Technical Design Director - Civil Engineering

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Technical Design Director - Civil Engineering

Company: Parsons Corporation

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Job Type: Full time

Category: Civil Engineering & Infrastructure Design Leadership

Date Posted: 2026-08-28

Experience Level: 20+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead heavy civil infrastructure engineering and technical design integration for a major program in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

• Oversee the entire design lifecycle from 35% development to Issued For Construction (IFC) documentation.

• Manage and direct Lead Design Consultants (LDCs) and specialist sub-consultants to ensure project alignment with specifications, budget, and aggressive timelines.

• Drive multidisciplinary coordination and integration to eliminate design bottlenecks and ensure seamless project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a senior leadership position focused on the technical execution and integration of civil engineering design for a significant infrastructure program. The emphasis on "heavy civil infrastructure," "site development," and "technical design integration" signifies a complex, large-scale project requiring deep technical expertise and robust management capabilities. The "D&B contractor" mention suggests a Design-Build delivery model, requiring strong oversight of the design process from initial stages through to construction readiness.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the comprehensive civil engineering design strategy, including technical reviews and infrastructure assurance for elements such as basement parking, podium slabs, mid-rise office blocks, and structural steel canopies.

• Act as the primary technical liaison between senior Ministry of Defense (MOD) clients, municipal/local authorities, and the project team, ensuring clear communication and alignment.

• Drive flawless coordination and integration across civil, structural, geotechnical, MEP, and specialized security/defense infrastructure to proactively identify and resolve spatial and utility clashes.

• Conduct rigorous buildability and value engineering reviews for all heavy civil works, drainage systems, road networks, and structural interfaces to optimize cost and constructability.

• Ensure strict adherence of all designs to Saudi Building Codes (SBC), civil defense protocols, and relevant global defense facility benchmarks.

• Oversee civil design workflows within a Building Information Modeling (BIM) environment, specifically utilizing Civil 3D and Revit, ensuring precise geospatial data integration and robust change management.

• Manage the site supervision team to establish and maintain appropriate templates and processes for tracking site activities, key project quantities, and comprehensive record-keeping.

• Develop and implement clear technical documentation standards and protocols for design packages, reports, and client submissions.

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and design teams, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on technical design leadership and project execution oversight. The inclusion of "infrastructure assurance," "buildability and value engineering reviews," and "site supervision management" indicates a hands-on approach to design quality and constructability, rather than purely strategic oversight. The emphasis on client liaison with "senior MOD clients" and adherence to specific local codes ("Saudi Building Codes," "civil defense protocols") underscores the critical nature and specific context of this project.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or Structural Engineering is mandatory.

• A Master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline or professional chartership (e.g., PE, ICE) is strongly preferred. Experience:

• A minimum of 20 years of progressive civil engineering and design management experience is required.

• Proven track record of successfully delivering mega-infrastructure projects or large-scale government/defense facilities, with a strong preference for experience within the GCC region, particularly Saudi Arabia. Required Skills:

• Advanced mastery of civil design integration principles and methodologies.

• Deep understanding of geotechnical engineering principles and their application in large-scale infrastructure projects.

• Expertise in site grading, utility network design, and infrastructure planning.

• Strong proficiency in heavy structural buildability assessments and value engineering techniques.

• Comprehensive knowledge of high-security facility infrastructure protocols and requirements.

• Proven ability to manage large, multidisciplinary technical teams effectively.

• Exceptional negotiation skills for technical solutions with clients and stakeholders.

• Experience working under fast-track delivery constraints common in mega-projects.

• Proficiency in BIM software, including Civil 3D and Revit, for design and coordination.

• Strong understanding of Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows and geospatial data integration. Preferred Skills:

• A blend of experience from both consultancy (Lead Design Consultant) and main contractor environments is highly advantageous.

• Membership or eligibility for membership in the Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE) is mandatory.

• Professional chartership (e.g., Professional Engineer - PE, Chartered Engineer - ICE, or equivalent) is a significant advantage.

• Experience managing design development from preliminary stages (e.g., 35% design) through to Issued For Construction (IFC) documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive experience requirement (20+ years) and the emphasis on GCC/Saudi Arabia project experience, especially in government/defense sectors, indicate this is a highly specialized and senior role. The mandatory SCE membership/eligibility highlights the importance of local regulatory compliance and professional standing within Saudi Arabia. The preference for a mix of consultant and contractor experience suggests the need for an individual who understands both design conceptualization and constructability implications.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing leadership in the design and delivery of complex heavy civil infrastructure projects, including detailed examples of site development, utility systems, and structural elements.

• Present case studies highlighting successful technical design integration across multiple engineering disciplines (civil, structural, MEP, geotechnical).

• Provide evidence of rigorous value engineering and buildability reviews, with documented outcomes and cost-saving impacts.

• Include examples of how you have managed design consultants and contractors to achieve project milestones and quality standards.

• Showcase experience with BIM-led design processes, demonstrating proficiency in Civil 3D/Revit for coordination and clash detection. Process Documentation:

• Detail your approach to establishing and managing design quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) processes for large-scale infrastructure projects.

• Outline methodologies for ensuring design compliance with stringent local codes and international benchmarks, such as Saudi Building Codes (SBC) and defense facility standards.

• Describe your experience in implementing and managing change control processes within a BIM environment to ensure accurate technical documentation.

• Showcase your experience in developing and implementing site supervision processes and record-keeping systems for large construction programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role of this seniority and technical complexity, a portfolio is expected to go beyond typical project lists. It should demonstrate strategic leadership in design process management, problem-solving on large-scale projects, and a deep understanding of the entire project lifecycle from design initiation to construction readiness. The emphasis on QA/QC, code compliance, and BIM integration points to a need for highly structured and documented processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the senior-level experience (20+ years), specialized technical expertise (heavy civil, defense infrastructure), and location (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), a competitive executive-level compensation package is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for Technical Design Directors on major infrastructure projects in Saudi Arabia, the annual salary range could be estimated between SAR 600,000 to SAR 950,000+ (approximately USD 160,000 to USD 250,000+). This estimate is highly dependent on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and the precise scope of the program.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage for the employee and dependents, including international medical coverage.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and public holidays in accordance with Saudi labor law and company policy.

• Relocation assistance package for expatriate hires, including flights, temporary accommodation, and support with visa and residency permits.

• Housing allowance or company-provided accommodation.

• Transportation allowance or company vehicle.

• Annual flight allowance for international travel.

• Professional development and training opportunities, including support for further certifications and chartership.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and long-term incentives.

• Access to company-provided amenities and recreational facilities. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime during critical project phases. Working hours are generally Sunday to Thursday, aligning with the Saudi Arabian work week. Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and client demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates for senior roles in Saudi Arabia's booming infrastructure sector are typically high, reflecting the demand for specialized expertise and the cost of living. Benefits are usually comprehensive and designed to attract international talent, often including significant allowances and support for relocation and expatriation. The 40-hour work week is standard, but project demands often necessitate flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Construction, and Consulting, with a strong focus on infrastructure, defense, and government projects. Parsons is a global leader in providing technical solutions and infrastructure development.

Company Size: Parsons Corporation is a large, publicly traded company with thousands of employees worldwide. This implies a structured corporate environment with established processes and resources.

Founded: Parsons was founded in 1944, indicating a long history of experience and stability in the engineering and construction industry.

Team Structure:

• The Technical Design Director will likely lead a significant division or department focused on civil and infrastructure design for the Riyadh program. This team will comprise Lead Design Consultants (LDCs), specialist civil/geotechnical sub-consultants, BIM coordinators, and site supervision teams.

• The role reports to senior program leadership, potentially a Program Director or Executive Vice President, and will liaise directly with high-level client representatives (MOD).

• Cross-functional collaboration will be essential, involving structural engineers, MEP specialists, security consultants, project managers, and construction teams. Methodology:

• Parsons emphasizes a data-driven approach to design and project management, leveraging advanced technologies and best practices.

• Workflow planning and optimization are critical, especially in a fast-track, mega-project environment.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely integrated through BIM, project management software, and standardized design procedures.

Company Website: https://www.parsons.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Parsons is a well-established, global engineering firm with a reputation for handling large, complex projects, particularly in the defense and infrastructure sectors. This suggests a professional, results-oriented culture that values technical expertise, rigorous processes, and strong client relationships. The Riyadh program likely represents a significant undertaking, demanding a high degree of coordination and adherence to corporate standards.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior executive-level position within the engineering and design management hierarchy. It is a critical leadership role responsible for the technical integrity and successful delivery of a major segment of a large-scale infrastructure program. The scope includes managing significant budgets, large teams, and high-stakes client relationships.

Reporting Structure: The Technical Design Director will report to a senior program executive (e.g., Program Director, VP of Engineering) and will have direct reports including Lead Design Consultants, BIM Managers, and potentially Site Supervision leads. This position interfaces directly with high-level client stakeholders, including senior representatives from the Ministry of Defense.

Operations Impact: The Technical Design Director's impact is profound, directly influencing the project's technical success, constructability, adherence to budget and schedule, and overall quality. Successful design integration and oversight are crucial for mitigating risks, ensuring safety, and meeting the stringent requirements of a defense infrastructure project. The role is pivotal in translating client requirements into buildable, compliant, and efficient designs that form the foundation of the entire program.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to higher executive roles within Parsons, such as Chief Technical Officer, Head of Engineering for a region, or Program Director for larger, more complex initiatives.

• Opportunities to lead other major international infrastructure or defense projects.

• Development of strategic leadership skills, including business development, client relationship management at the highest levels, and corporate strategy input.

• Potential to specialize further in specific areas of defense infrastructure or mega-project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is a pinnacle role for a civil engineering design leader, offering significant influence and potential for further executive advancement within a global firm. The growth path is clearly towards broader program leadership or specialized executive technical roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role will be based in a project office environment in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This typically involves a dedicated office space for the project team, potentially co-located with construction management or client representatives. The environment will be professional, fast-paced, and collaborative.

Office Location(s): Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Project MOD). This specific location within Riyadh will be tied to the program's operational hub.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be dynamic, requiring close collaboration with a diverse team of engineers, consultants, BIM specialists, and client representatives.

• Access to state-of-the-art project management software, BIM platforms (Civil 3D, Revit), and communication tools will be standard.

• Opportunities for site visits and direct engagement with construction activities will be integral to the role, providing a practical, hands-on experience.

• The environment will foster a culture of accountability, rigorous technical review, and proactive problem-solving.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time working hours (typically 40 hours per week) are expected, with a strong likelihood of requiring flexibility and extended hours to meet critical project deadlines, especially during peak design phases or for client presentations. The work schedule will align with the Saudi Arabian work week (Sunday to Thursday).

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Riyadh for a major defense project implies a demanding but highly rewarding work environment. Collaboration is key, and the role demands presence and engagement with both the design teams and the project site.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR and/or a senior recruiter will conduct an initial review of your resume and experience, focusing on the 20+ years of mega-project experience, GCC/Saudi Arabia background, and technical qualifications.

• Technical Interview (Round 1): A panel of senior engineering leaders and potentially the hiring manager will assess your technical depth in civil engineering, infrastructure design, BIM, and code compliance. Expect questions on complex design challenges you've overcome.

• Leadership & Management Interview (Round 2): This stage will focus on your leadership style, team management capabilities, stakeholder negotiation skills, and experience managing consultants and contractors. Behavioral questions will be prominent.

• Client/Stakeholder Interview (Potentially): Depending on the program structure, you may have an interview with senior client representatives (MOD) to assess your ability to liaise and gain their trust.

• Final Interview: A discussion with very senior executives within Parsons to finalize the decision and discuss terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project type (e.g., mega-infrastructure, defense facilities) and highlight your specific role and contributions.

• Content: For each project, clearly articulate the scope, your key responsibilities, the technical challenges faced, the solutions implemented (especially regarding civil design integration, buildability, and code compliance), and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, risk mitigation).

• Visuals: Include high-level diagrams, site plans, cross-sections, and BIM visualizations where appropriate to illustrate complex designs or coordination efforts. Avoid sharing proprietary information.

• Process Focus: Emphasize your process management skills – how you ensured design quality, managed multidisciplinary teams, conducted value engineering, and achieved IFC readiness.

• Client Liaison: Demonstrate examples of effective communication and negotiation with clients and authorities.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for hypothetical case studies or scenario-based questions related to managing design conflicts, addressing unforeseen site conditions, or negotiating scope changes with clients.

• Practice articulating complex technical concepts clearly and concisely.

• Develop a strong understanding of Saudi Building Codes (SBC) and common defense infrastructure requirements.

• Prepare to discuss your leadership philosophy and how you foster collaboration and drive performance within a technical team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the senior nature of this role, the interview process will be rigorous and multi-staged, assessing technical acumen, leadership capabilities, and client-facing skills. A well-prepared and targeted portfolio is crucial for demonstrating the depth of experience required.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• BIM Software:

  • Civil 3D: Essential for site design, grading, utilities, and infrastructure modeling. Proficiency in creating and managing complex civil models is expected.
  • Revit: Crucial for integrating civil designs with architectural and structural models, managing spatial coordination, and generating detailed documentation.

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms like Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking on mega-projects.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for day-to-day team communication and coordination.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems like SharePoint, Aconex, or similar for managing vast amounts of technical documentation, drawings, and reports.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or similar for creating dashboards to track design progress, identify risks, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to stakeholders.

• Reporting Tools: Proficiency in generating comprehensive technical reports, design review summaries, and progress updates.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design data integrates with project management and potentially client relationship management systems is beneficial.

• Familiarity with workflow automation within design processes, particularly through BIM tools and scripting (e.g., Dynamo for Revit).

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is heavily focused on BIM and project management tools essential for large-scale, complex infrastructure projects. Proficiency in Civil 3D and Revit is non-negotiable, given their role in design and coordination.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence & Innovation: A commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative design solutions that meet stringent technical requirements.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding the highest ethical standards and taking ownership of design decisions and project outcomes.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative environment where diverse teams work together seamlessly to achieve common goals.

• Safety & Compliance: Prioritizing safety in design and ensuring strict adherence to all applicable codes, regulations, and client standards.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, building strong relationships, and delivering exceptional value.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative approach, requiring constant interaction with structural engineers, MEP specialists, geotechnical experts, BIM coordinators, project managers, and construction teams.

• Proactive Communication: Emphasis on clear, timely, and transparent communication with all stakeholders, including clients, consultants, and internal teams.

• Constructive Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback during design reviews and team meetings to drive continuous improvement and resolve issues efficiently.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across teams to enhance overall project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: Parsons' corporate values likely emphasize professionalism, technical rigor, and a commitment to client success. For this specific role, the culture will be heavily influenced by the demanding nature of large-scale infrastructure projects and the specific requirements of working with defense clients in Saudi Arabia.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Design Complexity: Navigating the intricate technical demands of heavy civil infrastructure, site development, and specialized defense facilities for a mega-project.

• Multidisciplinary Coordination: Ensuring seamless integration and conflict resolution among numerous engineering disciplines under tight deadlines.

• Client Expectations: Meeting the high expectations of senior MOD clients regarding technical quality, security, and compliance.

• Fast-Track Delivery: Working within aggressive project timelines that require efficient decision-making and robust design processes.

• Regulatory Compliance: Adhering strictly to Saudi Building Codes (SBC) and other local regulations, which can be complex and evolving.

• Team Leadership: Leading and motivating a diverse, potentially international, team of consultants and engineers to achieve peak performance.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management: Gaining experience in managing the full lifecycle of mega-infrastructure projects from a technical leadership perspective.

• International Project Delivery: Deepening expertise in delivering projects within the unique regulatory and cultural landscape of Saudi Arabia and the GCC region.

• Leadership Development: Enhancing executive leadership skills through managing large teams, high-stakes negotiations, and strategic decision-making.

• Industry Best Practices: Staying abreast of the latest advancements in civil engineering design, BIM technology, and construction methodologies.

• Networking: Building a strong professional network within Parsons and with key stakeholders in the Saudi Arabian infrastructure and defense sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges due to the scale, complexity, and critical nature of the project. However, these challenges are also the primary drivers for substantial professional growth and development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Integration & Coordination: "Describe a time you managed a complex, multidisciplinary design integration for a major infrastructure project. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure seamless coordination and avoid clashes?" (Focus on your process, tools like BIM, and communication strategies.)

• Client Management & Negotiation: "How have you successfully managed technical expectations and negotiated complex design solutions with senior government or defense clients? Provide an example of a difficult negotiation and its resolution." (Highlight your ability to build trust, communicate technical details effectively, and achieve win-win outcomes.)

• Buildability & Value Engineering: "Walk me through your process for conducting buildability reviews and value engineering on heavy civil works. What metrics do you use to assess value, and how do you balance cost savings with technical integrity?" (Prepare specific examples of improvements you've driven.)

• Code Compliance & Risk Mitigation: "How do you ensure designs strictly adhere to local codes, such as Saudi Building Codes, and defense facility standards? Describe a situation where you identified and mitigated a significant design risk." (Emphasize your understanding of regulatory frameworks and risk management.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why Parsons? What attracts you to our company and this specific role within the Riyadh program?" (Research Parsons' recent projects, values, and their strategic focus in the region.)

• "How would you foster a culture of technical excellence and collaboration within your design team, especially given the fast-paced, high-pressure environment of a mega-project?" (Connect your leadership style to Parsons' stated values.)

• "Describe your experience working with government or defense clients. What are the unique considerations and challenges?" (Showcase your understanding of this specific client sector.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Executive Summary: Begin with a concise overview of your career and the types of projects you've led, highlighting your core strengths relevant to this role.

• Key Case Studies: Select 2-3 of your most impactful projects that best demonstrate your experience in heavy civil infrastructure, defense projects, design management, and BIM. For each case study:

  • Problem: Clearly state the project's objectives and technical challenges.
  • Your Role & Solution: Detail your specific responsibilities and the strategic/technical solutions you implemented.
  • Process: Explain the methodologies you used (e.g., design reviews, coordination meetings, BIM workflows).
  • Results: Quantify the outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, quality improvements, risk reduction).

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to dive deep into specific technical aspects of your projects when asked.

• Conciseness: Aim for clarity and impact, avoiding overly technical jargon unless necessary and explained. Focus on demonstrating leadership and problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on articulating leadership experience, technical problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of the specific project context (heavy civil, defense, Saudi Arabia). The portfolio is a critical tool to substantiate claims and provide concrete examples.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Technical Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link: https://parsons.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Search/job/SA---Riyadh/Technical-Design-Director---Civil-Engineering_R185498

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume prominently features keywords from the job description, such as "Technical Design Director," "Civil Engineering," "Infrastructure Design," "Design Management," "BIM," "Civil 3D," "Revit," "Saudi Building Codes," "GCC," "Mega-infrastructure," and "Defense Facilities." Quantify achievements with numbers (e.g., "Managed a design team of 50+ engineers," "Delivered project 10% under budget").

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a professional portfolio that highlights your most relevant experience in heavy civil infrastructure and defense projects. Focus on demonstrating leadership, technical problem-solving, and process management. Be ready to present key case studies during interviews.

• Research Parsons & the Program: Gain a thorough understanding of Parsons Corporation's global operations, its work in the Middle East, and specifically its involvement in major infrastructure and defense projects. Familiarize yourself with the likely scope and challenges of a large program in Riyadh.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to answer behavioral and technical questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), focusing on examples that showcase your leadership, technical expertise, and ability to manage complex projects and stakeholders.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.