Quality Engineer - Restoration and conservation laboratory specialist Retainer

Under the supervision of the project manager, and in collaboration with the project team, the Engineer will:

• Review and validate architectural and engineering designs of the restoration laboratory, ensuring functionality, safety, and compliance with international conservation standards.

• Advise on optimal laboratory layout to support efficient workflow, equipment placement, and safe handling of antiquities

• Review and validate technical specifications for conservation and restoration laboratory equipment and tools.

• Ensure specifications are aligned with professional restoration needs and international heritage conservation standards.

• Recommend improvements, upgrades, or alternative solutions where necessary.

• Develop and implement QA/QC procedures for the inspection, testing, and acceptance of laboratory equipment.

• Verify that all delivered equipment matches approved specifications and conservation requirements.

• Supervise installation and calibration of equipment to ensure operational readiness and safety.

• Produce QA/QC reports, identifying compliance and deficiencies.

• Coordinate with suppliers during procurement, delivery and installation phases.

• Witness and document testing and commissioning activities to verify compliance with specifications

• Provide feedback to project manager regarding suppliers performance.

• Ensure that supplier manuals, warranties and training are received, verified and documented.

• Provide technical guidance to the project team and stakeholders on best practices for conservation laboratory setup.

• Advise on preventive maintenance, equipment handling, and safety protocols in line with conservation practices.

• Prepare technical notes, validation reports, and QA/QC documentation.

• Contribute to progress updates and provide a final report summarizing findings, validations, and recommendations.

 Deliverables

• Review and validation report on the laboratory design assuring that it fulfills the needs and requirements of the beneficiary..

• Validated equipment list and technical specifications.

• QA/QC inspection and acceptance reports for delivered equipment.

• Recommendations for corrective measures or improvements.

• Final technical report on laboratory establishment and QA/QC outcomes.

 Education 

•  A Master’s Degree in Conservation Engineering, Restoration Engineering, Materials Science, Archaeological/Heritage Engineering, or a closely related field is required.

• A Bachelor’s Degree in the above-mentioned areas or related field with an additional two (2) years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a master’s degree. 

Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in restoration and conservation of antiquities is required.

• Proven expertise in heritage conservation industry standards and practices (UNESCO, ICOMOS, ICCROM, etc.) is required.

• Demonstrated experience in reviewing laboratory designs and validating technical specifications for conservation tools and equipment is required.

• Strong track record in QA/QC processes for procurement, inspection, and installation of specialized equipment is required.

• Experience with conservation laboratory tools and technologies, including calibration and operational readiness is required.

• Excellent documentation, reporting, and communication skills is desired.

• Excellent presentation, report writing, fluency and communication skills in English and Arabic are required.