Research Engineer - Wireless Sensor System for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM)

The Division of Physical Sciences and Engineering at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia, invites applications for Research Engineer in Mechanical Engineering at the Mechanics of Composites for Energy and Mobility Lab. (MCEM, https://composites.kaust.edu.sa).

Field of study

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Engineer to join our research lab and contribute to the development of wireless sensor systems for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) applications. The role focuses on mechatronic system development, with strong emphasis on electronics, embedded systems, and experimental validation.

The successful candidate will work closely with researchers to design, fabricate, test, and deploy wireless sensing platforms for monitoring the condition of engineering structures.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop wireless sensor systems for SHM applications
• Perform circuit design, simulation, and testing
• Design, fabricate, and assemble printed circuit boards (PCBs)
• Develop embedded systems (firmware for microcontrollers and wireless modules)
• Interface sensors (strain, vibration, temperature, etc.) with data acquisition systems
• Conduct experimental testing, calibration, and performance validation
• Integrate sensors with mechanical structures and laboratory test setups
• Analyze experimental data and document results
• Contribute to technical reports, research papers, and project documentation
• Support lab activities and collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, the successful candidate will enjoy a generous benefits package, including medical insurance, on-campus housing facilities, K-12 schools, and outstanding recreational facilities.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechatronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• Strong hands-on experience in:

o Analog and digital circuit design and testing

o PCB design and fabrication

o Embedded systems and microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino, STM32, ESP32, or similar)

o Sensor interfacing and data acquisition

• Solid background in mechatronic systems and experimental hardware development
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation and testing procedures
• Proficient English language skills (written and spoken)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with wireless communication protocols (BLE, LoRa, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, etc.)
• Familiarity with SHM concepts (strain, vibration, modal analysis, damage detection)
• Experience with CAD tools for PCB design (Altium, KiCad, Eagle, etc.)
• Basic knowledge of signal processing and data analysis
• Prior experience in research labs or R&D environments
• Experience with RF design (e.g., antennas, impedance matching, RF front-end circuits)

Only applications providing all requirements will be considered further.

Applicant requirements are as below. They should be numbered and attached to the application in the following order:

Interested applicants should send their complete application package to Prof. Gilles Lubineau (gilles.lubineau@kaust.edu.sa) (With a systematic cc to tehreem.zahid@kaust.edu.sa and hassan.mahmoud@kaust.edu.sa).

PLEASE USE this as the subject of your email: Research Engineer – MCEM - Sensor.

Note: Applicant will be evaluated on a rolling basis and closed as soon as the position is filled.