plans related to aquatics MEP works.

Project & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary technical point of contact for aquatics-related MEP matters.
• Coordinate with internal disciplines (civil, architectural, structural, irrigation and electrical lighting) to ensure clash-free and integrated design solutions.
• Participate in technical meetings with clients, consultants, and authorities, representing the contractor’s interests professionally and confidently.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or electrical engineering (swimming pools and water features exposure is essential; dual discipline of mechanical and electrical is an advantage).
• Minimum 10 years of experience in aquatics projects, proven contractor-side experience will be an advantage.
• Strong background in swimming pools, water features, lagoons, and water parks.
• Demonstrated experience in authority approvals and consultant coordination within the UAE or GCC region.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Strong understanding of aquatics hydraulics and water treatment systems.
• Excellent technical review and problem-solving capabilities.
• Proficient in reviewing design drawings, schematics, calculations, and specifications.
• Strong communication and coordination skills for multi-stakeholder environments.
• Commercial awareness and ability to support value engineering initiatives.