Jobs in Thuwal

About the Role

KAUST is seeking a dedicated Admission Specialist to guide and support students in their pursuit of admissions to top international universities for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. This role involves providing strategic advising, including CV enhancement and internship placement, to ensure students are competitive candidates for world-class institutions. The Admission Specialist will play a key part in empowering students to achieve their academic and career aspirations.

Key Responsibilities

• Guide students in selecting and applying to top international universities that align with their academic interests and career aspirations at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
• Provide comprehensive support throughout the application process, including reviewing and refining application materials and CVs.
• Suggest strategic internship locations and opportunities to strengthen a student's application and profile for competitive admissions.
• Deliver targeted workshops and presentations on international university admissions processes and requirements.
• Prepare students for university interviews and assist in navigating international visa requirements.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of admissions requirements and deadlines for elite international universities worldwide.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with admissions offices at partner and target international universities.
• Track student applications and admissions outcomes for international universities to evaluate program success.
• Contribute to program evaluation and continuous improvement efforts within the Academy.
• Assist in the planning and execution of Academy events and student activities.
• Represent the Academy at recruitment events and presentations to attract high caliber talent.
• Develop and maintain relationships with high schools and other educational institutions in Saudi Arabia.
• Assist in the development of marketing and outreach materials to promote student success initiatives.
• Perform other relative tasks as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in international student advising or university admissions.
• Proven experience working with high-achieving students.
• A strong understanding of international university admissions processes and requirements for both undergraduate and postgraduate tracks.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and advising skills tailored for mentoring young, high-achieving students.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to effectively handle multiple student profiles simultaneously.
• A commitment to supporting student success and academic excellence.
• Knowledge of the Saudi education system and national strategic priorities.

Required Skills

• International University Admissions Processes
• CV Enhancement
• Internship Placement
• Communication
• Interpersonal Skills
• Advising Skills
• Mentoring
• Teamwork
• Organizational Skills
• Time Management
• Knowledge of the Saudi Education System
• Understanding of National Strategic Priorities

Work Environment and Location

This is a full-time position based in Thuwal, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The role requires 5-10 years of relevant experience.

About the Role

KAUST is seeking a KGSP Student Operations Lead to manage the comprehensive financial operations, budgeting, and student information systems for the King Abdullah Scholarship Program (KGSP). This role ensures the accurate and timely processing of all student financial matters, including allowances, deductions, and reimbursements, while overseeing program budgets and reconciliation. The position serves as a key liaison to VPAA central operations, third-party vendors, and university partners, guaranteeing operational support for KGSP students. The KGSP Student Operations Lead is crucial for maintaining compliance, efficiency, and the integrity of financial processes and student data management within the program.

This role supports the strategic objectives of the KGSP program by ensuring robust financial management and efficient student data systems. The successful candidate will be responsible for enhancing operational processes, maintaining data integrity, and fostering strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Process and manage all student financial matters, including monthly allowances, deductions, and reimbursements.
• Review and update KGSP location allowances based on student university locations and enrichment assignments.
• Handle all payments to third parties, including university tuition and insurance providers.
• Develop quarterly and annual program budgets and provide monthly "Actuals vs. Budget" reconciliation reports.
• Develop financial forecasts and models to support strategic planning and decision-making for program leadership.
• Manage the central student information system for data management, document storage, and communication.
• Generate all required programmatic reports, such as Critical Issues, Master Student Data, and Attendance reports, for management review.
• Act as the primary operational liaison between the KGSP program, VPAA central operations, and external vendors.
• Continuously review and improve financial and data management processes to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and the overall student experience.
• Ensure all program financial activities and student data management comply with KAUST policies and relevant regulations.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Information Systems, or a related field.
• A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field combined with significant equivalent professional experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 5-10 years of relevant professional experience.

Required Skills

• Advanced financial acumen, including budget management, financial reconciliation, and forecasting.
• Proficiency in managing databases or student information systems with a strong focus on data integrity.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret complex financial and programmatic data and produce actionable reports.
• Exceptional attention to detail in handling financial transactions and data entry.
• Effective stakeholder management and professional communication skills with students, internal departments, and external university partners.
• Proactive problem-solving abilities to address financial discrepancies, system issues, and operational bottlenecks.
• A continuous improvement mindset to streamline and optimize program operations.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and managing complex budgets and financial reporting.
• Proven expertise in managing information systems, databases, or CRM platforms for data management and reporting.
• Experience handling confidential student and financial data with a high degree of integrity and discretion.

Work Environment

This is a full-time position based in Thuwal, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, with KAUST. Experience in a higher education or international program environment is highly desirable.

About the Role

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is seeking a Program Administrator to manage its pre-university programs. This role is integral to the successful execution of Academy programs, overseeing the entire process from offer creation and student selection through academic delivery and final certification. The Program Administrator will serve as a key liaison, coordinating with various internal and external stakeholders to ensure program objectives are met. This full-time position is based in Thuwal, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in the development of pre-university programs and offers, including the preparation of educational and promotional materials for prospective students.
• Oversee the coordination and administration of all program aspects, including planning, organizing, leading, and controlling program activities.
• Manage the student selection and admission process to ensure the enrollment of high-potential candidates.
• Oversee the academic delivery of the programs and coordinate course delivery, ensuring alignment with established curriculum goals.
• Deliver presentations about the program to various stakeholders and potential applicants.
• Communicate effectively with clients, team members, and stakeholders in both Arabic and English to ensure program objectives are met.
• Monitor program performance, complete student evaluations, and issue progression reports.
• Produce program certificates for successful graduates and maintain a comprehensive student database.
• Develop and implement program schedules to ensure all deadlines are met.
• Prepare and manage program budgets and financial reports.
• Address program-related issues, concerns, and updates with the program manager/director in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with all program policies and procedures.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve the efficiency and quality of the pre-university programs.
• Perform other applicable tasks and duties assigned within the scope of the employee's knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a related field; a Master's degree is preferred.
• 2 to 5 years of relevant work experience in program coordination, project management, or a related field.
• Proficiency in both Arabic and English languages, both verbally and in writing, is essential.

Required Skills

• Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Knowledge of program management and development procedures.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with precision and attention to detail.
• Capability to analyze problems and strategize for effective solutions.

Work Environment

This is a full-time position located in Thuwal, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

About the Role

Uvera is seeking a skilled Automation Engineer to join its team in Jeddah, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. This full-time, on-site position is integral to the design, programming, and maintenance of control systems for food handling, storage, and processing facilities. The role focuses on ensuring the efficient, safe, and reliable operation of automated equipment, including conveyors, packaging, and labeling systems, thereby contributing to operational excellence.

This position requires hands-on technical expertise in Siemens TIA Portal programming, electrical panel design and assembly, and industrial network integration. A strong understanding of automated processes within the food industry is essential for optimizing automated systems and supporting digital transformation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement automation and control systems for food handling equipment and facilities.
• Write PLC programs from scratch using Siemens TIA Portal, including OB/FB/FC block structure, HMI configuration, and Profinet device integration.
• Design electrical control panels from concept to completion, including schematic design, component selection and sizing, DIN rail layout, and wiring execution.
• Assemble, wire, and commission control panels to professional standards, ensuring proper cable ducting, ferrule crimping, wire numbering, and pre-power verification.
• Develop HMI and SCADA interfaces for process control and monitoring.
• Integrate sensors, VFDs, and field instruments into automated systems.
• Prepare comprehensive project documentation, including operating manuals and Factory/Site Acceptance Test (FAT/SAT) procedures.
• Troubleshoot and resolve automation and electrical faults to minimize production downtime.
• Maintain and update PLC programs, HMI configurations, wiring diagrams, and network documentation.
• Provide technical support to plant operators and maintenance teams.
• Ensure all automation systems comply with relevant safety and environmental regulations.
• Apply LOTO (Lockout/Tagout) and safe isolation procedures on all electrical and mechanical systems.
• Participate in risk assessments and develop safe work procedures for control systems.
• Write and conduct FAT/SAT tests to ensure system functionality and compliance.
• Analyze production data to identify opportunities for efficiency and throughput improvements.
• Implement control logic and data acquisition strategies to optimize energy use, equipment reliability, and line performance.
• Support digital transformation initiatives, such as predictive maintenance and remote monitoring.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related field.
• 2 to 5 years of hands-on experience in industrial automation, with a preference for experience in food processing, packaging, or bulk materials handling environments.
• Proven experience writing Siemens TIA Portal PLC programs from scratch, including proficiency with block structure (OB, FB, FC, DB), Profinet device integration using GSDML files, and online commissioning and diagnostics.
• Hands-on experience designing and assembling electrical control panels, including schematic drawing, component sizing, DIN rail assembly, wiring, and pre-commissioning checks.
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as Profinet, Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP, and Profibus.
• Familiarity with instrumentation, Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), and motor control systems.
• A solid understanding of process control, safety systems, and instrumentation calibration.

Required Skills

• Siemens TIA Portal programming
• Electrical panel design and assembly
• Industrial network integration
• PLC programming
• HMI configuration
• Profinet device integration
• SCADA interface development
• Sensor integration
• VFD integration
• Field instrument integration
• Troubleshooting automation and electrical faults
• LOTO procedures
• Risk assessment
• FAT/SAT testing
• Experience with Python, C/C++, or SQL for data acquisition or integration tasks (bonus)
• Familiarity with microcontrollers (ARM, AVR, or similar) for embedded control applications (bonus)
• Experience with SCADA systems and remote monitoring platforms (bonus)

Work Environment and Location

This is a full-time, on-site position located in Jeddah, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, specifically within the KAUST Research & Technology Park in Thuwal. Daily shuttle services are available between Jeddah and KAUST to facilitate transportation.