Associate 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 Associate 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 work with. From career-defining opportunities to an inclusive and diverse practice where we all contribute to a more equitable world. From our reputation to our relationships. Wherever your Buro Happold career takes you, it’ll be anything but ordinary.

Your next role

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 real legacy.

Your key duties

The Associate Public Health & 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 technical consultancy projects. The role focuses exclusively on client management, technical leadership, innovation, code compliance, and coordination with internal and external design stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

Associate Public Health Engineering

The role of an Associate Public Health Engineer and Fire Protection Engineer can be very varied.

Duties will include but are not limited to:

• Present and discuss engineering strategies with clients, architects and other project stakeholders for own projects and team member projects as required. Influence the decision making process for the benefit of the client and aspirations of the project.
• Mentor and supervise the work of other engineers in the team.
• Undertake concept through to detailed design 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).
• Water recycling and conservation strategies.
• 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.

Fire Protection Engineering specifics:

• Prepare building‑appropriate FP system designs including:
• Automatic sprinkler systems (as required by code)
• Fire hose reel systems
• 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, 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.

Your Skills and Experience

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

• Detailed extensive knowledge of NFPA, internationally recognised plumbing codes and design guides including all relevant KSA and UAE code requirements.
• Strong credentials in delivering innovative high performing building engineering solutions and code‑compliant building services designs.
• Experience working as Lead Public Health Engineer and lead designer for Fire Protection systems on building projects.
• Broad design knowledge across multiple building typologies (residential, commercial, mixed‑use, hospitality, cultural).
• Demonstrated ability to deliver coordinated, clash‑free PH and FP designs using BIM/Revit.
• Strong technical writing skills for reports, specifications, and authority submissions.
• Chartered Engineer or recognised equivalent accredited engineering body.
• Excellent communication and client‑facing skills.
• Ability to mentor and guide junior engineers, providing leadership within the design team.

What we offer you

Bring your knowledge and expertise to one of the world’s most respected consultancies.

• Hybrid working arrangements
• Attractive salary and benefits package
• A strong commitment to your continuous development. Whatever stage in your career, we have a learning and development programme that will enable and empower you
• Entitlement to two memberships to professional bodies or subscriptions
• An international culture that wherever your career takes you at Buro Happold, you won’t be far from the exceptional.

At Buro Happold, everyone else’s extraordinary is just our everyday.

Apply today and be a part of our legacy.

A place for everyone

Buro Happold values individual's flexible approaches to working patterns as an important part of the way you work and achieve balance. We welcome applications from those who are seeking flexibility in their careers.

Our exceptional portfolio of projects is the result of the diversity of thought, identities, backgrounds and experiences that shape us. Appreciating each other’s differences is key, we want employees to feel they don’t have to mask elements of their identity to thrive.

We are working to change the lack of representation of marginalised groups in the built environment and are particularly keen to hear from anyone who feels they are underrepresented in the industry. We have much to learn from one another. Embracing difference allows us to develop the most innovative and elegant solutions.

Please let us know if there are any adjustments, we could make to the application process to make it easier and more comfortable for you. Contact recruitment@burohappold.com so we can work with you to support you throughout your application.