Pre-Contract QS / Site Supervision Mechanical Engineer

Pre-Contract QS / Site Supervision Mechanical Engineer

Location: Dubai, UAE | Project: High-Rise Tower Development

About the Role

We are seeking a skilled mechanical engineer to join our development team in Dubai for a dual-phase role. You will begin by shaping the project’s mechanical systems during the pre-contract stage through detailed QS, design review, and cost optimization. As construction progresses, you will transition into a resident site engineer, supervising all mechanical installations and ensuring world-class delivery on a landmark high-rise tower.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Contract Phase

• Perform accurate mechanical quantity take-offs and prepare detailed BOQs directly from design drawings.
• Conduct cost benchmarking and value engineering for HVAC, plumbing, drainage, and firefighting systems.
• Review consultant designs, providing corrective input to optimize performance and cost efficiency.
• Resolve coordination issues between mechanical systems and structural/MEP elements.
• Lead procurement and tendering for mechanical equipment, materials, and services.

Construction Phase

• Supervise mechanical installations to ensure compliance with approved drawings, specifications, and authority standards.
• Review and approve contractor method statements, shop drawings, and material submittals.
• Coordinate inspections with consultants and UAE authorities (Dubai Municipality, DEWA, DCD).
• Monitor design changes, assess their impact on cost and schedule, and advise on corrective actions.
• Ensure smooth integration of all mechanical systems with overall building services.

Candidate Profile

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (Master’s advantageous).
• Minimum 5 years of experience with MEP contractors on high-rise projects (25+ floors) in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
• Strong technical knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, drainage, and firefighting systems for tall buildings.
• Proficiency in HAP software for load calculations and system analysis.
• Proven expertise in UAE authority approval processes (Dubai Municipality, DEWA, DCD).
• Valid UAE driving license.

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD and Autodesk Suite.
• Strong manual quantity take-off skills (direct from DWG/design renders, without reliance on automated QS software).
• Deep knowledge of UAE market vendors, equipment availability, and pricing.
• Experience in cost estimation, tender evaluation, and contract documentation.
• Solid understanding of mechanical/structural coordination requirements.

Preferred

• English/Hindi language proficiency.
• Prior experience transitioning between office-based and site-based roles.
• Background in both QS and design aspects of mechanical engineering.

What Sets You Apart

You are detail-driven and commercially aware, capable of balancing precision QS work with practical site supervision. Your communication skills allow you to coordinate effectively with consultants, contractors, and developers. You thrive in fast-paced environments, adapt quickly to shifting priorities, and consistently drive projects to successful completion.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: AED8,000.00 - AED12,000.00 per month

Application Question(s):

• Questionnaire 1 – QS / Pre-Contract Focus

Which high-rise projects (25+ floors) have you worked on in Dubai/Abu Dhabi? Describe your involvement in the pre-contract phase.

Explain your process for preparing manual mechanical quantity take-offs and BOQs directly from DWG/design drawings.

Share an example where you identified cost savings or applied value engineering to HVAC, plumbing, or firefighting systems.

Have you ever challenged or modified a consultant’s mechanical design to improve performance or reduce cost? Provide details.

How familiar are you with the UAE vendor market for mechanical equipment (HVAC units, pumps, firefighting systems)? Provide an example where this knowledge benefited your project.

• Questionnaire 2 – Site Supervision / Construction Focus

Describe your site supervision responsibilities on towers above 25 floors. Which systems (HVAC, drainage, firefighting) did you oversee most closely?

How do you review and approve contractor method statements, shop drawings, and material submittals to ensure compliance?

What has been your direct involvement with authority inspections and approvals (Dubai Municipality, DEWA, DCD)?

Provide an example where you managed design changes on site and evaluated their cost and schedule impact.

How do you coordinate mechanical services with structural and other MEP trades during active construction?

• Questionnaire 3 – Dual Role / Integrated Focus

Have you ever worked on a project from pre-contract design/QS phase through to site execution? Describe your role at each stage.

Which phase do you find more challenging — QS/design review or site supervision — and how do you balance both?

Give an example where your early pre-contract work (BOQ, value engineering, vendor analysis) led to smoother site execution.

How do you resolve conflicts between consultant design intent and on-site practicalities in mechanical systems?

This role requires both analytical accuracy (costing, BOQs) and practical problem-solving (site supervision). How do you demonstrate strength in both areas?