Senior Façade Engineer

Senior Façade Engineer – Transforming Architectural Vision into High-Performance Building Envelopes

At Buro Happold, we redefine excellence in engineering—where innovation meets sustainability, and every project is an opportunity to create lasting impact. As a Senior Façade Engineer based in Riyadh, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of architectural design by delivering cutting-edge, high-performance building envelopes that blend aesthetics, functionality, and environmental responsibility. Join a global firm committed to equity, collaboration, and transformative outcomes, where your expertise will drive meaningful change in the built environment.

This is more than a career—it’s a chance to lead with purpose. Buro Happold fosters a dynamic, inclusive culture where ambition is met with mentorship, and every project is an opportunity to grow. Whether you’re refining a bold architectural concept or resolving complex technical challenges, your work will contribute to projects that define the skyline and set new standards for sustainability and performance.

Your Impact

As a Senior Façade Engineer, you will lead the technical direction of facade systems for some of the most ambitious building projects in the region. Your responsibilities will span the entire lifecycle of facade design—from initial concept development to final execution—ensuring that every solution is not only visually striking but also structurally sound, cost-effective, and aligned with the latest industry standards. You will collaborate closely with architects, structural engineers, MEP specialists, fire safety experts, contractors, and suppliers to translate design intent into seamless, durable, and high-performing building envelopes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Facade Engineering Delivery: Take ownership of facade engineering for medium-sized projects, providing technical leadership from early design stages through to construction, testing, and site support. Work alongside senior leaders to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Engage with clients, architects, engineers, contractors, and specialist suppliers to advise on facade design, construction methods, and performance optimization. Chair and participate in critical project meetings, ensuring alignment across all stakeholders.
• Technical Excellence: Develop facade designs from initial client requirements, architectural concepts, or remediation proposals, preparing detailed specifications, performance reports, calculations, and tender documentation. Evaluate contractor and supplier submissions, including shop drawings, material samples, mock-ups, and testing results, to ensure compliance with design intent.
• Site Oversight: Conduct site visits to monitor facade installation, assess workmanship, and verify compliance with approved designs. Support technical investigations of existing facade systems, contributing to repair, remediation, or refurbishment strategies where necessary.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate facade-related technical risks by developing innovative, coordinated, and practical solutions. Provide strategic input during bid processes, design competitions, and work-winning initiatives to enhance project competitiveness.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong client relationships, fostering trust and transparency throughout project delivery. Act as a technical advisor to senior staff, ensuring facade-related decisions are informed, cohesive, and aligned with broader project goals.
• Knowledge Sharing: Mentor junior team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and technical excellence. Contribute to the growth of the facade engineering team by sharing insights and best practices.
• Adaptability: Contribute to additional duties as required to support project success and business objectives, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive approach to challenges.

Why Your Expertise Matters

We are seeking a Senior Façade Engineer with a proven track record in delivering high-caliber facade solutions. Your ideal profile includes:

• Proven Technical Authority: Deep expertise in facade design, construction, and performance, with hands-on experience in at least four of the following materials: aluminium, steel, concrete, stone, glass, and timber.
• Holistic Design Approach: The ability to balance aesthetic innovation with structural integrity, sustainability, and constructability. A strong understanding of facade systems, including cladding, glazing, and structural support mechanisms.
• Project Leadership: Experience leading facade engineering for complex projects, from conceptual development to final delivery. Familiarity with industry standards, codes, and best practices in facade engineering.
• Collaborative Mindset: A track record of working effectively in multidisciplinary teams, bridging gaps between design intent and practical execution. Strong communication skills to articulate technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
• Innovation and Problem-Solving: A proactive approach to identifying challenges and developing creative, sustainable solutions. Experience with facade testing, mock-ups, and quality assurance processes.
• Commitment to Sustainability: Passion for integrating sustainable practices into facade design, such as energy efficiency, thermal performance, and material innovation.

At Buro Happold, your work will not only elevate the built environment but also contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future. If you are ready to take your career to the next level—where ambition meets impact—we invite you to join us in Riyadh and be part of a team that redefines what’s possible in engineering.