Hydraulic Lab Manager (Marine Experienced)

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.
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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
Bachelors Degree in Hydraulic, Civil, Marine, or Ocean Engineering.
Masters 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.