Lead Design Engineer

Job Title: Lead Design Engineer

2. JOB PURPOSE

To carry out feasibility studies, concept designs, and load estimations for new District Cooling projects; lead the concept and detailed design of District Cooling underground networks, plants, and energy transfer stations; and conduct hydraulic analysis of District Cooling networks using reputed software (e.g., NetSim or equivalent).

To lead and coordinate all activities related to the design process independently and liaise and coordinate with all clients and stakeholders to ensure smooth project operations.

4. KEY ACCONTABILITIES

Day-to-day Operations

• Prepare and follow up on design programs and schedules.
• Estimate cooling demand, prepare concept designs, presentations, and scopes of work for new District Cooling projects, and support Sales & Business Development.
• Conduct hydraulic analysis of District Cooling Networks using reputed software (e.g., NetSim).
• Prepare, review, and approve testing and commissioning plans, procedures, method statements, data sheets, testing criteria, and reports.
• Follow up on ongoing, pending, and due submittals, review subordinates’ comments, and highlight differences or deficiencies.
• Conduct site inspections related to design, testing, and commissioning to ensure compliance with project requirements.

Design-related Activities

• Lead concept and detailed design of District Cooling underground networks, plants, and energy transfer stations.
• Guide, lead, and coordinate the work of engineers, CAD designers, and other team members.
• Resolve design-related issues and clashes in coordination with all involved parties.
• Review design reports, drawings, material submittals, method statements, shop drawings, and hydraulic/stress analysis models related to District Cooling systems.
• Prepare and update design reports and technical specifications for District Cooling plants, networks, and energy transfer stations.
• Provide technical support during network testing, commissioning, and tie-ins with different network packages and District Cooling plants.
• Validate testing and commissioning results and prepare/review guidelines for contractors and developers.

Relationship Management

• Lead and coordinate all activities independently during the design process, including attending design progress and coordination meetings with clients and stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively with clients, consultants, contractors, and internal teams to ensure smooth project delivery.
• Liaise with and guide CAD designers as required.

Tendering

• Support tendering activities by evaluating bidders against technical project requirements.
• Review technical proposals from EPC contractors, manufacturers, and suppliers and prepare evaluation reports for all procurement related to plants, networks, and energy transfer stations.

Team Supervision

• Organize and supervise assigned team activities to ensure efficiency and compliance with operational procedures and policies.
• Provide guidance, on-the-job training, and knowledge sharing for junior colleagues to support team objectives.

Budgeting and Financial Performance

• Monitor financial performance within the assigned area versus budget, ensuring adherence to approved guidelines and timely reporting of variances.

Policies, Systems, Processes & Procedures

• Provide input and implement policies, systems, and procedures to ensure compliance with all relevant procedural and legislative requirements while delivering quality and cost-effective services.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and participate in continuous improvement initiatives for systems, processes, and practices, considering international standards, productivity improvement, and cost reduction.

Quality, Health, Safety & Environment

• Comply with all relevant safety, quality, and environmental management policies and procedures to ensure a healthy and safe work environment.
• Ensure adherence to all quality, health, safety, and environmental controls to guarantee employee safety, product/service quality, and environmental compliance.

Reporting

• Prepare sectional statements and reports accurately and on time to meet the Client’s and departmental requirements, policies, and quality standards.

Related Assignments

• Perform additional duties as reasonably required that form part of the job’s function.

5. COMMUNICATIONS & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Internal:

• Projects Department
• All relevant departments within the Client as required

External:

• Governmental authorities and regulatory institutions
• Contractors
• Vendors and suppliers

6. CONTEXT, WORK ENVIRONMENT & DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY

• The job holder exercises financial authority as per the level established by the Client’s management and as stipulated in the authority matrix.
• Key decisions with significant departmental impact are referred to the Engineering Manager for approval prior to implementation.

7. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent

Minimum Experience:

• 15 years of relevant experience in the design of District Cooling systems with a major District Cooling utility company, infrastructure designer, or EPC contractor in the GCC
• Experience in mechanical building services (HVAC, etc.) and District Cooling

Job-Specific Skills (Generic / Technical):

• Proficiency in English
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• In-depth knowledge of District Cooling utility standards and codes (ASHRAE / BS / EN / ASME / AHRI, etc.) and commissioning standards (BSRIA / ASHRAE, etc.)
• Familiarity with authority regulations in Qatar
• Expertise in hydraulic modeling of District Cooling networks
• MMUP (Qatar) engineer approval desirable
• Membership in professional bodies (ASHRAE, CIBSE, IDEA, etc.) desirable
• Computer literacy, particularly in NetSim, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office