Public Health and Fire Protection

Want to work with the most sought-after minds and most talked-about projects? Your interest in Building Environments might just make you our new Public Health Engineer and Fire Protection Engineer.

Here at Buro Happold, expect the exceptional. From the projects you will work on to the clients we serve, from career‑defining opportunities to an inclusive and diverse practice where we all contribute to a more equitable world, wherever your Buro Happold career takes you it’ll be anything but ordinary.

Buro Happold has a clear strategic plan, strong learning culture and entrepreneurial mindset that will allow you to thrive. You’ll be part of something bigger than us all where sustainability, equity, social and performance outcomes matter. All of Buro Happold is committed to doing the right thing, even when that’s the hardest thing. This is a genuine opportunity to make impact and leave a real legacy.

The Public Health and Fire Protection Design Engineer is responsible for the full technical design of Public Health (PH) and Fire Protection (FP) systems for new builds, renovations and engineering projects. The role focuses exclusively on design development, calculations, drawings, technical documentation, code compliance and coordination with internal and external design stakeholders.

The role of a Public Health Engineer and Fire Protection Engineer can be very varied. Duties will include but are not limited to:

• Undertake detailed Public Health engineering building services design and engineering calculations for:
  • Potable water systems
  • Hot and cold water distribution
  • Drainage and sewage networks
  • Vent stacks and venting strategies
  • Stormwater/rainwater management
  • Water storage, transfer pumps and booster systems
  • LPG / gas systems where applicable
• Ensure projects are carried out to an excellent standard within agreed deadlines and budgets.
• Represent the organisation at meetings with clients, architects, consultants and suppliers.
• Produce and review reports, presentations, models and drawings to an excellent standard with high accuracy and timely delivery.
• Prepare technical specifications, schedules, design development reports and innovative PH design solutions.
• Plan and manage input to Revit for production of coordinated PH design work.
• Actively engage with colleagues across disciplines in workshops, discussions and technical events.

Lead the detailed design of Fire Protection systems for buildings in compliance with:

• UAE Fire & Life Safety Code of Practice
• Dubai Civil Defence requirements
• NFPA standards as adopted in UAE

• Prepare building‑appropriate FP system designs including:
  • Automatic sprinkler systems as required by code
  • Fire hose reel systems, the standard requirement in UAE buildings
  • Wet riser systems for mid/high‑rise buildings
  • Fire pump room design
• Perform hydraulic calculations using relevant and approved software.
• Produce IFC drawings, schematics, design basis reports, BOQs and technical specifications for FP systems.
• Coordinate closely with architectural, structural, electrical and mechanical teams to ensure space planning, core layouts and service routing accommodate FP systems.
• Provide technical leadership on FP design matters, advising clients and internal teams on code interpretation, system selection and performance‑based design approaches.

Bachelor's or master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.

• Relevant experience in building services engineering in Dubai or the wider UAE, with strong credentials in delivering highly sustainable, code‑compliant building designs.
• Experience working as lead Public Health Engineer and ideally lead designer for Fire Protection systems on building projects.
• Broad design knowledge across multiple building typologies (residential, commercial, mixed‑use, hospitality).
• Demonstrated ability to deliver coordinated, clash‑free PH and FP designs using BIM/Revit.
• Strong technical writing skills for DBRs, specifications and authority submissions.
• Working towards or holding Chartered Membership with CIBSE or an equivalent accredited engineering body.
• Excell…