Summary
Parsons is seeking a Fire and Life Safety Design Manager to lead specialist engineering, design review and advisory work across large-scale masterplanning, infrastructure and asset projects in Riyadh and Qiddiya, Saudi Arabia. The role leads FLS strategies and reviews design submissions, code compliance, fire protection systems, smoke management and evacuation provisions, while coordinating with consultants, authorities and project teams. Applicants should have a relevant engineering degree and 10 or more years of FLS design experience, including performance-based engineering and complex developments. Knowledge of SBC, NFPA, IBC, IFC and Saudi Civil Defence requirements is required.
The posting
As published on parsons.com. Pulled from the employer's site and shown as they wrote it.
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Job Description:
Parsons are looking for an exceptionally talented Manager - FLS Expert MEP Design to join their team!
The role supports the Master Developer Unit (MDU) Fire & Life Safety (FLS) team by leading and delivering specialist fire engineering, design review and advisory services across city-wide masterplanning, infrastructure and asset development projects. The post-holder is responsible for the development and review of FLS strategies and performance-based fire engineering solutions, while providing engineering leadership and guidance to internal stakeholders, Lead Design Consultants (LDCs), third-party FLS consultants and project delivery teams across all stages of design and construction.
To be successful in the role, you will bring extensive experience in Fire & Life Safety (FLS) engineering and design gained from complex masterplans, infrastructure and high-profile asset developments, with strong expertise in both prescriptive and performance-based fire engineering design. Demonstrated capability in developing and reviewing FLS strategies, smoke management systems, evacuation and egress strategies, firefighting access and emergency response planning, fire water infrastructure and integrated fire protection systems for large-scale and technically complex developments.
You'll have a strong understanding of Saudi Building Code (SBC), NFPA standards, IBC, IFC, Saudi Civil Defence requirements and relevant international fire engineering standards, with the ability to assess design compliance, alternative solutions and authority requirements across all project stages.
What You'll Be Doing;
- Lead the development and assurance of Fire & Life Safety design strategies across complex buildings, infrastructure, public realm, transport interfaces and large-scale masterplanned developments.
- Act as a senior FLS engineering authority, providing clear direction on code compliance, design adequacy, fire strategy, life safety risk and buildability.
- Review and challenge FLS design submissions, drawings, reports and calculations prepared by consultants, ensuring issues are identified early and resolved with robust engineering solutions.
- Develop and assess fire engineering solutions for complex or non-standard designs, including alternative solutions, smoke control, evacuation, compartmentation, firefighting access and firefighting provisions.
- Advise on the application of Saudi Building Code, Saudi Civil Defence requirements, NFPA standards and relevant international best practice across planning, design and construction stages.
- Coordinate with architects, MEP, infrastructure, mobility, operations and delivery teams to ensure FLS requirements are properly integrated into the design, not treated as late-stage compliance comments.
- Support authority engagement and third-party FLS reviews by preparing clear engineering positions, resolving comments and defending the design intent where required.
- Provide engineering input on fire protection systems including detection and alarm, sprinklers, suppression systems, smoke management, fire water infrastructure, hydrants, fire pumps and passive fire protection.
- Identify design risks, non-compliances and approval blockers, and provide practical mitigation measures to protect programme, safety and regulatory compliance.
- Lead FLS engineering workshops, peer reviews and design coordination sessions, ensuring decisions are properly recorded and followed through to closure.
- Support the development and improvement of FLS standards, technical guidelines, review processes and lessons learned across the programme.
- Mentor junior engineers and support the wider FLS team with engineering judgement, quality reviews and consistent decision-making.
What Required Skills You'll Bring;
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Fire Engineering is preferred; alternatively, candidates may hold a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or another related engineering discipline from a recognized university.
- 10+ years’ experience in Fire & Life Safety engineering and design across large-scale mixed-use, infrastructure, hospitality, entertainment, transportation or giga-project developments.
- Demonstrated experience in developing, reviewing and coordinating Fire & Life Safety strategies across all project stages including masterplanning, concept, schematic, detailed design and construction support.
- Strong engineering expertise in means of egress, smoke management, firefighting access, fire water infrastructure, fire alarm and suppression systems, and passive fire protection systems.
- Experience in performance-based fire engineering design including alternative solutions, smoke modelling, evacuation analysis and complex code compliance assessments.
- Strong understanding of Saudi Building Code (SBC), NFPA standards, IBC, IFC, Saudi Civil Defence requirements and relevant international fire engineering standards and best practices.
- Experience coordinating with Lead Design Consultants (LDCs), third-party FLS consultants, contractors, authorities and multidisciplinary engineering teams across planning, design and construction stages.
- Demonstrated ability to review, challenge and guide complex FLS design solutions across technically challenging or high-profile developments.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience preparing technical reports, presentations and engineering assessments.
- GCC and giga-project experience is highly desirable.
What Desired Skills You'll Bring;
- Membership of the Institution of Fire Engineers (MIFireE) or equivalent professional body
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent professional registration
- Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS)
- NFPA Certifications
- Performance-Based Fire Engineering, CFD Modelling or Smoke Control related certifications/training
- PMP or equivalent project/design management certification is desirable for multidisciplinary coordination roles
Parsons equally employs representation at all job levels no matter the race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information.
We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY!
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