Lead Fire Protection Engineer

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Fire Protection Engineer to oversee and direct all fire prevention and protection activities within our organization. This critical role involves supervising personnel, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and leading the design, inspection, testing, and commissioning of fire protection systems. The ideal candidate will possess extensive technical expertise in fire protection engineering, strong leadership capabilities, and a commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards in accordance with NFPA, API, and international best practices.

Key Responsibilities

The Lead Fire Protection Engineer will be responsible for the following core functions:

• Supervision and Leadership: Oversee all fire prevention activities, including the supervision of personnel, ensuring adherence to established schedules, and maintaining performance metrics. Provide regular updates to the Fire Protection Head to facilitate informed decision-making.
• Technical Oversight: Lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of fire protection systems, including fixed firefighting systems, fire water systems, fire pumps, foam pumps, smoke and fire detection systems, and emergency response equipment. Ensure all systems meet or exceed NFPA, API, HCIS, and Saudi Arabia government regulations.
• Design and Review: Conduct engineering design reviews to verify compliance with company, NFPA, and HCIS standards. Prepare and review detailed design packages, technical specifications, bills of material, and fire philosophy documents. Assess water availability and delivery systems to ensure adequate protection for facilities.
• Inspection, Testing, and Commissioning: Lead inspection, testing, and commissioning activities for all fire protection systems. Prepare and execute testing protocols in accordance with NFPA standards. Identify system deficiencies or discrepancies and recommend corrective actions to ensure optimal performance.
• Safety and Compliance: Participate in safety walkthroughs, inspections, and risk assessments. Provide technical assistance to the Fire Protection Department and other stakeholders to enhance fire prevention and protection standards. Ensure all activities align with international best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Program Development and Management: Establish and lead Fire Equipment Inspection and Testing Programs, including scheduling, record-keeping, and data analysis. Develop and maintain Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the fire protection department as directed by the Fire Protection Head. Coordinate field activities with proponent departments through correspondence, business letters, and technical reports.
• Incident Response and Investigation: Support day-to-day firefighting activities and provide technical advice to assigned organizations. Participate in incident investigations and pre-incident planning as required. Contribute to the management of change processes to ensure continuous improvement in fire safety protocols.
• Regulatory and Stakeholder Engagement: Ensure compliance with Saudi Arabia government regulations and international standards. Prepare firefighting studies and reports as requested. Collaborate with external stakeholders, including fire departments and regulatory bodies, to promote fire safety initiatives.

Qualifications and Skills

Candidates for this role must meet the following qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. A Master’s degree or professional certification (e.g., PE, CFPS) is highly desirable.
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in fire protection engineering, with at least 5 years in a leadership or supervisory role. Experience in the oil and gas, refining, or petrochemical industry is preferred.
• Technical Proficiency: In-depth knowledge of NFPA standards, API guidelines, and international fire protection codes. Proficiency in preparing design packages, technical specifications, and fire safety studies. Experience with fire risk assessments, pre-incident planning, and incident investigations.
• Leadership and Communication: Strong leadership skills with the ability to supervise and mentor a team of fire protection professionals. Excellent verbal and written communication skills to liaise with stakeholders, prepare technical reports, and present findings to senior management.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving: Ability to analyze complex data, identify trends, and develop actionable recommendations. Strong problem-solving skills to address system deficiencies and implement corrective measures.
• Regulatory Compliance: Thorough understanding of Saudi Arabia government regulations and international best practices in fire protection. Commitment to ensuring all activities comply with applicable laws and standards.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The Lead Fire Protection Engineer will work in a dynamic and challenging environment, often requiring site visits, participation in technical meetings, and collaboration with cross-functional teams. The role may involve exposure to industrial settings, including refineries or petrochemical plants, where adherence to safety protocols is paramount. Physical demands may include standing, walking, and lifting objects as required during inspections and testing activities.

Career Growth and Development

This position offers significant opportunities for professional growth and development. The successful candidate will have the chance to lead critical fire protection initiatives, contribute to strategic safety programs, and advance their career within a globally recognized organization. Ongoing training and development opportunities will be provided to enhance technical skills and leadership capabilities.