Principal Naval Architect

Application Deadline: 2 December 2024

Department: Oil & Gas

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi

Description

Be the energy behind change. Join ABL Group.

ABL Group is a leading global independent energy and marine consultant working in energy and oceans to de-risk and drive the energy transition across the renewables, maritime, and oil and gas sectors, offering the deepest pool of expertise across marine and engineering disciplines in more than 300 locations globally.

We are happy to announce we have an opportunity has arisen for a well-qualified and experienced Principal Naval Architect, to join our well-qualified engineering team in Abu Dhabi, and working with strong collaboration with other ABL group offices worldwide.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact on ABL's projects and join to be part of our dynamic team contributing to our continued success in Abu Dhabi and beyond.

What you will be doing.

As our Principal Naval Architect, you will lead a MWS review team, carry out reviews, project management and coordination of MWS projects, oversee a team of engineers and be responsible for the planning, verifying, execution and delivery of projects and marine warranty and engineering consultancy scopes. In addition, you will:

• You will lead the project management of Marine Warranty Services, including overseeing MWS scopes of work, directing review teams, and participating in client meetings and both onshore and offshore site surveys to ensure operations meet required standards.
• You will supervise and assist in the preparation of Naval Architecture and Engineering designs, calculations, and analyses of various structural elements, ensuring compliance with international codes and standards.
• Working closely with managers, you’ll assist or lead projects to deliver optimal solutions for clients, ensuring timely, cost-effective, and high-quality outcomes that meet both ABL and client standards.
• You’ll be responsible for the execution of projects according to established quality and HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) standards.
• Your role includes performing concept and detailed design analyses of fixed and floating offshore structures, including MODUs (Mobile Offshore Drilling Units).
• You will attend regular internal and external meetings, ensure all deliverables meet ABL’s policies and procedures, and maintain strong client relationships to ensure satisfaction and project completion.
• You will maintain Naval Architecture and Structural Engineering integrity, prepare forecasts, identify change management requirements, and adjust schedules as necessary.
• You’ll participate in design reviews, audits, and technical evaluations, preparing reports on concept selection and design basis.
• Your responsibilities include preparing bid proposals and tender inputs, helping to develop new business opportunities, and securing new projects.
• You’ll provide mentorship, coaching, and technical guidance to subordinates and support training for team members new to structural systems analyses and design.
• This role is primarily office based but requirement for onsite attendance in onshore and offshore and time with clients.
• The candidate need the right to live and work in Abu Dhabi.
  
  

This role is primarily office-based but requires onsite attendance onshore and offshore and on time with clients. The candidate has the right to live and work in Abu Dhabi.

What we are looking for.

You will be a leader driven by professionalism and results-oriented, with a supportive and global mindset, bringing excellent people management and interpersonal skills. Your entrepreneurial spirit and flair for engaging with clients, along with a commitment to business development, will make you an ideal fit. In addition, you will have or be:

• Degree in Naval Architecture or Structural Engineering; Master’s degree and Chartered Engineer status preferred.
• 15+ years’ experience in offshore transport and installation engineering, including jack-ups, MODUs, and heavy transport vessels.
• Expertise in structural FEA, vessel stability, mooring, and motion analysis, with knowledge of industry standards (e.g., DNV-ST-N001, API/AISC, IMO).
• Proven experience with Marine operation standards and familiarity with vessel inspection protocols.
• Proficiency in Naval Architecture and Offshore/Structural Engineering software (e.g., GHS, SACS, ORCAFLEX).
• Strong project and people management skills, with the ability to build solid client relationships.
• Attention to detail, proactive problem-solving skills, and the ability to write clear, detailed technical reports.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, client-focused, and results-oriented.
  
  

Desirable:

• Master’s degree or equivalent
• Chartered engineer status or equivalent
• Member of Society of Marine Warranty Surveyors (SOMWS)
• Familiar with vessel inspection protocols such as suitability inspections, on hire/off hire condition inspections etc.
• Prior hands-on offshore field engineering experience in fixed platforms and subsea installations such cables/umbilical’s, rigid and flexible pipeline installations, J tube pulling/ shore pull operations etc.
  
  

What is in it for you?

Step into a world of opportunity by joining our innovative and ambitious global team. You’ll work alongside talent professionals from around the world, pushing boundaries and driving success together. The roles offer you the chance to grow, unlock your full potential, and take your career to the next level while making a real impact.

You can learn more about our team and what we do here: https://abl-group.com/

Join us and grow with us.

We will be conducting interviews continuously and reserve the right to take down the advert when we have found the right candidate.

For your application to be taken into consideration, please be advised, that you must submit your application via the link provided on this page.

We look forward to receiving your application.

NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES.