Lead Engineer - Physical Modeling Design

General information

Department: Engineering
Section: Coastal & Hydrodynamic Center

Reporting, interaction lines & operating environment

Functionally reports to
- Coastal & Hydrodynamic Center Manager

Operationally reports to
- Principal Engineer - Physical Modelling Design
- Coastal & Hydrodynamic Center Manager

Supervises
- Senior Engineer
- Graduate

Working relationships
- Laboratory Manager
- Plant Engineer
- Specialist Technicians
- Design Consultant(s)
- Client(s)
- Other Supporting Staff

Operating environment
- Physical model testing

Job purpose

- Lead and coordinate the design, planning, and execution of physical modelling studies for coastal and marine engineering projects within the Coastal & Hydrodynamic Center.
- Responsible for developing physical modelling methodologies, test programs, instrumentation layouts, and technical analyses for coastal structures such as breakwaters, coastal sea defenses, quay walls, and marine infrastructure.
- Support preparation of technical and commercial proposals and maintain effective coordination with clients, design consultants, and project stakeholders during project execution.
- Coordinate closely with the Laboratory Manager, Plant Engineer, and Specialist Technicians during physical model construction, setup, instrumentation, testing, and reporting activities.
- Supervise and provide technical guidance to Senior Engineers and Graduate Engineers within the Design Team.
- Support continuous improvement of physical modelling methods, testing techniques, and capabilities.

Principal accountabilities

- Lead the design and execution of physical modelling studies for coastal, marine, and hydraulic engineering projects.
- Develop physical modelling approaches, scaling methodologies, testing procedures, instrumentation requirements, and analysis methods in accordance with project objectives and industry best practices.
- Support preparation of technical and commercial proposals, including scope definition, methodology development, schedules, manpower requirements, and resource planning.
- Coordinate with clients, design consultants, and project stakeholders during project execution, testing activities, and reporting stages.
- Coordinate closely with the Laboratory Manager regarding model construction activities, fabrication requirements, testing schedules, resource allocation, and operational priorities.
- Coordinate with the Plant Engineer and Specialist Technicians to ensure readiness and suitability of equipment, instrumentation systems, and testing infrastructure.
- Supervise Design Team activities during physical model setup, calibration, testing execution, data collection, interpretation, and reporting.
- Provide technical support and guidance to Senior Engineers and Graduate Engineers to ensure quality and consistency of engineering deliverables.
- Review physical model layouts, instrumentation plans, testing procedures, and analysis methodologies.
- Analyze, validate, and interpret test data to ensure technical accuracy, consistency, and reliability of results.
- Prepare and review technical reports, presentations, and engineering recommendations related to physical modelling studies.
- Support troubleshooting and resolution of technical issues arising during model construction, setup, instrumentation, and testing activities.
- Ensure compliance with HSE procedures, safety requirements, quality assurance standards, and operational procedures throughout project execution.
- Contribute to the development of new experimental methods, testing technologies, and modelling techniques within the Coastal & Hydrodynamic Center.
- Participate in technical meetings, workshops, and client presentations representing the Design Team.

Educational qualifications & certifications

- Master degree in Civil Engineering, Coastal Engineering, Maritime Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Physics, or equivalent is required.
- Bachelor degree in Engineering or equivalent is required.
- PhD in Coastal, Maritime, or Hydraulic Engineering is considered an advantage.

Relevant experience

- Minimum 10 years of engineering and design experience in coastal, marine, or hydraulic engineering industries.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in hydraulic laboratories and physical modelling of coastal and marine structures.
- Experience in design and execution of physical modelling studies for breakwaters, quay walls, coastal protection works, ports, and marine infrastructure projects is required.
- Experience in coordination with clients, design consultants, and multidisciplinary engineering teams is preferred.
- Experience in supervision of engineering teams and laboratory testing activities is an asset.

Competencies

- Strong technical knowledge of coastal and hydraulic physical modelling techniques, laboratory testing methodologies, and marine engineering principles.
- Good understanding of wave hydrodynamics, coastal processes, and physical model scaling laws.
- Strong coordination, planning, and organizational skills.
- Leadership and team supervision capabilities.
- Experience in preparation of technical proposals, project planning, and engineering coordination.
- Ability to coordinate effectively with laboratory operations, construction teams, instrumentation specialists, and technical personnel.
- Strong analytical, technical reporting, and problem-solving skills.
- Good communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- Familiarity with instrumentation systems, data acquisition systems, and analysis tools.
- Knowledge of HSE regulations, safety standards, and quality assurance procedures.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities within demanding schedules.

Verbal communication / language skills

- Required: Fluent English
- Preferred: Arabic
- Any other language is an asset

Written communication skills

- Required: English
- Preferred: Arabic
- Any other language is an asset

IT skills

- MS Office - Word, advanced Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
- AUTOCAD
- Familiarity with hydraulic modelling software, data analysis tools, and reporting systems is an asset

Other

- Accuracy and self-reliant
- Flexibility: being on duty for longer periods and willing to perform additional tasks as advised by line manager
- Strong business affinity
- Passing physical fitness assessment from a recognized health service provider is mandatory