Fire Safety Engineer

Job Overview

The Fire Safety Engineer will undertake specialized fire and life safety engineering tasks at KAUST, under the supervision of the Fire Safety Engineering Lead. This role involves supporting the delegated Authority Having Jurisdiction governance framework by performing detailed technical assessments, field inspections, audits, fire risk evaluations, and investigations, adhering strictly to KAUST procedures and authority guidelines. The candidate will develop technical recommendations for review by senior safety management and ensure regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out comprehensive fire and life safety engineering reviews, field assessments, and compliance inspections.
• Evaluate fire safety prerequisites for new builds, refurbishments, research environments, hazard zones, and fire protection installations.
• Ensure strict adherence to the Saudi Building Code, National Fire Protection Association standards, International Fire Code, local KAUST regulations, and Saudi Civil Defense mandates.
• Perform fire risk assessments and system verifications, recommending remedies where necessary.
• Maintain and audit records including fire safety documentation, design drawings, certificates, inspection data, ITM records, and evidence of issue resolution.
• Collaborate with project teams, facilities management, contractors, consultants, fire and emergency services, and other relevant parties to address fire safety challenges.
• Provide technical oversight for Inspection, Testing & Maintenance protocols of fire protection systems, tracking corrective measures to completion.
• Participate in commissioning and verification activities for alarms, suppression systems, smoke control, passive protections, fire doors, barriers, and evacuation pathways.
• Support investigations into fire incidents and false alarms, performing root cause analysis and proposing corrective actions.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Fire Engineering, Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• At least six years of experienced practice in fire protection engineering, system inspection, prevention, or compliance assurance.
• Hands-on experience with fire protection system inspections, testing, commissioning, and ongoing compliance monitoring.
• Good knowledge of and compliance with the Saudi Building Code, NFPA standards, IFC, and preferably Saudi Civil Defense codes.
• Experience assessing fire protection designs, technical documentation, inspection and testing reports, and compliance evidence.
• Capability in managing deficiencies, implementing corrective actions, and overseeing their closure.
• Exposure to complex operational settings such as universities, research centers, industrial sites, healthcare, mixed-use developments, or extensive campuses.
• Possession of a valid Saudi or GCC driving license or an equivalent valid permit.
• Preferred certifications include CFPS, CFPE, CFAITMS, CWBSP, NICET, IFE, or similar qualifications in fire safety/protection.