This Modeling Engineer role leads and coordinates the design, planning, and execution of physical modelling studies for coastal and marine engineering projects within the Coastal & Hydrodynamic Center. You will develop physical modelling methodologies, test programs, instrumentation layouts, and technical analyses for coastal structures such as breakwaters, coastal sea defenses, quay walls, and marine infrastructure.
About the Role – Physical Modelling for Coastal & Marine Engineering
Core Mandate: Design, planning, and execution of physical modelling studies for coastal and marine projects
Structure Focus: Breakwaters, coastal sea defenses, quay walls, ports, and marine infrastructure
Technical Scope: Scaling methodologies, testing procedures, instrumentation, and data analysis
Team Leadership: Supervision of Senior Engineers and Graduate Engineers within the Design Team
Location Advantage: Dubai – a hub for major coastal, port, and marine infrastructure development
Career Growth & Technical Leadership
Strategic Location: Dubai – central to the UAE’s marine, port, and coastal infrastructure sector
Specialized Expertise: Rare opportunity to lead hydraulic laboratory and physical modelling programs
Cross-Functional Coordination: Work directly with Laboratory Managers, Plant Engineers, and Specialist Technicians
Career Growth: Contribute to new experimental methods and testing technologies at a specialized research center
Position Overview
This Modeling Engineer / Lead Engineer – Physical Modelling Design role leads the design and execution of physical modelling studies for coastal, marine, and hydraulic engineering projects. You will develop modelling approaches, scaling methodologies, and testing procedures, support technical and commercial proposal preparation, coordinate with Clients, Design Consultants, and the Laboratory Manager, supervise Senior and Graduate Engineers, and review, validate, and report on test data to ensure technical accuracy and reliability throughout project execution.
Why This Role Matters: As Modeling Engineer, you lead physical modelling studies that directly inform the design of breakwaters, ports, and coastal defenses protecting critical marine infrastructure, apply advanced knowledge of wave hydrodynamics and scaling laws to real engineering challenges, supervise and mentor Senior and Graduate Engineers within a specialized Design Team, coordinate across laboratory operations, instrumentation, and client stakeholders, and contribute to the development of new experimental methods within a leading Coastal & Hydrodynamic Center.
Key Responsibilities
Physical Modelling Study Leadership
- 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
- Support continuous improvement of physical modelling methods, testing techniques, and capabilities
Proposal & Stakeholder Coordination
- Support preparation of technical and commercial proposals, including scope, methodology, schedules, and resource planning
- Coordinate with Clients, Design Consultants, and project stakeholders during execution, testing, and reporting
- Participate in technical meetings, workshops, and client presentations representing the Design Team
Laboratory & Technical Coordination
- Coordinate with the Laboratory Manager on model construction, fabrication, testing schedules, and resource allocation
- Coordinate with the Plant Engineer and Specialist Technicians to ensure equipment and instrumentation readiness
- Support troubleshooting and resolution of technical issues during construction, setup, and testing
Team Supervision & Quality Assurance
- Supervise Design Team activities during model setup, calibration, testing, data collection, and reporting
- Provide technical support and guidance to Senior Engineers and Graduate Engineers
- Review physical model layouts, instrumentation plans, testing procedures, and analysis methodologies
Data Analysis & Compliance
- Analyze, validate, and interpret test data to ensure technical accuracy, consistency, and reliability
- Prepare and review technical reports, presentations, and engineering recommendations
- Ensure compliance with HSE procedures, safety requirements, and quality assurance standards
Qualifications & Requirements
Educational Requirements
- Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Coastal Engineering, Maritime Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Physics, or equivalent
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or equivalent required
- PhD in Coastal, Maritime, or Hydraulic Engineering considered an advantage
Experience Requirements
- Minimum 10 years of engineering and design experience in coastal, marine, or hydraulic engineering
- Minimum 5 years of experience in hydraulic laboratories and physical modelling of coastal and marine structures
- Experience in physical modelling studies for breakwaters, quay walls, coastal protection, ports, and marine infrastructure
Technical Competencies
- Strong technical knowledge of coastal and hydraulic physical modelling techniques and laboratory testing methodologies
- Good understanding of wave hydrodynamics, coastal processes, and physical model scaling laws
- Familiarity with instrumentation systems, data acquisition systems, and analysis tools
Leadership & Communication Skills
- Strong coordination, planning, and organizational skills with leadership and team supervision capabilities
- Experience in preparation of technical proposals, project planning, and engineering coordination
- Fluent English required (written and verbal); Arabic preferred
- Proficiency in MS Office and AutoCAD; familiarity with hydraulic modelling software is an asset
About This Coastal & Hydrodynamic Center Opportunity
This Modeling Engineer role sits within a specialized Coastal & Hydrodynamic Center in Dubai, delivering physical modelling studies that inform the design of breakwaters, coastal defenses, ports, and marine infrastructure across the region. The position combines technical leadership, laboratory coordination, and client-facing responsibilities, offering strong career growth for engineers who want to specialize in coastal and hydraulic physical modelling.
Career Excellence: Lead physical modelling research that shapes the marine and coastal infrastructure of the future in one of the world’s most active development markets.
Who Should Apply?
- Coastal/Maritime Engineers: With 10+ years including hands-on hydraulic laboratory experience
- Physical Modelling Specialists: Experienced in breakwater, quay wall, and port infrastructure testing
- Senior Marine Engineers: Ready to lead a Design Team and mentor junior engineers
- Hydraulic Laboratory Managers: Skilled in instrumentation, testing, and data validation
- PhD Holders in Coastal/Maritime Engineering: Seeking a technical leadership role in applied research
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