Lab Engineer - Materials Characterization and Testing Laboratory - UAEN

Khalifa University Enterprise; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Khalifa University Enterprise in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Laboratory Engineer for Advanced Materials Characterization and Testing Laboratory to support research, teaching and industrial testing of mechanical properties. You will operate and maintain UTMs, hardness testers, and fatigue systems, and perform ASTM/ISO tests.

Responsibilities include data analysis, microstructural characterization using SEM, metallography, and reporting; develop SOPs, ensure EHS compliance, and coordinate new equipment

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Materials Engineering or Metallurgical Engineering
• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience

Responsibilities

• Operate, calibrate, and maintain UTMs, hardness testers, impact machines, and fatigue systems
• Conduct tensile, compression, bending, peel, fatigue, and creep testing per ASTM/ISO standards
• Perform CTOD and K_IC testing per ASTM E1290, E1820, and E399
• Analyze test data to evaluate material performance and failures
• Perform microstructural characterization using optical microscopy and SEM
• Prepare technical reports and SOPs; ensure EHS compliance
• Coordinate installation, calibration, and commissioning of new equipment

Skills

Material characterization

Mechanical testing

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, materials, or metallurgical engineering

Tools

UTMs

Hardness testers

Impact machines

Fatigue systems

SEM

Job description

Hiring Priority is for UAE Nationals as a part of our UAE National training program

Job Purpose:

The Laboratory Engineer – Advanced Materials Characterization and Testing Laboratory is responsible for supporting research, teaching, and industrial testing activities related to the mechanical and structural characterization of materials. The role includes operating and maintaining advanced material testing equipment, ensuring compliance with international testing standards, supporting research projects, and maintaining safe laboratory operations in accordance with EHS policies.

Strategic Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development and operational excellence of the Advanced Materials Characterization and Testing Laboratory ensuring alignment with institutional research objectives and industry standards.
• Drive continuous improvement in testing capabilities, safety protocols, and equipment utilization while fostering a collaborative environment for researchers, faculty, and students.
• Serve as the technical authority on material characterization, supporting high-impact research and enabling data-driven decisions on material performance and structural integrity.

Operational Responsibilities

• Operate, calibrate, and maintain UTMs, hardness testers, impact machines, and fatigue systems
• Conduct tensile, compression, bending, peel, fatigue, and creep testing per ASTM and ISO standards
• Proficient in performing CTOD (Crack Tip Opening Displacement) and K_IC (plane strain fracture toughness) testing in accordance with ASTM E1290, ASTM E1820, and ASTM E399 standards.
• Analyze test data to evaluate material performance, failure mechanisms, and structural integrity
• Perform microstructural characterization and prepare technical reports, utilizing advanced skills in metallographic sample preparation, optical microscopy, SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) analysis, grain size determination, and microstructure evaluation.

Laboratory Operations & Safety

• Manage daily lab operations including scheduling, sample preparation, and documentation
• Develop and maintain SOPs for all testing equipment
• Ensure EHS compliance, conduct risk assessments, and train users on safe equipment operation

Technical Support

• Assist researchers, faculty, and students with material characterization and failure analysis
• Coordinate installation, calibration, and commissioning of new equipment.

Resource Management

• Maintain equipment inventory and manage consumables (grips, extensometers, sensors)
• Support procurement of new equipment and manage lab booking schedules

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or Materials Engineering or Metallurgical Engineering
• A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience.