Saudi Arabia is building at a pace few countries can match. Across the desert, new cities rise where there was once nothing. High-speed rail cuts through remote regions. Solar farms stretch for miles. Underground transit systems move thousands beneath expanding urban centres.

This transformation is not happening by chance. It is being driven by engineers—civil, mechanical, electrical, environmental, and more—working on projects of a scale and ambition rarely seen elsewhere.

The reason is Vision 2030, the country’s economic reform plan, which has made infrastructure, energy, and urban development central to its future. As a result, demand for engineering talent has surged. Major employers—both Saudi and international—are recruiting aggressively, often offering competitive salaries, relocation support, and long-term opportunities.

For engineers considering a move, or those already in the region looking to advance, knowing which companies are hiring can make all the difference.

Saudi Aramco

No list of engineering employers in Saudi Arabia begins anywhere but here. As the national oil company and one of the largest energy enterprises in the world, Saudi Aramco remains a cornerstone of the economy and a major employer of engineers.

The company hires across disciplines, with strong demand for petroleum, mechanical, and electrical engineers. Roles often involve maintaining and upgrading oil and gas infrastructure, though increasing focus is being placed on carbon capture, hydrogen, and alternative energy.

Most positions are based in the Eastern Province—Dhahran, Ras Tanura, Jubail—with some roles in Yanbu on the Red Sea coast. While experience in the energy sector is valued, Aramco also runs training and graduate programmes for younger engineers.

NEOM

If Aramco represents the country’s industrial strength, NEOM stands for its future. A planned city spanning 26,500 square kilometres in the northwest of the country, NEOM is one of the most ambitious development projects on earth.

It includes The Line, a 170-kilometre linear city with no cars or streets; Trojena, a mountain resort; and Oxagon, a floating industrial hub. Each requires vast engineering coordination.

NEOM is hiring civil and structural engineers to design infrastructure, as well as specialists in smart cities, renewable energy, water systems, and digital construction. The work is highly technical, often involving Building Information Modelling (BIM), automation, and sustainable materials.

The company draws talent globally and operates in English. While based in the Tabuk region, many roles are initially managed from Riyadh.

ACWA Power

As Saudi Arabia shifts toward cleaner energy, ACWA Power has become a key player. The company develops and operates power plants and desalination facilities, with a growing portfolio in solar, wind, and green hydrogen.

It is behind some of the world’s largest renewable projects, including the 2.6-gigawatt Sudair Solar Plant and the NEOM Green Hydrogen Project—the first of its kind at commercial scale.

Engineers with backgrounds in power systems, thermal and electrical engineering, and plant operations are in demand. The company also hires project engineers and specialists in operations and maintenance.

Headquartered in Riyadh, ACWA Power works across the Kingdom and has expanded into other markets, offering engineers both local impact and international exposure.

Saudi Electricity Company (SEC)

As the main provider of electricity in the country, the Saudi Electricity Company is responsible for the national grid, substations, and distribution networks. With rising demand and a push toward smart infrastructure, SEC is modernising its systems and expanding its workforce.

The company hires electrical engineers for roles in grid management, protection systems, and substation design. There is also growing need for engineers with experience in automation, SCADA systems, and renewable integration.

Most positions are based in major cities—Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam—with regional offices supporting local networks. Knowledge of Saudi standards is an advantage, and while Arabic is useful, many technical teams operate in English.

The Royal Commission for Riyadh City

Riyadh is undergoing one of the largest urban transformations in the Middle East. New parks, metro lines, sports venues, and business districts are reshaping the capital.

The Royal Commission for Riyadh City oversees much of this development, managing projects such as King Salman Park, the Sports Boulevard, and major transportation upgrades.

The commission hires civil engineers, transportation planners, and project managers to deliver these initiatives. There is also demand for MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) engineers and BIM specialists to support complex construction workflows.

Given the scale and visibility of the projects, working with the Royal Commission offers engineers the chance to leave a lasting mark on the city.

Major Saudi Contractors

Large local contracting firms play a central role in delivering infrastructure. Companies such as Nesma & Partners, Saudi Binyan, El Seif, and Al Rashid Trading & Contracting are involved in nearly every major project, from housing developments to airport expansions.

These firms typically hire site engineers, project engineers, planning engineers, and HSE (health, safety, and environment) specialists. Work is often field-based, with long hours and on-site responsibilities.

While some roles require Arabic language skills, many multinational projects use English as the working language. These companies are also more likely to hire mid-career engineers with practical construction experience.

Qiddiya Investment Company

Located just outside Riyadh, Qiddiya is being developed as an entertainment, sports, and cultural destination. Plans include theme parks, a safari, motorsport venues, and indoor ski facilities.

Building such a complex requires significant engineering input. The company is hiring civil and structural engineers, geotechnical specialists, and engineers with experience in large-scale entertainment infrastructure.

There is also demand for those familiar with underground construction, acoustics, and energy-efficient design. Given the project’s focus on experience and innovation, engineers with creative problem-solving skills are particularly valued.

Red Sea Global

Formerly known as The Red Sea Development Company, Red Sea Global is building a luxury tourism destination across more than ninety islands along the western coast.

The project is notable for its environmental goals: it aims to run entirely on renewable energy and maintain strict ecological standards.

This has created demand for marine engineers, coastal protection specialists, and environmental engineers. Water and wastewater engineers are also needed to support off-grid resorts.

The work is technically challenging and environmentally sensitive, making it a strong option for engineers interested in sustainability and conservation.

Diriyah Gate Development Authority

Diriyah, the historic birthplace of the Saudi state, is being transformed into a cultural and heritage destination. The project includes restored mud-brick buildings, new museums, and supporting infrastructure.

The Diriyah Gate Development Authority hires civil engineers, utilities specialists, and project managers to deliver roads, drainage, and underground services. There is also a need for engineers who understand heritage preservation and traditional construction methods.

Based near Riyadh, the project blends modern engineering with historical context—a rare combination that appeals to many professionals.

International Engineering Firms

Global companies are increasingly active in Saudi Arabia, often partnering with local entities on large-scale developments.

Firms such as AECOM, Jacobs, WSP, and Bechtel have established offices in Riyadh and Jeddah, working on transportation, urban planning, energy, and water projects.

These companies typically offer structured career paths, international assignments, and high technical standards. They primarily operate in English and often sponsor visas, making them a preferred choice for expatriate engineers.

While competition for roles can be strong, candidates with experience in BIM, project controls, or sustainable design often stand out.

What Engineers Should Know

The job market in Saudi Arabia is active, but not always fast-moving. Hiring processes can take weeks or months, especially for government-linked entities.

Salaries are generally tax-free and often include housing, transportation, and health benefits. Mid-level engineers with five or more years of experience are in highest demand, though graduate programmes exist at Aramco, NEOM, and some international firms.

Certifications such as a Professional Engineer (PE) licence, PMP, or FE/PE equivalency can improve prospects. Familiarity with tools like AutoCAD, Primavera, or Revit is often expected.

For those considering a move, the window is open. Vision 2030 is still in its middle phase, and the engineering needs of the country will only grow in the coming decade.

Saudi Arabia is not simply building more infrastructure—it is redefining what infrastructure can be. From zero-carbon cities to underground entertainment complexes, the projects underway require skill, precision, and imagination.

For engineers, this means opportunity. Not just for employment, but for meaningful work on projects that will shape the country for generations.

The companies hiring today are not just filling roles. They are assembling the teams that will build the next chapter of Saudi Arabia’s story. And they are looking for engineers ready to take part.