Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (Plumbing & Firefighting)

**************** About Studio 360 *************** At Studio 360, we are more than just a design studio — we serve as the creative and technical engine behind Azizi Developments. Since our establishment in 2017, our multidisciplinary team has delivered innovative solutions in architecture, engineering, interiors, landscape, and MEP across a diverse array of sectors, including residential, commercial, hospitality, healthcare, and master planning. With three offices and a shared passion for excellence, we merge creativity, precision, and a human-centric approach to bring visionary projects to life. We lead in digital transformation by integrating advanced technologies and Building Information Modeling (BIM) at every stage of our design and delivery process. At Studio 360, you will be immersed in a dynamic environment where bold ideas, collaboration, and innovative tools converge to shape the skylines of tomorrow. ****************************************************** Job Title Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (Plumbing & Firefighting) Department MEP Design Team Reporting Line Reports to: MEP Design Manager / Head of MEP Design Location: Cairo, Egypt (Design Back Office) Supporting: Head Office – Dubai, UAE Level of Seniority Senior Company Overview The company's main office is based in Dubai, UAE. This position is based in the company's design back office in Cairo, Egypt, which operates as a technical design support hub delivering MEP design services for projects managed and executed by the Dubai head office. Job Purpose The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer (Plumbing & Firefighting) is responsible for leading and delivering plumbing and fire protection system designs for projects executed through the Dubai-based main office, primarily serving clients and projects across the UAE and KSA markets. The role requires advanced technical command of plumbing and firefighting design principles, Revit MEP/BIM-based workflows, and strong leadership in coordinating multidisciplinary MEP teams to deliver accurate, code-compliant, and constructible designs within project timelines. Key Responsibilities Lead the development of plumbing system designs including domestic water supply, drainage, sewerage, storm water, and grey water systems for commercial, residential, and mixed-use projects. Lead the development of firefighting system designs including sprinkler networks, fire pumps, fire hose reels/cabinets, standpipe systems, and fire water storage/supply, in line with NFPA and local civil defense requirements. Take ownership of plumbing and firefighting drawings, schematics, schedules, riser diagrams, and specifications, ensuring full compliance with project standards and applicable codes (UPC, NFPA, and local authority requirements such as Dubai Civil Defense, DEWA, Trakhees, and Saudi Building Code/Civil Defense as applicable). Lead modeling within Revit MEP, ensuring model accuracy, LOD compliance, and clash-free coordination with Architectural, Structural, Electrical, and HVAC disciplines using Navisworks Manage. Oversee and validate hydraulic calculations, pipe sizing, pump selection, and water demand/fire flow analyses performed by the team, ensuring accurate translation into BIM models and design documentation. Act as the primary technical point of contact with the Dubai head office design team, project managers, and clients on plumbing and firefighting design matters, ensuring alignment on design intent, project requirements, and delivery schedules. Review and approve shop drawings, material submittals, and vendor data related to plumbing and fire protection systems and equipment for technical compliance. Lead technical input for tender and proposal stages, including quantity take-offs, preliminary design, and cost-impacting design decisions. Ensure designs comply with applicable local authority regulations, international standards, and sustainability/water efficiency requirements (e.g., LEED, Estidama, Al Sa'fat where relevant). Supervise, mentor, and technically develop mid-level and junior mechanical engineers and BIM modelers within the design team. Lead internal design reviews, QA/QC checks, and multidisciplinary coordination (clash detection) meetings, driving resolution of complex coordination issues. Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of internal plumbing/firefighting design standards, templates, and BIM workflows. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of plumbing and fire protection design technologies, BIM standards, and regional code updates relevant to UAE and KSA markets. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. Professional certification/affiliation is a plus (e.g., PMP, LEED AP, NFPA certification). Required Experience 7 to 10 years of progressive experience in plumbing and firefighting design engineering, with a strong track record on projects in the UAE and KSA markets. Proven experience working within an MEP design consultancy or design-focused back-office setup supporting projects in the Gulf region. Prior experience leading design tasks or supervising junior engineers is preferred. Experience across various project types (commercial, residential, hospitality, mixed-use, or infrastructure) is preferred. Required Technical Skills Expert-level knowledge of Autodesk Revit MEP and Navisworks Manage for plumbing and firefighting modeling, coordination, and clash detection. Strong working knowledge of AutoCAD for legacy or supplementary drawing needs. Solid understanding of UAE and KSA local codes, civil defense approval processes, and regional plumbing/fire protection design standards (NFPA, UPC). Proficiency in hydraulic calculation software (e.g., Hydratec, Elite Fire, AutoSPRINK, or equivalent) for fire flow, pump sizing, and pipe network analysis. Strong command of BIM execution plans (BEP), LOD requirements, and common data environment (CDE) platforms (e.g., BIM 360/ACC). Strong technical report writing and specification development skills. Key Competencies Strong leadership, technical judgment, and decision-making ability. Excellent coordination and communication skills, particularly in a cross-office (Cairo–Dubai) working model. Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously. Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to design quality, safety compliance, and code adherence. Proven ability to mentor, guide, and develop junior and mid-level team members. Working Conditions Based in the Cairo design back office, working in direct support of live projects managed from the Dubai head office. May require occasional coordination calls aligned with Dubai/KSA working hours. Occasional travel to Dubai or project sites in KSA may be required, based on project needs. Show more