Senior Mechanical Engineer

United Arab Emirates University; Al Ain; On-site; AED 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

The United Arab Emirates University invites applications for a Lead Mechanical Engineer to head the CNC & Metal Fabrication Lab within the Industry 4.0 District. You will supervise CNC machines, laser cutters, sheet metal forming, and precision manufacturing while mentoring staff and delivering training to students in Arabic and English.

The role focuses on quality control, process optimization, and collaboration with R&D and design teams to advance prototyping, educational workshops, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
• 8+ years in CNC machining, metal fabrication and precision manufacturing.
• Strong CNC programming experience (G-Code, CAM software).
• Proficient in CAD (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor, CATIA).
• Experience with 3D metal printing, laser cutting, sheet metal forming, and welding.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma.
• Hands‑on experience in machine setup, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
• High communication skills, verbal and written in both Arabic & English.

Responsibilities

• Oversee CNC machining, digital lathes, laser cutters, wire cutting, press brake and other metal fabrication processes.
• Develop and implement best practices for machining, metal forming, and welding operations.
• Ensure high precision and quality control in all fabricated components.
• Optimize manufacturing workflows to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Manage inventory of raw materials, tooling, and consumables for the metal section.
• Stay updated with industry trends, automation, and advanced machining techniques.
• Supervise engineers and technicians, providing technical guidance and support.
• Train and upskill staff in CNC programming, metal forming, welding, and safety procedures.
• Ensure adherence to workplace safety standards and maintenance schedules.
• Collaborate with R&D, design and other sections teams to enhance prototyping and product development.
• Design and deliver practical training programs for university students in CNC machining and metalwork.
• Conduct workshops on CAD/CAM, CNC operations, and fabrication techniques.
• Assist students with capstone projects, industrial research, and hands‑on prototyping.
• Implement quality control measures to maintain precision and consistency.
• Troubleshoot machining errors, defects, and operational challenges.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, material handling, and machine operation standards.
• Support prototyping, R&D, and industrial projects using CNC and metal fabrication technologies.
• Explore new materials, machining strategies, and automation techniques for better efficiency.

Skills

CNC programming

CAD software

Lean Six Sigma

Team leadership

Arabic & English

3D printing

Troubleshooting

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering

Master’s degree in mechanical/mechatronics (preferred)

Tools

Mastercam

Fusion 360

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

CATIA

Job description

Job Description

The Industry 4.0 District is a major initiative by UAE University, aligning with its goal to become the “University of the Future”. This District Hub is an advanced industrial innovation and prototyping centre, designed to bridge the gap between research, education, and industry. Equipped with state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies, including CNC machining, additive manufacturing, automation systems, robotics and drones. The hub serves as a collaborative space for engineers, students, and industry professionals. Our mission is to drive cutting-edge research, product development, and technical training to empower the next generation of innovators and enhance industrial capabilities. The successful candidate for the Lead Mechanical Engineer position will collaborate closely with the District’s management and coordinators. We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Mechanical Engineer with at least 8+ years of experience to lead our CNC & Metal Fabrication Lab within the District 4.0. This individual will be responsible for overseeing CNC machining, metal sheet fabrication, and precision manufacturing, ensuring high-quality production, efficiency, and innovation. The role also includes mentoring staff, developing training programs, and conducting educational sessions for university students & researchers in both Arabic and English languages to transfer industry knowledge. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 1. Technical & Operational Management * Oversee the section’s related machines, like CNCs, digital lathes, laser cutters, wire cutting, press break and other metal fabrication processes. * Develop and implement best practices for machining, metal forming, and welding operations. * Ensure high precision and quality control in all fabricated components. * Optimize manufacturing workflows to improve efficiency and reduce waste. * Manage inventory of raw materials, tooling, and consumables for the metal section. * Stay updated with industry trends, automation, and advanced machining techniques. 2.Team Leadership & Staff Training * Supervise engineers and technicians , providing technical guidance and support. * Train and upskill staff in CNC programming, metal forming, welding, and safety procedures. * Ensure adherence to workplace safety standards and maintenance schedules. * Collaborate with R&D, design and other sections teams to enhance prototyping and product development. 3. Student Training & Educational Programs * Design and deliver practical training programs for university students in CNC machining and metalwork. * Conduct workshops on CAD/CAM, CNC operations, and fabrication techniques. * Assist students with capstone projects, industrial research, and hands‑on prototyping. 4. Quality Control & Process Improvement * Implement quality control measures to maintain precision and consistency. * Troubleshoot machining errors, defects, and operational challenges. * Ensure compliance with safety regulations, material handling, and machine operation standards. 5. Research, Development & Innovation * Support prototyping, R&D, and industrial projects using CNC and metal fabrication technologies. * Explore new materials, machining strategies, and automation techniques for better efficiency.

Minimum Qualifications

• • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
• • 8+ years of experience in CNC machining, metal fabrication, and precision manufacturing.
• • Strong expertise in CNC programming (G-Code, CAM software like Mastercam, Fusion 360, or SolidCAM).
• • Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor, or CATIA).
• • Experience with 3D Metal printing, laser cutting, sheet metal forming, and welding processes.
• • Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process optimization methodologies.
• • Hands‑on experience in machine setup, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
• • High communication skills, verbal and written in both Arabic & English, to engage with team and students.

Preferred Qualifications

• • A master’s degree in mechanical/mechatronics is strongly recommended.
• • Previous experience in mentoring, training, or conducting educational workshops is a plus.