Hydraulic Lab Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title

Hydraulic Lab Manager (Marine Experienced)

Reporting To

Engineering Director – Marine / Project Director

Location

Abu Dhabi, UAE (with offshore/onshore project support)

Job Purpose

To manage and lead the Hydraulic Laboratory for marine and offshore engineering activities, ensuring accurate testing, analysis, and validation of hydraulic, dredging, and marine-related experiments. The role ensures laboratory operations comply with ADNOC engineering standards, HSE requirements, and international best practices, supporting design, project execution, and operational decision-making.

Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Lab Operations Management

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee daily laboratory operations including hydraulic, sediment, dredging, and marine simulation tests.
• Ensure proper calibration, maintenance, and operation of lab equipment, flumes, pumps, and measurement devices.
• Monitor lab productivity, workflow, and testing schedules to support project requirements.

Technical & Experimental Oversight

• Design and supervise hydraulic experiments related to dredging, marine structures, sediment transport, and offshore operations.
• Provide technical support to engineering and project teams using lab data for design validation and operational planning.
• Develop test methodologies and protocols ensuring accuracy, repeatability, and reliability of results.

HSE & Compliance

• Ensure the laboratory complies with ADNOC HSEMS, marine safety standards, and laboratory safety protocols.
• Conduct risk assessments, safe work procedures, and emergency drills for lab personnel.
• Ensure proper handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals and marine sediments.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and manage laboratory engineers, technicians, and support staff.
• Ensure staff competency, training, and certification are maintained.
• Foster a culture of safety, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.

Reporting & Stakeholder Coordination

• Prepare lab reports, test results, and technical summaries for project teams, contractors, and ADNOC management.
• Interface with offshore/onshore operations, dredging teams, and design engineers to support operational decisions.
• Participate in project meetings, technical reviews, and audits.

Continuous Improvement

• Implement process improvements, laboratory automation, and innovative testing techniques.
• Maintain knowledge of emerging technologies in hydraulic and marine engineering.
• Ensure lessons learned from lab experiments are applied to project designs and operations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Hydraulic, Civil, Marine, or Ocean Engineering.
• Master's Degree in Hydraulics, Fluid Mechanics, or Marine Engineering is preferred.
• Professional certification in laboratory management or engineering is an advantage.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum
  12–15 years
  experience in hydraulic, dredging, or marine laboratories.
• Minimum
  5–8 years
  in a supervisory or management role.
• Proven experience in offshore/onshore marine projects and hydraulic modeling for dredging, sediment transport, or coastal infrastructure.
• Familiarity with ADNOC standards, marine engineering, or offshore operations is preferred.

Technical Skills & Knowledge

Technical Competencies

• Hydraulic modeling and marine testing
• Dredging sediment transport and pump testing
• Laboratory quality management and equipment calibration
• Data analysis, instrumentation, and reporting
• ADNOC marine and engineering standards

Knowledge

• Offshore and onshore dredging/marine operations
• Sediment and fluid dynamics in marine environments
• HSEMS, laboratory safety, and marine risk assessment
• Experimental design and verification for marine engineering

Core Competencies

• Strong leadership and team management
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail and quality focus
• Safety and environmental awareness
• Effective communication and reporting

Authority & Accountability

• Authorized to manage all laboratory operations, staff, and testing activities.
• Accountable for the quality, integrity, and compliance of lab results.
• Responsible for HSE compliance, operational efficiency, and technical support to projects.

HSE Responsibilities

• Ensure full compliance with ADNOC HSEMS and laboratory safety procedures.
• Promote a strong safety culture among all lab personnel.
• Support operational risk management through accurate testing and analysis.