NEOM is an accelerator of human progress and a vision of what a new future might look like. A region in northwest Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea, NEOM is being built from the ground up to include hyperconnected, cognitive cities, ports, next-generation infrastructure and industries, enterprise zones, research centers, sports and entertainment venues and tourist destinations.
As a destination, it will be a home for people who dream big and want to be part of building a new model for exceptional livability, creating thriving businesses and reinventing environmental conservation.
As a workplace, it is a place for people who share our core values of care, curiosity, diversity, passion, respect, and becoming a catalyst for change.
Are you ready to help NEOM find solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges? Are you prepared to create a lasting legacy that benefits generations to come? Then we want to hear from you!
ROLE OVERVIEW
The Principal Engineer - Stormwater Drainage & Flood Risk supports the development and implementation of NEOM’s stormwater drainage and flood prevention strategy.
The role involves providing expert civil engineering, hydrological and hydraulic knowledge to enhance flood risk assessment techniques and procedures particularly in arid climates, as well as assisting in the conceptualization and development of regional drainage plans and strategic flood protection projects.
REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY
- Comprehensive approach to hydrology and drainage management in arid climates, demonstrating a strong understanding of the limitations in hydrologic modelling and hydraulic design due to factors such as lack of observed data, spatial and temporal variability of rainfall patterns, rare high-intensity events, flash flood hydraulics, high erosion risk, large sediment loads, prolonged dry periods, and associated operational challenges.
- Integrated drainage knowledge addressing various flooding sources—fluvial, pluvial, coastal, and groundwater—within a holistic flood management approach. Essential knowledge of potential failure modes of large hydraulic structures is also required.
- Expertise in hydraulic and civil engineering, applying extensive knowledge to the design of structural flood protection measures. Significant experience in planning and designing large-scale flood protection systems, including works such as dams and wadi training works.
- Flood damage assessment skills, with knowledge and experience in assessment techniques and the evaluation of benefits and costs associated with major civil structural flood protection projects.
- Strong problem-solving abilities, capable of conceptualizing drainage issues and developing practical, economically viable solutions to flash flooding.
- Enthusiasm for advancing expertise in erosion and sedimentation processes specific to arid climates.
- Proficient in building relationships and effectively communicating hydrological concepts to non-technical audiences
ROLE COMPETENCIES & ACTIVITIES
- Provide on-site information to update flood hazard maps and drainage plans, which are essential for maintaining an accurate assessment of flood risk levels in the NEOM regions.
- Offer highly qualified knowledge and experience relating to civil engineering of major civil structural flood protection works and their role in strategic flood protection and drainage plans.
- Oversee ongoing developments and civil works to ensure the effective implementation of flood protection measures in accordance with the existing flood protection and drainage strategic plan, while maintaining a commitment to technical quality and cost effectiveness.
- Leverage baseline data from the Flood Risk Assessment team to facilitate informed decision- making in the conceptualization and prioritization of drainage plans, ensuring that projects are grounded in robust analytical foundations.
- Lead a small team of drainage engineers to supervise flood risk management measures on- site, ensuring that projects are executed efficiently and effectively.
BACKGROUND, SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- A minimum of 10 years of experience in civil engineering related to water resources management and associated risks.
- Knowledge and experience in water resources and risk management specific to arid regions is advantageous
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with a focus on water resources and risk management.
- Master’s degree in relevant subject considered preferable
