Electrical Fire Protection Engineer

Due to the continuing success and growth of our AESG team, a fantastic opportunity has opened up at our award-winning Specialist Consultancy, Engineering and Advisory Firm.

We are headquartered in London, Riyadh, Singapore and Dubai, Cape Town, Cairo & Sydney working throughout the Middle East, Europe and Asia. Our areas of expertise are represented in four core verticals: Building Engineering, Planning and Infrastructure, Strategy and Advisory and Commissioning, Handover and Asset Management.

We pride ourselves in being leaders in the industry in each of the services that we offer. We have one of the largest dedicated team with decades of cumulative experience in sustainable design, fire and life safety, cost management, façade engineering, commissioning, building performance, waste management, environmental consultancy, carbon management and acoustics.

Role Overview:

The Fire Protection Engineer (Electrical) will support the design review and delivery of fire detection and alarm systems and emergency lighting systems for buildings and infrastructure projects. The role covers review of designs, calculations and specifications, coordination with clients and project teams, and site inspection of installation, commissioning and testing, ensuring compliance with the Saudi Building Code (SBC) and applicable international standards.

Key Responsibilities

Design Review & Development

- Review fire detection and alarm system designs, including detector selection and spacing, notification appliance coverage, control panel and network architecture, cause-and-effect matrices, cabling, and power supplies (including battery and standby capacity calculations).
- Review emergency lighting and exit signage designs, including lux level calculations, escape route coverage, duration requirements, and central battery and self-contained luminaire arrangements.
- Review interfaces between fire alarm systems and other building systems, including smoke control, pressurisation, lift recall, door release, HVAC shutdown, suppression systems, voice evacuation/public address, and building management systems.
- Review calculations, drawings, specifications, and submittals for accuracy, constructability, and compliance.
- Ensure designs comply with the SBC (SBC 801 and SBC 401), NFPA 72, NFPA 70, and other applicable local and international standards.

Project Support

- Support the design review process, including client coordination, preparation of review comments, and resolution and close-out of comments with designers and contractors.
- Review contractor submittals, shop drawings, material approvals, and method statements for fire alarm and emergency lighting systems.
- Oversee and inspect installation, commissioning, and testing of fire alarm and emergency lighting systems on site, verifying functionality, integration testing, and compliance with approved designs and codes.
- Witness acceptance tests and contribute to snagging, handover documentation, and close-out reports.

Technical Expertise

- Provide advice on fire detection and alarm strategies, emergency lighting provisions, fire safety regulations, and building design optimisation.
- Support fire strategy development and risk assessments in relation to detection, alarm, evacuation, and emergency escape provisions.
- Identify design gaps, code deviations, and coordination issues, and recommend practical, code-compliant solutions.
- Contribute to technical reports, design basis documents, and performance based justifications where deviations from prescriptive requirements are proposed.

Skills & Competencies

- Sound knowledge of fire detection and alarm systems and emergency lighting design and testing.
- Working knowledge of electrical systems relevant to life safety, including power supplies, cabling, circuit protection, and standby power.
- Familiarity with system integration and interface requirements with mechanical, security, and building management systems.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work well in multidisciplinary teams.
- Proficiency with drawing review and standard office software.

Qualifications & Experience

- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in fire alarm and/or emergency lighting design, review, or site inspection.
- Experience with projects in Saudi Arabia or the wider Middle East is desirable.