Senior Fire Protection Engineer

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Fire Protection Engineer to lead and oversee critical fire prevention and protection activities within our organization. This role is pivotal in ensuring the safety and compliance of our facilities, systems, and personnel by implementing robust fire protection strategies, conducting rigorous inspections, and maintaining adherence to international standards and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of fire protection engineering principles, a proactive approach to risk management, and exceptional leadership capabilities to guide a team of professionals in safeguarding our operations.

Key Responsibilities

The Senior Fire Protection Engineer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to:

• Supervision and Leadership: Oversee all fire prevention activities within the division, including fire inspection segments, to ensure adherence to schedules, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. Supervise personnel to foster a culture of safety and accountability.
• Performance Reporting and Data Management: Provide regular updates on performance metrics to the Fire Protection Head. Compile and analyze statistical data as requested, ensuring accurate and timely reporting to support strategic decision-making.
• System Inspection and Testing: Lead the commissioning, inspection, and testing of plant equipment and facilities, with a focus on fire protection systems. Develop and execute testing protocols in accordance with NFPA standards, covering fixed firefighting systems, fire water systems, fire pumps, foam pumps, smoke and fire detection systems, and other critical components.
• Design Review and Compliance: Perform comprehensive engineering design reviews to ensure alignment with company policies, NFPA standards, HCIS guidelines, and international best practices. Identify potential risks and recommend corrective actions to mitigate fire hazards.
• Safety and Risk Management: Participate in safety walkthroughs, inspections, and incident investigations as guided by the Fire Chief. Contribute to fire risk assessments and pre-incident planning to enhance preparedness and response capabilities.
• Technical Support and Collaboration: Provide expert technical assistance to the Fire Protection Department and other stakeholders to achieve high fire prevention and protection standards. Collaborate with proponent departments to coordinate field activities, including correspondence, reports, and technical documentation.
• Program Development and Maintenance: Establish and lead Fire Equipment Inspection and Testing Programs, including supervising day-to-day operations, setting achievable schedules, maintaining records, and analyzing performance data. Develop and maintain Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the fire protection department as directed.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure full compliance with Saudi Arabia government regulations, API standards, and international best practices. Stay abreast of evolving regulatory requirements and industry trends to maintain the highest standards of fire protection.
• Equipment and System Specifications: Review and update technical specifications for firefighting equipment, including fire trucks, foam/water carriers, emergency vehicles, rescue equipment, and portable devices. Ensure all systems and equipment meet operational and safety requirements.
• Project Support and Documentation: Prepare detailed reports on system deficiencies, discrepancies, and corrective actions. Develop design packages, fire philosophies, technical specifications, and bills of materials for fire protection systems. Conduct site visits, attend technical meetings, and prepare fire studies as required.

Qualifications and Skills

The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, with a minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in fire protection engineering, design, and compliance. Professional certifications such as PE (Professional Engineer) or CFPS (Certified Fire Protection Specialist) are highly desirable. The candidate must demonstrate expertise in NFPA standards, API guidelines, and international fire safety regulations. Strong leadership, analytical, and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and senior management.

Work Environment and Additional Responsibilities

The Senior Fire Protection Engineer will operate in a dynamic and challenging environment, often requiring on-site presence for inspections, testing, and commissioning activities. The role may involve participation in incident investigations, management of change processes, and support for day-to-day firefighting operations. The engineer will also be responsible for promoting and implementing firefighting and intervention programs, ensuring the highest standards of safety and compliance across all facilities.