McDermott International
Principal Mechanical Engineer - HVAC
- Permanent
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Experience 15 - 20 yrs
Job expiry date: 17/05/2026
Job overview
Date posted
02/04/2026
Location
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Salary
Undisclosed
Compensation
Job description
The Principal Mechanical Engineer - HVAC, based in Dubai, UAE, is a highly specialized and senior role responsible for providing expert solutions to complex mechanical engineering problems within EPC offshore and onshore projects. This position entails leading and managing mechanical engineering disciplines, particularly HVAC systems, ensuring that all design and execution activities meet the highest professional standards and project requirements. The engineer performs conceptual, FEED, and detailed analyses, design calculations, and prepares design reports in compliance with design codes, standards, and project specifications. The role requires overseeing discipline execution, ensuring alignment with project schedules, budgets, and deliverables, while maintaining effective inter-discipline coordination and adherence to contractual and technical requirements. The engineer also acts as the discipline point of contact for customers, vendors, certifying authorities, and internal stakeholders, resolving technical issues and ensuring high-quality project execution. Responsibilities include participating in HAZOP reviews, 3D model reviews, Factory Acceptance Testing, vendor submittals review, design verification through single and inter-discipline checks, procurement support, and ensuring compliance with HSE, TQM, and cost control measures. As a Lead Engineer, the principal provides mentorship and guidance to junior and senior engineers, supervises design deliverables, maintains engineering standards, and supports workforce planning and development within the discipline. The role also involves technical communication, documentation of decisions, capturing lessons learned, and supporting continuous improvement and procedural development across projects and the organization.
Required skills
Key responsibilities
- Perform conceptual, FEED, and detailed HVAC analyses and design in compliance with project specifications, design codes, and standards
- Prepare clear, accurate, and comprehensive design calculations, analyses, reports, and procedures
- Manage personal time effectively, forecast and plan resource requirements, and ensure delivery within schedule and budget
- Lead small to medium mechanical engineering teams as the Lead Engineer, directing all aspects of discipline execution including scope, deliverables, schedule, and workforce resources
- Act as project representative during meetings with customers, certifying authorities, auditors, and third parties, ensuring technical issues are identified and resolved promptly
- Review and approve mechanical equipment lists, datasheets, spare parts, special tools, lubrication schedules, noise reports, and handling philosophy reports
- Coordinate and interface with all engineering disciplines, planning, project management, procurement, vendors, and subcontractors to ensure clash-free designs and timely deliverables
- Provide technical direction and mentorship to designers and engineers, guiding on MOR procedures, standards, worksheets, design calculations, software, requisitions, and technical bid evaluations
- Monitor project progress, budgets, and productivity, taking corrective actions as necessary and reporting to the Discipline Manager and Project Management Team
- Participate in HAZOP meetings, 3D model reviews, Factory Acceptance Testing, and site surveys to ensure design integrity and project compliance
- Prepare and approve requisitions, evaluate technical quotations, and support procurement activities to ensure materials, equipment, and services meet project requirements
- Capture lessons learned and maintain documentation in MDR systems, ensuring continuous improvement across the engineering discipline
- Assist in the development and maintenance of global procedures, software, standards, and departmental technical guidelines
- Identify training needs and provide guidance to staff on proprietary software, design techniques, and engineering practices
Experience & skills
- Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree in Engineering from a recognized institution
- 18–25 years of experience in oil and gas with major EPC contractors or consultants, predominantly performing detailed design for HVAC and mechanical systems
- Registration as a Professional Engineer or membership in a relevant engineering society is preferable
- Strong structural knowledge and technical expertise in mechanical engineering for HVAC and associated systems
- Proven ability to lead, organize, motivate, and supervise engineering teams and projects
- Ability to solve complex engineering problems independently and make sound technical decisions
- Knowledge and application of HSE, TQM, and cost control principles
- Excellent communication skills in English and the ability to liaise effectively with internal and external stakeholders
- Flexibility to support reassignment to other offices, cover for colleagues, and provide assistance across projects when required
- Experience in preparing design deliverables, reviewing vendor submittals, performing FAT, and supporting pre-commissioning and commissioning activities