SME - Construction Domain Expert

About Ai71 and SuperHive

Ai71, based in Abu Dhabi, has developed SuperHive, a specialized AI platform aimed at revolutionizing the construction sector. This agentic AI supports decision-making throughout project lifecycles by interpreting vast amounts of construction data, identifying critical information, and automating labor-intensive tasks. Although SuperHive is established in the Gulf region collaborating with major developers and project owners, it is currently expanding globally to serve the construction industry, the largest worldwide.

The initial product modules—Compliance, Schedule Intelligence, and Cost Estimation Packs—are developed in partnership with a leading UAE master developer, utilizing actual project data. Achieving accurate domain alignment is paramount, as errors in compliance checks, schedule adjustments, or bill of quantities (BOQ) assessments can be detrimental.

Role Overview

The position is for a senior Construction Subject Matter Expert (SME) to act as the core practitioner perspective during SuperHive's development. The ideal candidate has extensive experience within construction and engineering, familiar with processes such as design-standards reviews, Primavera P6 programme rebasing, and quantity surveying. This role requires translating professional judgment into product specifications.

Far from a passive reviewer, the SME interfaces directly with product managers, engineers, and data specialists to define standards of correctness for workflows, validate developments against actual industry conditions, and expedite avoidance of domain-related errors.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish standards for the Packs, detailing what constitutes effective compliance review, schedule intelligence, and cost estimation—including inputs, procedures, exceptions, and failure conditions—ensuring agent outputs reflect seasoned practitioner reasoning.
• Convert expert domain knowledge into technical skillsets by collaborating with teams to translate methodologies—such as UAE code interpretations, critical-path and delay analyses, and elemental cost benchmarking—into structured, machine-readable expertise that empowers SuperHive beyond generic AI functionalities.
• Critically assess agent-generated results against real project examples to detect inaccuracies or superficialities and drive necessary improvements serving as the product's benchmark.
• Collaborate closely with clients’ domain professionals to ensure alignment of SuperHive outputs with authentic workflows, incorporating client feedback into the development roadmap.
• Guide the product roadmap prioritizing automation opportunities, focusing on workflows with the greatest volume and cost impact, and determining practical implementation sequences based on real project operations.
• Represent domain expertise authoritatively during client engagements—including workshops, demonstrations, and discovery sessions—to bolster go-to-market credibility.

Candidate Profile and Requirements

• At least ten years of hands-on experience in construction or engineering with in-depth expertise in one or more of the following: compliance and design-standards reviews, scheduling and planning (Primavera P6, Microsoft Project), cost estimation and bill of quantities/quantity surveying, or BIM/model coordination. Cross-functional experience is advantageous.
• Direct practitioner experience managing key processes such as design submission for approvals, program baselining and reanalysis, estimate production and benchmarking, and BIM coordination—not solely managerial oversight.
• Experience working within the Gulf or UAE context, familiar with local codes, authorities, developers, and project delivery realities, or a strong aptitude for rapid adaptation.
• Proficient with prevalent industry software like ACC/BIM 360, Procore, Aconex, Primavera P6, Revit/IFC, and QS/takeoff tools, with an informed perspective on their effectiveness and limitations.
• Product-oriented mindset capable of meticulously defining workflows, identifying where processes falter, and distinguishing between tool limitations and broader data or operational challenges. Motivated to innovate beyond current standards.
• Excellent communication skills able to engage both technical experts and non-practitioners, translating complex domain knowledge effectively.

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Experience with master developers, project owners, or large programme PMCs in the Gulf region.
• Familiarity with construction AI applications or specialized point solutions, including insights into adoption or rejection factors.
• A comprehensive understanding of cross-domain coordination costs resulting from design changes impacting compliance, cost, and scheduling.
• Arabic language skills and a robust professional network within UAE/GCC construction sectors.
• Practical experience with latest AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and agentic tools like Claude Cowork, including awareness of their influence on workplace efficiency.

Working Environment

• Hybrid work model primarily onsite in the UAE, involving frequent presence at team locations and client sites across the Gulf.
• An AI-embedded workplace utilizing digitized meetings, agent-driven knowledge management, and AI-integrated daily operations, with team collaboration involving AI agents.
• A compact, senior-level team offering significant autonomy and direct impact on product development.
• The SME role is integral within product and engineering teams, defining accuracy standards and directly influencing product quality.