Materials SME - Roads & Bridges

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Materials Subject Matter Expert (SME) specializing in Roads and Bridges to join our team. This critical role will serve as the technical authority for all construction materials, ensuring strict adherence to contract specifications, client requirements, international standards, and long-term durability standards for bridge and transportation infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise in material engineering, quality compliance, and testing methodologies to support the successful execution of complex infrastructure projects.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Subject Matter Expertise

The Materials SME will provide authoritative technical guidance to project management, engineering, construction, quality assurance, and commercial teams. Responsibilities include:

• Acting as the principal authority on all materials engineering matters throughout the project lifecycle;
• Developing and implementing robust material compliance strategies and quality management frameworks;
• Reviewing, approving, and endorsing material specifications, submittals, testing protocols, and quality procedures;
• Leading the resolution of complex, material-related technical challenges encountered during project execution;
• Ensuring full compliance with client specifications, MOTLS standards, Saudi regulations, and globally recognized best practices.

Bridge Structures Expertise

The role requires comprehensive knowledge of materials used in bridge construction, including:

• High-performance structural concrete for bridge elements;
• Reinforced concrete components and post-tensioning systems;
• Structural steel fabrication and protective coatings;
• Bearings, expansion joints, precast components, waterproofing systems, and corrosion protection measures;
• Specialty materials for advanced bridge construction applications.

Transportation Infrastructure Materials

In addition to bridges, the SME will oversee materials for roadway infrastructure, such as:

• Asphalt pavements and aggregate base/subbase materials;
• Concrete pavements and retaining wall systems;
• Drainage infrastructure, geosynthetics, geotechnical products, and highway safety barriers;
• Specialized materials for complex transportation projects.

Material Approval & Compliance Management

The SME will lead the review and approval of contractor material submittals, ensuring all materials meet project durability, performance, and regulatory requirements. This includes:

• Developing and maintaining structured material approval workflows and compliance tracking systems;
• Supporting procurement teams with technical evaluations of material suppliers and alternatives;
• Ensuring traceability and conformity of all materials used in construction.

Testing & Laboratory Oversight

The role encompasses the establishment and oversight of material testing protocols, including:

• Defining project-wide testing requirements and quality assurance procedures;
• Reviewing and approving testing plans, laboratory methodologies, and compliance documentation;
• Evaluating laboratory performance and validating test results to ensure alignment with project standards;
• Supporting continuous improvement in testing accuracy and reliability.

Durability & Asset Performance Management

The SME will ensure that material selections support the long-term structural integrity and performance of infrastructure assets by:

• Reviewing durability design requirements and recommending enhancements where necessary;
• Supporting lifecycle cost optimization through informed material engineering decisions;
• Collaborating with design teams to integrate durability considerations into project specifications.

Construction Quality Assurance

During construction, the SME will provide technical oversight to ensure material compliance, including:

• Supporting Resident Engineers, Material Inspectors, and QA/QC teams with technical guidance;
• Reviewing material installation records, inspection reports, and quality documentation;
• Participating in audits, surveillance activities, and quality reviews;
• Investigating material non-conformances and approving corrective action strategies to maintain project integrity.

Structural Concrete & Steel Engineering

The SME will deliver specialized expertise in structural concrete and steel, including:

• Concrete Engineering: Reviewing and approving concrete mix designs, monitoring production, placement, curing, and testing procedures, and ensuring compliance with bridge-specific performance criteria;
• Structural Steel Engineering: Evaluating fabrication procedures, material certifications, welding materials, coating systems, and corrosion protection requirements to ensure compliance with project specifications;
• Supporting inspections and factory acceptance testing for steel components.

Procurement & Supplier Qualification

The role involves evaluating and qualifying material suppliers, manufacturers, and production facilities through:

• Conducting supplier audits and factory inspections to verify compliance with project standards;
• Assessing alternative material proposals and value-engineering opportunities;
• Ensuring supply chain alignment with specified quality and performance requirements;
• Collaborating with procurement teams to mitigate risks associated with material sourcing.

This position is ideal for a detail-oriented professional with a proven track record in materials engineering within the infrastructure sector, capable of delivering technical excellence while ensuring compliance, durability, and long-term asset performance.