MUHAMMAD SAFDAR (PhD, P.

E Geotechnical)
Dammam, Saudi Arabia
Cell: +966-596217905; Email: safdar.uwo@gmail.com
SUMMARY

Dr. Muhammad Safdar is a highly accomplished civil engineer with a specialization in geotechnical
engineering, boasting a distinguished academic background with a PhD from Western University, Canada.
With over 15 years of diverse experience in geotechnical engineering, including technical management roles
across diverse global settings, Dr. Safdar brings a unique combination of technical expertise and leadership
capabilities. His proven track record in project management, innovative problem-solving, and effective
communication underscores his ability to drive successful outcomes and foster collaborative work
environments. Driven by a relentless commitment to continuous learning and professional development, Dr.
Safdar is poised to make substantial contributions to any organization seeking a seasoned expert in civil and
geotechnical engineering.

KEY SKILLS

 Advanced Technical Proficiency: Proficient in  Negotiation Expertise: Proficient in negotiating

civil engineering design principles and advanced
geotechnical testing methodologies, ensuring
robust technical oversight and problem-solving
capabilities.
 Project Management: Experienced in leading
and managing complex projects from initiation
to completion, with a keen focus on timelines,
budgets, and quality standards, ensuring
successful project outcomes.
 Strategic Commercial Acumen: Skilled in
developing and implementing commercial
strategies to optimize project profitability and
foster sustainable business growth, while
maintaining client satisfaction and
organizational objectives.
 Effective Interpersonal Communication:
Strong ability to communicate and collaborate
with diverse stakeholders, fostering positive
relationships and driving team synergy, essential
for project success and client satisfaction.
 Inspiring Leadership: Demonstrated
leadership qualities, including motivation,
empowerment, delegation, and the cultivation of
a culture of excellence, crucial for team morale
and achieving organizational goals.
 Innovative Problem-Solving: Aptitude for
identifying challenges, analyzing root causes,
and implementing innovative solutions to
overcome obstacles, ensuring project objectives
are met efficiently and effectively.
contracts, agreements, and terms with clients,
subcontractors, and vendors, ensuring favorable
outcomes and maintaining positive business
relationships.
 Strategic Planning: Ability to develop and
execute strategic plans aligned with
organizational goals and market trends, driving
sustainable business growth and maintaining a
competitive edge.
 Financial Management: Competent in
budgeting, cost estimation, and financial
analysis, optimizing resource allocation and
maximizing project profitability, essential for
organizational success.
 Commitment to Continuous Learning:
Dedicated to ongoing professional development,
staying updated on industry trends, regulations,
and best practices, ensuring continued relevance
and effectiveness in the field.
 Proficiency in Geotechnical Software and
Reporting: Skilled in utilizing software such as
MS Office, GeoStudio, Plaxis 3D, Settle3,
ALLPILE, and others advanced numerical
modeling techniques. Geotechnical report
writing, ensuring comprehensive and accurate
documentation of project findings and
recommendations.
 Adherence to Standards and Safety
Protocols: Thorough understanding of ASTM
standards and health and safety protocols within
laboratory and fieldwork settings, ensuring

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 compliance and mitigating risks associated with
project operations.
 Expertise in Geotechnical Investigations:
Extensive experience in planning and executing
geotechnical investigations, including borehole
drilling, soil and groundwater sampling, and
well installation, crucial for informed decision-
making and project success.
 Interpersonal and Communication Skills:
Outstanding written and oral communication
skills, essential for effective collaboration, client
communication, and team coordination,
fostering a productive and cohesive working
environment.

EDUCATION

PhD in Civil Engineering, Specialization in Geotechnical Engineering Jan 2014- Oct 2018
Western University, London, ON, Canada

MSc in Civil Engineering, Specialization in Geotechnical Engineering Sep 2011-Aug 2013

Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

KPK, University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar, Pakistan June 2006- Oct 2010

EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE

Technical Manager, Geotechnical Testing Company, Dammam, Saudi Arabia Jan 2024-Present

As a Technical Manager overseeing projects involving topographic surveys, geotechnical, and geophysical
investigations, I am tasked with providing essential technical leadership and guidance to our project teams.
This responsibility involves close collaboration with the topographic survey team, geotechnical engineering
team, and geophysical investigation team to ensure that all technical aspects are in accordance with industry
standards and meet client requirements. A critical aspect of this role is the rigorous review and approval of
technical documentation, including topographic, geotechnical, and geophysical reports. Through this process,
I guarantee the accuracy, completeness, and compliance of these reports with project specifications and
industry regulations. Additionally, I work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, such as branch
managers, logistic manager, operation manager, project managers, planners, cost engineers, lead technical lead
(geotechnical), lead geophysicist, and lead surveyor, to integrate technical considerations into project planning
and execution, ensuring alignment with our projects objectives. Moreover, I oversee the execution of surveys,
geotechnical and geophysical investigations, ensuring the quality control and adherence to project timelines.
In negotiation processes with clients regarding procurement, tenders, technical, and commercial proposals, I
advocate for our organization's interests, striving for outcomes that are mutually beneficial. Through regular
updates provided to higher management, encompassing detailed progress statements, invoices, and summaries
of technical reports, I facilitate informed decision-making, thereby fostering a culture of transparency and
accountability throughout the organization.

List of Projects Involved as a Technical Manager:

 SO 014 - Oxagon Demo Building: Topographic survey, Geotechnical investigation, Geophysical survey
(Project Value: SAR 1,911,452)
 SO 015 - Upper Valley Expansion (Stage 3B): Geotechnical investigation, Geophysical investigation
works (Project Value: SAR 5,270,841)
 SO 016 - Trojena - Lake Valley: Topographic survey, Geotechnical investigation, Geophysical survey
(Project Value: SAR 8,911,750)

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  SO 017 - High Point Reservoir (HPR) Expansion: Topographic survey, Geotechnical investigation,
Geophysical survey (Project Value: SAR 2,929,824)
 SO 018 - Oxagon Village Zone F–Design Stage 3C: Onshore Geotechnical Investigation, Geophysical
Investigations (Project Value: SAR 9,141,285)
 SO 019 - Ath Thuqhaba Neom Island: Geotechnical investigation, Geophysical survey
(Project Value: SAR 3,896,740)
 SO 021 GOA – Geotechnical Investigation for Service Staff Villages: Geotechnical investigation,
Geophysical survey (Project Value: SAR 909,561)
 Geotechnical Investigation for NEOM Roads Infrastructure: Geotechnical investigation, Geophysical
survey (Project Value: SAR 856,359)
 Geotechnical Investigation for Wahah Nursery Project: Geotechnical investigation, Geophysical survey
(Project Value: SAR 779,004)
 Total Projects Value: SAR 33,706,816

Senior Geotechnical Engineer, AfD Engineering and Management Consultants, Sep 2018- Oct 2023
Peshawar, Pakistan
 Preparing geotechnical investigation reports using MS Office, GeoStudio, Plaxis 3D, Settle3, ALLPILE
softwares and analysis of test results in accordance with the ASTM standard specifications or project
requirements for geotechnical explorations.
 Communicating results and recommendations to clients and other stakeholders.
 Conducting site visits and investigations to assess soil and rock conditions.
 Collecting soil and rock samples for laboratory testing.
 Analyzing geological maps, aerial photographs, and other data to understand site characteristics.
 Performing geotechnical analyses to assess the stability and load-bearing capacity of soil and rock
formations.
 Analyzing data to determine the impact of soil conditions on construction projects.
 Designing foundations for structures, considering soil conditions and load requirements.
 Providing recommendations for foundation types, such as shallow foundations, deep foundations, or
ground improvement techniques.
 Assessing the stability of slopes and embankments.
 Recommending measures to mitigate the risk of landslides or slope failures.
 Designing retaining walls to support soil and prevent erosion.
 Evaluating the stability and safety of existing retaining structures.
 Recommending and designing ground improvement techniques to enhance soil properties, such as
compaction, grouting, or soil reinforcement.
 Providing support during construction to address unforeseen geotechnical issues.
 Conducting inspections to ensure compliance with geotechnical recommendations.
 Assessing and mitigating geotechnical risks associated with construction projects.
 Managing and coordinating geotechnical aspects of projects.
 Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including structural engineers, environmental engineers, and
project managers.
 Ensuring that geotechnical designs and activities comply with relevant codes, standards, and regulatory
requirements.
 Staying current with advancements in geotechnical engineering through professional development and
continuing education.

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Assistant Professor, UET Peshawar, Pakistan Jan 2019- Oct 2023

 Undergraduate Courses: Geotechnical Engineering-I, Geotechnical Engineering-II, Foundation

Engineering
 Postgraduate Courses: Advanced Soil Mechanics-II and Engineering properties of soil-I.

Graduate Teaching and Research Assistant, Western University, Canada Jan 2014-Aug 2018

 Planned and executed a comprehensive advanced laboratory testing plan, using the cyclic triaxial
apparatus equipped with bender elements and small-strain transducers, performed for testing cohesive to
cohesionless soil samples for the Ministry of Transportation, Ontario

Research Associate, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Sep 2013-Dec 2014

 Performed laboratory experiments on suction bucket foundations in geotechnical testing laboratory

 Conducted academic research, publication of conference and journal papers
 Prepared design and methods for T-bar and O-bar instrumentations which assisted the principal
investigator (Immediate Supervisor) with writing academic research, editing and preparation of
manuscripts and with duties related to the production of academic journals
 Met with principal investigator (PI) to discuss research project goals and deadlines
 Prepared literature reviews and data acquisition and analysis
 Prepared of articles, reports, and presentations for research projects

Graduate Research Assistant, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea Sep 2011-Aug 2013

 Planned and executed a comprehensive advanced laboratory testing plan, using the cyclic simple shear
apparatus performed for testing cohesive to cohesionless soil samples

Laboratory Engineer, Sarhad University, Peshawar, Pakistan Dec 2010-Aug 2011

 Maintained civil engineering laboratory equipment and facilities, limited to materials, structures, soil,
foundation, water resources and surveying
 Supported the laboratory instructors and researchers and focusing on the critical issues in the laboratories
operations and safety
 Performed laboratory experiments for academic projects, journal and conference publications
 Written literature reviews, reports, collected and analyzed experimental data
 Demonstrated and supervised the use of civil engineering laboratory equipment to students
 Assisted faculty members in proctoring examination, grading, preparation of laboratory work, tutorials,
lectures and undergraduate courses
 Supervised the preparation, fabrication and testing of various components for teaching and research
projects in civil engineering laboratories
 Assisted undergraduate students with their projects
 Worked cooperatively with others to meet the changing requirements within the Department and Faculty,
which may include additional duties and responsibilities

Professional Internship Aug 2008-Oct 2009

Trainee Site Engineer, Road Project extension from Nowshera to Mardan, Pakistan

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 Planned and designed laboratory and field testing plan on a road project
 Developed and reviewed drawings, computations and reports using AutoCAD and Microsoft Office Suite
 Analyzed field tests data and provided support to other members of the field technician group in assisting
with other field and office activities as required

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

 Professional Geotechnical Engineer, Pakistan Engineering Council.

 Valid Membership (24.12.2026) of Saudi Council of Engineers (ID: 996813)
 Member of Canadian Geotechnical Society
 Member of Canadian Society of Civil Engineers
 Member of American Society of Civil Engineers

REFERENCES ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST