Senior Engineer
Job summary
The senior fire & life safety (FLS) engineer is responsible for the planning, design review, implementation, inspection, testing, commissioning, and operational assurance of fire protection and life safety systems across buildings, infrastructure, and community assets. The role ensures compliance with applicable fire codes, safety regulations, project standards, and international best practices while safeguarding people, property, and business continuity.
The senior FLS engineer provides technical leadership, supports risk mitigation initiatives, manages stakeholder coordination, and ensures all fire and life safety systems are designed, operated, and maintained to achieve the highest levels of safety and reliability.
Key responsibilities
Fire & life safety engineering
Review and assess fire and life safety designs for buildings, infrastructure, and public spaces.
Ensure compliance with local authority requirements, fire codes, and international standards (NFPA, IBC, IFC, BS, UAE Fire Code, SBC, etc.).
Conduct fire safety engineering assessments and technical evaluations.
Review fire strategies, fire engineering reports, and life safety studies.
Support concept, detailed design, construction, commissioning, and operational phases.
Fire protection systems
Review the design and operation of fire suppression systems including:
Automatic sprinkler systems
Fire hydrant networks
Hose reel systems
Clean agent systems
Deluge and foam systems
Water mist systems
Assess fire water demand calculations and hydraulic analyses.
Ensure system integration and functionality across facilities.
Fire detection & alarm systems
Review fire alarm and detection system designs.
Verify compliance of detection, notification, and emergency communication systems.
Support testing, commissioning, and acceptance activities.
Evaluate cause-and-effect matrices and system logic.
Risk assessment & compliance
Conduct fire risk assessments and life safety audits.
Identify fire hazards and recommend mitigation measures.
Participate in HAZID, HAZOP, and risk management studies.
Support regulatory inspections and authority approvals.
Ensure compliance with organizational and statutory safety requirements.
Construction & commissioning support
Conduct site inspections to verify compliance with approved fire safety requirements.
Monitor contractor execution and quality of installed fire protection systems.
Witness testing, inspections, and commissioning activities.
Review method statements, inspection test plans (ITPs), and commissioning procedures.
Support project handover and closeout activities.
Operations & maintenance support
Evaluate operational readiness of fire and life safety systems.
Support maintenance strategies and asset integrity programs.
Review preventive maintenance activities and compliance records.
Analyze incidents, failures, and recurring fire system issues.
Recommend reliability and performance improvement initiatives.
Emergency preparedness & response
Develop and review emergency response procedures.
Support emergency evacuation planning.
Coordinate fire drills and emergency exercises.
Provide technical guidance during emergency incidents and investigations.
Support business continuity and resilience planning.
Stakeholder management
Coordinate with consultants, contractors, authorities, operators, and project teams.
Liaise with civil defense, municipalities, and regulatory agencies.
Provide technical leadership and mentoring to junior engineers.
Prepare presentations, technical reports, and management updates.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in fire protection engineering, mechanical engineering, safety engineering, or a related discipline.
Master's degree in fire protection engineering is an advantage.
Professional certifications are highly desirable:
NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS)
PE (Fire Protection Engineering)
NEBOSH Fire Safety
Certified Fire Inspector (CFI)
Fire Protection System Certifications
Experience
6-10 years of experience in fire & life safety engineering.
Experience in large-scale developments, mixed-use communities, hospitality, healthcare, airports, transportation facilities, industrial sites, or infrastructure projects.
Experience working with consultants, contractors, developers, and regulatory authorities.
Experience with fire engineering reviews, code compliance, testing, and commissioning activities.