Senior Engineer - Material

Senior Material Engineer – Infrastructure Projects

Job Summary

The Senior Material Engineer is responsible for leading and managing all material engineering and quality control activities for large-scale infrastructure projects, ensuring that all construction materials comply with contract requirements, approved specifications, authority regulations, and applicable international standards.

The role oversees material approvals, laboratory testing, supplier evaluations, quality assurance processes, and material compliance throughout the project lifecycle. The Senior Material Engineer provides technical leadership to Material Engineers and Inspectors while working closely with the Project Director, Resident Engineers, QA/QC Team, Contractors, Laboratories, Suppliers, and Authorities to ensure timely approval and proper utilization of construction materials.

Key Job Duties

1. Material Management & Approvals

• Lead the review and approval of material submittals, manufacturers' data, technical specifications, and compliance certificates.

• Ensure all materials comply with contract requirements, project specifications, and authority standards.

• Evaluate alternative material proposals and provide technical recommendations.

• Coordinate material approvals with the Client, Contractors, and relevant authorities.

2. Quality Assurance & Testing

• Oversee laboratory and field testing programmes to verify material compliance.

• Review test reports, mix designs, trial results, and quality certifications.

• Ensure implementation of approved Inspection & Test Plans (ITPs) related to construction materials.

• Monitor material quality from procurement through installation.

3. Supplier & Manufacturing Oversight

• Conduct supplier, manufacturer, batching plant, asphalt plant, precast yard, and quarry evaluations.

• Participate in factory inspections and source approvals where required.

• Monitor supplier performance and recommend corrective actions where necessary.

• Coordinate with procurement and construction teams to ensure timely material availability.

4. Site Quality & Compliance

• Monitor storage, handling, transportation, and installation of construction materials.

• Ensure only approved materials are incorporated into the works.

• Lead investigations into material-related NCRs and quality issues.

• Recommend preventive and corrective actions to maintain quality standards.

5. Stakeholder & Authority Coordination

• Liaise with Clients, Contractors, Testing Laboratories, Suppliers, Manufacturers, and Authorities regarding material-related matters.

• Participate in technical meetings, authority inspections, and quality reviews.

• Support testing & commissioning and asset handover by ensuring complete material documentation.

6. Leadership & Reporting

• Lead and mentor Material Engineers and Material Inspectors.

• Maintain material approval registers, testing records, and quality databases.

• Prepare material status reports, quality dashboards, and management summaries.

• Identify material risks and recommend mitigation measures to support project delivery.

Required Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Materials Engineering, or an equivalent engineering discipline.

• Postgraduate qualification in Materials Engineering or Construction Management is an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 15 years of experience in material engineering and quality management on major infrastructure projects, including at least 5 years as a Senior Material Engineer or Material Manager.

• Proven experience in roads, asphalt, concrete, utilities, drainage, sewerage, potable water, irrigation, electrical, and public realm works.

• Extensive experience with laboratory testing, material approvals, supplier assessments, and quality management systems.

• Strong knowledge of UAE authority requirements and infrastructure material specifications.

Technical Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of construction materials, ASTM, AASHTO, BS, EN, and other relevant international standards.

• Strong experience reviewing material submittals, mix designs, technical specifications, laboratory reports, and quality documentation.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Asite, and document management systems.

• Good understanding of FIDIC contracts, QA/QC systems, and infrastructure construction methodologies.

Behavioural & Management Competencies

• Strong leadership and team management skills.

• Excellent analytical, technical, and problem-solving abilities.

• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.

• High attention to detail and commitment to quality excellence.

• Professional, proactive, and committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and client satisfaction.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.