Hydrographic Survey Engineer - Marine Construction

About the Role

We are seeking a Hydrographic Survey Engineer specialized in marine construction to oversee and conduct hydrographic and marine surveying operations for offshore and marine construction projects. This position demands ensuring precise positioning, accurate hydrographic data gathering, setting out, and as-built surveys aligned with project standards, client requirements, and industry practices.

Main Responsibilities

• Devise and implement marine, hydrographic, bathymetric, and topographic surveys.
• Carry out positioning and setting out for marine infrastructure including jetties, quay walls, dolphins, breakwaters, revetments, pipelines, and offshore facilities.
• Establish survey control systems such as networks, benchmarks, reference points, and tide gauges, applying necessary tide and datum corrections.
• Confirm coordinates, elevation levels, alignments, and construction tolerance compliance.
• Develop and assess survey methodologies, procedures, and operational plans.
• Provide support for marine construction activities such as dredging, reclamation, piling, and offshore installations.
• Analyze survey data and offer engineering assistance to construction personnel.
• Calculate volumes for dredging and reclamation projects.
• Interpret technical drawings, project specs, and survey requirements.
• Monitor structural stability including movements, settlements, and deformations when necessary.
• Ensure survey precision and adherence to project tolerances.
• Offer technical advice to enhance marine construction processes.
• Operate and supervise maritime survey equipment: GNSS/GPS, RTK systems, total stations, multibeam and single beam echo sounders, auto levels, tide gauges, and drone/UAV survey technology.
• Maintain proper calibration, upkeep, and certification of equipment, including conducting patch tests and bar checks.
• Collaborate with suppliers for equipment troubleshooting and repair.
• Process and interpret survey datasets with specialized hydrographic software such as HYPACK, QINSy, EIVA, or CARIS.
• Produce survey reports, hydrographic charts, cross-sections, profiles, and as-built drawings.
• Create bathymetric maps and volume calculation reports.
• Keep detailed survey records and documentation.
• Draft daily, weekly, and monthly progress reports.
• Coordinate with engineers, construction teams, QA/QC staff, subcontractors, clients, consultants, and regulatory bodies about survey activities.
• Participate in project meetings and deliver technical presentations to management and clients.
• Enforce quality assurance and control by adhering to project and international standards through regular verifications and validations of survey accuracy.
• Maintain survey control documentation and equipment calibration certificates.
• Conform to health, safety, and environmental policies including marine safety regulations, permit-to-work systems, and use of required personal protective equipment.
• Engage in risk assessments, safety briefings, incident reporting, and support continuous safety improvement initiatives.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Surveying, Geomatics, Civil Engineering, Marine Engineering, or a related field is mandatory.
• At least 5 to 10 years of significant experience in hydrographic surveying and marine construction projects.
• Essential expertise in hydrographic and bathymetric survey techniques.
• Professional survey certifications such as IHO Category A or B are advantageous.
• Prior involvement with ADNOC projects is preferred, along with familiarity with ADNOC standards and procedures.
• Possession of a valid UAE driving license is preferable.

Skills and Competencies

• Comprehensive understanding of hydrographic and marine surveying principles.
• Proficiency with survey software including AutoCAD, Civil 3D, GIS, HYPACK, QINSy, EIVA, CARIS, Trimble Business Center, and Leica Infinity/Leica Geo Office.
• Knowledge of marine construction and dredging operations.
• Strong skills in interpreting engineering drawings and specifications.
• Advanced capabilities in data processing and analytical assessment.
• Excellent written communication skills and report preparation.
• Ability to work efficiently in offshore and challenging marine environments.

Preferred Industry Background

• Experience with marine construction projects, ports, harbours, dredging, reclamation, offshore oil and gas platforms, jetties, marine terminals, breakwaters, quay walls, subsea pipelines, coastal defense structures, and ADNOC marine/offshore initiatives.

Additional Information

• Applicants must currently reside within the UAE.
• Work location is site-based at marine and offshore project sites across the UAE.
• Preference given to candidates previously approved by ADNOC as Marine Survey Engineers with knowledge of their specific standards, safety protocols, and permit-to-work requirements.