About the Role
Guildhall is running a search for a major international energy group delivering a pipeline infrastructure project in the UAE. The role owns non-destructive testing on mainline welds and tie-ins, sitting between Chinese-speaking welding and QC crews and English-language client and third-party inspection teams. The project is mobilising now, and the client needs a certified NDT specialist who can work confidently in both languages from day one. It's an unusual seat in this market: hands-on pipeline inspection work that also demands genuine bilingual fluency.
The role
- Execute and witness NDT (UT/RT/MPI/DPI) on pipeline mainline welds and tie-ins.
- Interpret results against API 1104 acceptance criteria and pipeline qualification standards.
- Coordinate radiography windows with construction schedules and site QC teams.
- Liaise daily between Chinese-speaking welding crews and English-language client inspectors.
- Maintain NDT records, traceability and escalate non-conformances to QA/QC management.
What you'll bring
- ASNT Level II (or PCN equivalent) certification in at least one NDT method.
- 5+ years hands-on NDT experience on pipeline or oil & gas construction sites.
- Fluent Mandarin and professional working English for daily bilingual coordination.
- Working knowledge of API 1104 acceptance criteria and pipeline weld standards.
- Comfortable with site-based rotation and EPC spread working conditions.
What's on offer
- Direct role on a pipeline project mobilising now in the UAE.
- Hands-on delivery seat, not a desk-based or management position.
- Work across a bilingual technical environment linking Chinese and English-speaking teams.
- Visa and medical cover per UAE law; rotation terms confirmed at offer stage.
Why apply through Guildhall
- Boutique executive search firm in Dubai, established 2010.
- 8x independent industry awards since 2020.
- 4.9-star Google rating from 250+ reviews.
- Direct access to the retained consultant running this search, with a confidential process.
Hiring an NDT Specialist in Dubai
NDT specialists with pipeline experience are in steady demand across the UAE's energy infrastructure sector, particularly on EPC projects that need bilingual site coordination. This kind of role reflects a wider need for certified NDT professionals who can work fluently in Mandarin and English, bridging international project teams on site. Mobilisation timelines on these projects are often short, which makes bilingual technical readiness a real differentiator for candidates.
Common questions
What does an NDT Specialist do in Dubai?
An NDT Specialist executes and reviews non-destructive testing methods such as UT, RT, MPI and DPI on pipeline welds and tie-ins. The role checks weld integrity against codes such as API 1104 and maintains inspection records for the project's quality team. On EPC pipeline projects, the specialist often coordinates directly with welding crews and third-party inspectors.
What experience do I need to apply?
Employers typically look for ASNT Level II (or PCN equivalent) certification in at least one NDT method, plus five or more years of hands-on experience on pipeline or oil & gas construction sites. Familiarity with API 1104 acceptance criteria and site-based EPC work is expected. For bilingual roles, fluent Mandarin alongside professional English is required.
How do I apply?
Apply directly on this page. A Guildhall consultant reviews every application confidentially and will contact suitable candidates directly.
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The Agency Behind This Role
This search is managed by Guildhall — an 8× award-winning executive search and recruitment agency, rated 4.9★ across 250+ Google reviews, recruiting in UAE and across the GCC.