I am the Steel Specialist for the Independent Verification and Testing Agency on the Burj Dubai, currently the world's tallest building, and getting taller nearly every day.  I work for GHD Global Pty Ltd, and we are looking for a QA/QC Engineer to assist me oversee the Contractor/Sub-Contractor and Engineer of Record activities during construction of the steel spire and spire pipe now that the concreting work is finished.  Note that the spire is mainly a bolted construction, although welding is still required at critical locations.

There is approximately one year of construction time remaining, but opportunities may exist within GHD for other projects in the Region at the end of this project.  Dubai is in the United Arab Emirates, and is one of the best locations for expatriate living.  It is extemely safe (apart from the traffic!), and there is more than ample opportunity for social and recreational activities.

Requirements and a basic job description are as follows:

Basic Requirements

A degree qualified Engineer with 10 years experience in construction and steel related fabrication work, specifically with a knowledge of welding, bolting and coatings. 

Role of IVTA

The Independent Verification and Testing Agency (IVTA) provide advice and assistance to the Project Manager on all quality assurance and control issues during the design and construction of the Burj Dubai Tower.  This includes reviews of specific detailed design issues proposed by the Architect, Consultant, Main Contractor and their sub-contractors. 

The Agency consists of an IVTA Manager/Concrete Specialist, a Steel Specialist and two QA/QC Engineers (one concrete, one steel).  IVTA services have been provided on a full-time basis by GHD since the start of construction in 2004, principally in the field of concrete construction, but with intermittent involvement with steel material selection and fabrication/welding of large link beams.  Following completion of the cast concrete construction at Level 156 (approximately 586m), the Tower construction will continue with a conventional steel lattice framework (the Spire) to a height of 739m.  A centrally located steel spire pipe will be installed during construction of the Spire, and this will be jacked up to its final height (as yet, the final height remains a secret to the public) before being locked into position.

Most of the lattice sections will be fabricated and coated (including fireproofing) at ground level, and then lifted into position where they will be bolted in place.  Site welding and coating will be kept to a minimum, but nevertheless will be required on occasion to address erection issues that cannot be completed until after placement and/or jacking of the spire pipe.

The responsibility for the design of the Tower lies with the main Contractor.  This includes the fabrication and all erection issues.  This design must be approved by the Engineer of Record (The Consultant).  IVTA reviews design issues, material certificates, testing methods and results, method statements and the like for compliance with the Specifications and Standards, the practicality of construction, and advices on issues of a technical nature that might affect sound engineering practice. 

Specifically for the Steel Specialist and QA/QC Engineer roles, this includes detailed review of both welded fabrication and bolted construction.  The Steel QA/QC Engineer will need to be conversant with the main welding processes, their typical parameters, and factors that affect the quality of welding.  Knowledge of NDT techniques would be useful.  It would also be advantageous if the Steel QA/QC Engineer was conversant with bolted construction techniques, and in particular the requirements for joint design (e.g. snug tight and slip critical demands) and on-site testing.  Experience in coatings, e.g. surface preparation and coating application, including typical problems and rectification methods would be an added advantage.  Knowledge of metal flame spraying is desirable.

The QA/QC Engineer needs to be comfortable with working at height, including scaffolding attached to the main spire during construction.

Please send your resume, expected salary requirements and approximate availability to <hugh_cunningham@ghd.com.au> as soon as possible.