5 Research Engineer jobs in Saudi Arabia

Job Description

• Collect, clean, and transform structured and unstructured datasets from multiple sources (databases, APIs, data warehouses, and flat files) for analysis.
• Develop, maintain, and optimize SQL queries, stored procedures, and ETL pipelines to ensure reliable data flows.
• Perform statistical analysis, hypothesis testing, and predictive modeling to extract actionable insights and support decision-making.
• Create advanced dashboards and reports using tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or Looker, ensuring KPIs are tracked and visualized effectively.
• Collaborate with data engineers and business stakeholders to define data requirements and ensure alignment between technical outputs and business needs.
• Apply data mining, clustering, and regression techniques to detect patterns, trends, and anomalies across large datasets.
• Document methodologies, maintain reproducibility of analysis, and adhere to best practices for version control and code management (e.g., Git).

Job Requirements

• A degree in computer science, data science or any other relevant field. A master's is a plus
• 4 years of experience in relevant fields
• Data Engineering & Querying: Strong proficiency in SQL
• Visualization & Reporting: Advanced skills in BI tools (Power BI, Tableau, Looker, or equivalent) and ability to design performance-optimized dashboards.
• Data Wrangling: Ability to handle raw, messy data—cleaning, normalizing, feature engineering, and managing large datasets with performance considerations.
• Cloud & Analytics Tools: Familiarity with cloud platforms (GCP BigQuery, AWS Redshift, Azure Synapse) and distributed data systems (Spark, Hadoop) is a plus as well as hands-on experience on Dataiku is a plus.

Research Engineer Position in Applied Artificial Intelligence and IoT

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology: Researcher Positions: Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering Division

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia

Sep 11, 2025

Nov 11, 2025 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) invites applications for a Research Engineer position in the field of Applied Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT). The successful candidate will join the Integrated Intelligent Systems (I2S) Lab, led by Prof. Gianluca Setti, and contribute to the design, development, and deployment of cutting-edge AI- and IoT-based systems.

This role is ideal for candidates with a strong background in embedded systems, sensor integration, and AI-based application development who are eager to work on innovative and high-impact projects. The position emphasizes implementation and prototyping of systems that combine AI algorithms with IoT hardware and software.

About KAUST

Established in 2009, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is a graduate research university devoted to finding solutions for some of the most pressing scientific and technological challenges in the world as well as Saudi Arabia in the areas of food and health, water, energy, environment and the digital domain. KAUST is a curiosity-driven, interdisciplinary

KAUST brings together the best minds from around the world to advance research. More than 100 different nationalities live, work and study on campus. KAUST is also a catalyst for innovation, economic development and social prosperity, with research resulting in novel patents and products, enterprising startups, regional and global initiatives, and collaboration with other academic institutions, industries and Saudi agencies.

What We Offer

• World-class research environment with state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.
• An exciting international workplace, hosting researchers from over 100 nationalities with opportunities to actively contribute with renowned experts and enhance your career development and training ).
• Comprehensive benefits package, including competitive salary, health insurance, and access to outstanding campus amenities and services.

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
• Proven experience in developing and deploying AI/IoT systems, particularly on embedded devices
• Hands-on skills in programming (e.g., C/C++, Python) and working with microcontrollers, edge devices, or single-board computers
• Experience with sensor integration (e.g., camera, LiDAR, environmental sensors) and communication protocols (e.g., MQTT, LoRa, BLE, Wi-Fi)
• Familiarity with AI/ML frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow Lite, PyTorch Mobile, OpenVINO) for edge deployment
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English (mandatory)
• Candidates of all nationalities are eligible for this position. Saudi nationals are particularly encouraged to apply

The position is open to applicants of all nationalities. Interested candidates should submit:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV), including relevant project experience;
• Cover letter describing your skills, previous work, and career goals;
• Copies of Transcripts showing courses taken during the graduate degree programs;
• Contact information for three referees.

This institution is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.

Responsibilities:

1- Design prototypes and feasibility models for proof-of-concept testing.

2- Design and document for prototypes through production-released products.

3- Develop and improve manufacturing processes to pilot production level

4- Support efforts to verify and validate and qualify new product designs

5- Help prepare project plans, specifications, and schedules for new product development.

6- Prepare and manage Test Protocols, Reports and lab notebooks.

7- Identify and interact with vendors to obtain engineering materials, processes, and equipment.

8- Perform routine analysis of test results in relation to design specifications and test objectives.

9- Assist the Engineering Team in maintaining an adequate inventory of engineering and prototype materials.

10- Work closely with other engineers, technicians, clients, contract manufacturers, assemblers, or other support personnel to assist in debugging and optimizing system performance.

11- Assist in the preparation and review of patent applications.

12- Support manufacturing of new and existing products.

Skills:

Technical Expertise.

Data Analysis.

Research Methodology.

Communication Skills.

Empathy & Active Listening.

Rapport-Building.

Problem-Solving & Technical Skills.

product knowledge.

Computer skills.

Build the ML infrastructure powering Saudi Arabia's financial transformation.

We're Aajil (previously BuildNow), backed by leading regional VCs and operating at the heart of Saudi Arabia's $50B+ SME market. We've already revolutionized lending timelines from 3 months to hours. Now we're building what's next: real-time, intelligent credit decisions that will transform how millions of SMEs access capital.

As Machine Learning Lead, you'll architect the intelligence layer for the Kingdom's most ambitious fintech. With exclusive access to the data we have, you'll build ML systems that don't exist anywhere in the region — yet.

Saudi Arabia is experiencing the world's most ambitious economic transformation. Vision 2030 has created unprecedented opportunities for those bold enough to seize them. The government is digitizing at breakneck speed, regulations are evolving in real-time, and there's genuine will to make the Kingdom a global fintech hub.

This isn't another "emerging market" story. This is ground zero for building financial infrastructure that will define the next decade.

You'll lead our ML efforts from our Riyadh headquarters, building systems that process billions in BNPL decisions:

• Own the evolution from hours → minutes → real-time credit decisions
• Build and lead a world-class ML team, mixing top Saudi talent with international experts
• Architect production ML systems handling thousands of daily decisions with 99.9% uptime

Essential Experience:

• 8+ years building and deploying ML systems in production environments
• Proven track record leading ML teams and delivering business impact
• Deep expertise in credit risk, fraud detection, or financial ML systems
• Experience with real-time ML serving, feature stores, and MLOps at scale
• Strong engineering fundamentals and architectural thinking
• Track record of hiring and developing exceptional ML talent

The X-Factors:

• You've built ML systems that handle serious money and serious scale
• You've worked in high-growth environments where perfect is the enemy of shipped
• You're excited by exclusive data access and building unique competitive advantages
• You see the opportunity in Saudi Arabia while others see only challenges

Unprecedented Opportunity : The Kingdom is investing billions in digital transformation. Your work here will have 10x the impact of mature markets.

Exclusive Data Access : Through government partnerships, we have data advantages that otherstartups dream of. Tens of millions of transactions— this is your ML playground.

This role isn't for everyone. It's for ML leaders who see massive opportunity where others see risk. Who want to build something that matters, not optimize something that already works.

Send us:

1. Your GitHub/papers/portfolio — show us what you've built at scale
2. A brief note on why Saudi Arabia, why now, why Aajil — we want missionaries, not mercenaries

P.S. We've already automated credit assessments from the industry standard of 3 months to hours in one of the world's most complex markets. If you think that's just the beginning of what's possible, we should talk.

Location : Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (relocation support provided)

Start Date : Q3 2025