Job description

Wood is currently recruiting for an experienced PMC Lead Ground Improvement Engineer for our ADNOC project in Abu Dhabi within our Oil, Gas & New Energies business. 
Due to the nature of the projects and client expectation, the position will be based full time at our client office in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. 
The Role
The PMC Lead Ground Improvement Engineer is responsible for overseeing, reviewing, and managing all ground improvement activities executed by contractors during project delivery. Acting on behalf of the Project Management Consultant (PMC), the engineer ensures that all ground improvement works comply with project specifications, design requirements, international standards, quality, safety, and schedule objectives.

Our Clients and Projects

Designing the future. Transforming the world. 

Wood's Oil, Gas & New Energies business is built on a strong legacy of delivering large and complex projects for national and international energy companies across the globe. We have experienced teams, a proven delivery model and a strong reputation. 

We are the market-leading provider of integrated and innovative solutions that challenge the status-quo in the oil and gas upstream and midstream, onshore and offshore, gas to liquids and decarbonization and electrification markets. We pride ourselves in steady and predictable delivery, setting our sights on an exciting growth trajectory.  

Energy security, transition and supply have never been more important. You, our enabling teams, are at the very forefront of transformative projects that are providing sustainable power to generations to come. We are the ones to bring low-carbon concepts to reality. 

What we can offer

• Meaningful and interesting projects: Delivered to high profile clients across the Energy Sector
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: We are an organization actively committed to diversity and inclusion across our business 
• Competitive remuneration package: With regular reviews to ensure we are rewarding at the right level in line with the market 
• Medical Insurance: Ensures inpatient, and outpatient medical care is available should you require treatment
• Group Life and Personal Accident Insurance: The company provides Life Assurance cover 
• End of Service Gratuity: In line with UAE Labor Law, all employees are eligible for an End of Service benefit
• The Employee Share Plan: Gives you the opportunity to purchase Wood shares and receive a match from the company
• Long Service Award: Wood values the commitment and loyalty of our people. Celebrating Long Service provides an opportunity for the business to demonstrate their appreciation of the hard work, dedication and many years’ service of our employees at 5 year service milestones
• Commitment to continued professional development: Development plans that are tailored to your individual needs and interests 
• Global connections: Join experts around the world who are at the leading edge of our industry, shaping the standards of our profession 
• Energy Transition Academy: Join a community of experts sharing your knowledge and gaining more exposure to a variety of existing and emerging energy systems – delivered by experts in their field

Technical Leadership

• Lead the review and approval of ground improvement methodologies submitted by EPC/Construction Contractors.
• Review geotechnical investigation reports, soil improvement designs, calculations, and construction procedures.
• Ensure compliance with project specifications, contract requirements, and applicable international standards.
• Coordinate with geotechnical consultants, structural engineers, civil engineers, and designers regarding foundation performance.
• Review instrumentation and monitoring plans for settlement, pore pressure, lateral movement, and other geotechnical parameters.
• Provide technical guidance on various ground improvement techniques including:
  • Vibro Compaction
  • Vibro Replacement (Stone Columns)
  • Dynamic Compaction
  • Rapid Impact Compaction
  • Deep Soil Mixing
  • Jet Grouting
  • Prefabricated Vertical Drains (PVD)
  • Vacuum Consolidation
  • Compaction Grouting
  • Controlled Modulus Columns (CMC)
  • Rigid Inclusions
  • Soil Stabilization using Cement/Lime

Construction Supervision

• Monitor contractor performance during execution of ground improvement works.
• Verify that approved construction methodologies are followed.
• Review daily, weekly, and monthly progress reports.
• Witness field trials, production works, load tests, and acceptance testing.
• Ensure proper implementation of quality control procedures.
• Review and approve inspection and test plans (ITPs), method statements, and work procedures.

Quality Assurance & Quality Control

• Review laboratory and field testing results.
• Verify compliance with acceptance criteria.
• Ensure calibration and certification of testing equipment.
• Review as-built documentation and completion reports.
• Identify quality deviations and recommend corrective actions.

Project Management

• Monitor project schedule and identify risks affecting ground improvement activities.
• Coordinate with planning engineers to ensure timely completion.
• Participate in progress meetings with contractors and stakeholders.
• Review contractor claims related to ground improvement works.
• Support change management and technical evaluations.

Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE)

• Ensure all ground improvement activities comply with project HSE requirements.
• Participate in safety audits and site inspections.
• Promote safe execution practices for specialized geotechnical works.

Documentation & Reporting

• Prepare technical reports and engineering assessments.
• Review contractor submissions and RFIs.
• Maintain records of inspections, approvals, and testing.
• Issue technical recommendations to the PMC Project Manager.

What makes you remarkable? 

At Wood, we are committed to equal opportunities and welcome all talented individuals to consider joining our team. So even if you don't match every statement below but feel you have some of the experience, knowledge or skills needed for this role, we encourage you to apply. It will take all of us working together to deliver solutions to the world’s most critical challenges.  

Expected:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Geotechnical Engineering.
• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering is preferred.
• Professional Engineer (PE), Chartered Engineer (CEng), or equivalent certification is desirable.
• 15+ years of experience in geotechnical engineering.
• Minimum 8 years managing ground improvement works on major infrastructure, industrial, marine, airport, port, or oil & gas projects.
• Previous experience working for a PMC, Engineer, or Owner's Engineer is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with multiple ground improvement techniques across large-scale projects.
• Technical Skills
• Strong understanding of soil mechanics and foundation engineering.
• Expertise in ground improvement design, construction, and quality control.
• Familiarity with geotechnical software such as PLAXIS, GeoStudio, Settle3, gINT, and AutoCAD.
• Knowledge of international standards (Eurocode 7, ASTM, BS, AASHTO, FHWA, and local regulations).
• Ability to interpret geotechnical investigation data and field monitoring results.