Fire Safety Engineer (KAUST, Saudi Arabia)

About the role

The Fire Safety Engineer delivers technical fire and life safety engineering activities across KAUST under the direction of the Fire Safety Engineering Lead. The role supports KAUST's delegated Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) governance by carrying out technical reviews, field assessments, inspections, compliance verification, fire risk assessments and technical investigations within approved KAUST procedures. It also prepares technical recommendations for review and approval by the Lead, Fire Safety Engineer and the Health and Safety Manager, and supports compliance with Saudi Civil Defense, the Saudi Building Code (SBC), NFPA, IFC and KAUST requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct fire and life safety engineering reviews, assessments, inspections and field verifications, including new construction, renovations, research facilities, high-hazard areas and fire protection systems.
• Ensure compliance with SBC, NFPA, IFC, KAUST and Saudi Civil Defense requirements, and recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain fire safety documentation, drawings, test certificates, inspection records, ITM records and deficiency closure evidence.
• Coordinate with Projects, Facilities, contractors, consultants, Fire & Emergency Services and other stakeholders to resolve fire safety issues.
• Provide technical assurance for Inspection, Testing & Maintenance (ITM) of fire protection systems and monitor corrective actions.
• Participate in testing, commissioning, acceptance and functional verification of fire alarms, suppression systems, smoke control, passive fire protection, fire doors, barriers and egress systems.
• Support investigations of fire incidents, unwanted alarms, system failures and impairments, including root cause analysis.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Fire Engineering, Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum 6 years of professional experience in fire protection engineering, fire systems engineering, fire prevention or fire and life safety compliance.
• Experience in complex environments such as universities, research facilities, industrial facilities, healthcare, mixed-use communities or large campuses.
• Valid Saudi/GCC driver's license or valid driver's license as applicable.
• Certifications such as CFPS, CFPE, CFAITMS, CWBSP, NICET, IFE or equivalent are preferred.

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of SBC, NFPA, IFC and preferably Saudi Civil Defense requirements.
• Experience reviewing fire protection designs, drawings, specifications, inspection reports, testing documents and compliance records.
• Experience with deficiency management, corrective actions and closeout.