Fire & Life Safety (FLS) Design Engineer

Fire & Life Safety (FLS) Design Engineer is responsible for designing, planning, and coordinating fire safety systems and strategies in building projects. This role involves ensuring all designs comply with international and local fire and life safety codes and standards while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to integrate FLS systems seamlessly into the building’s overall design. The FLS Engineer will focus on designing safe, code-compliant environments in a range of facilities, from commercial to residential and industrial projects.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and design fire protection and life safety systems, including fire alarm systems, fire suppression systems, smoke control, and emergency lighting.
• Use design software (such as AutoCAD and Revit) to create accurate and detailed FLS system layouts and designs.
• Ensure designs align with project specifications and are tailored to the needs of the building’s occupancy type and usage.
• Ensure that all designs meet local building and fire codes, including NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), Saudi Building Code (SBC), and any other relevant international standards. Stay up-to-date on changes to FLS regulations and update designs to remain in compliance.
• Collaborate with authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) to secure necessary approvals and permits for FLS systems.
• Conduct fire risk assessments and hazard analyses to identify potential risks and recommend strategies to mitigate them.
• Evaluate potential safety challenges based on building design, occupancy, and materials used, implementing design solutions to address risks.
• Analyze FLS system requirements based on the specific building type and occupancy classification, ensuring all critical safety aspects are addressed.
• Work closely with architecture, mechanical and electrical design teams to ensure FLS systems are properly integrated with other building systems.
• Coordinate with structural engineers to assess structural integrity for fire safety, such as fire resistance ratings and compartmentation requirements.
• Facilitate communication with project teams to address any design conflicts or adjustments needed for FLS systems.
• Design emergency egress routes and evacuation plans, including exit signage, stairwells, and pathways that meet fire and life safety requirements.
• Ensure that all evacuation plans accommodate persons with disabilities and comply with accessibility standards.
• Conduct simulations and evaluations of evacuation times and capacities using fire modeling software when needed.
• Prepare and maintain detailed documentation, including design reports, fire safety plans, calculations, and compliance certificates.
• Create comprehensive FLS documentation that can be referenced during construction and for post-occupancy use.
• Provide detailed reports and design calculations that demonstrate compliance with fire and life safety standards.
• Provide technical support during construction, ensuring that fire and life safety systems are installed according to the design specifications.
• Conduct site inspections to verify proper installation of FLS systems, troubleshooting and resolving any issues that arise.
• Assist with testing and commissioning fire safety systems and coordinate final inspections with the relevant authorities.
• Work directly with clients to understand their fire safety requirements and incorporate these needs into the design.
• Present fire safety strategies and designs to clients and project stakeholders, addressing any questions or concerns.
• Engage with contractors, consultants, and AHJs to communicate fire safety goals, specifications, and code requirements.
• Stay updated on advancements in FLS technology, tools, and methodologies to ensure best practices in fire safety engineering.
• Participate in professional development, training sessions, and industry seminars on fire safety and related topics.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior engineers on fire safety design best practices and code compliance.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in fire and life safety design, preferably within a design or consultancy environment.
• Certifications: Professional certification such as CFPS (Certified Fire Protection Specialist) or equivalent is preferred.
• Proficiency in FLS design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and FDS (Fire Dynamics Simulator).
• In-depth knowledge of fire codes and standards (NFPA, SBC, IBC, IFC).
• Strong analytical skills to conduct fire risk assessments and hazard evaluations.
• Excellent problem-solving and technical skills with a focus on safety and detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for effective documentation and presentation to clients and stakeholders.