Smoke management and HVAC Designer

XELUXE is looking for a Smoke Management & HVAC Designer with experience in HVAC design, smoke control systems and fire/life safety engineering. The candidate will be responsible for developing coordinated designs and technical documentation for HVAC and smoke management systems, with a strong understanding of UAE and Dubai requirements, codes and authority standards .

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare HVAC and smoke management system designs for commercial, residential, hospitality, healthcare, high-rise and mixed-use projects.
• Develop HVAC layouts, ducting layouts, equipment schedules and related design documentation.
• Design and coordinate smoke extraction, smoke control and pressurization systems .
• Perform calculations for:
  • Smoke extraction
  • Staircase pressurization
  • Lift lobby pressurization
  • Fire-fighting lobby pressurization
  • Car park ventilation and smoke extraction
  • Basement ventilation
• Prepare smoke management schematics, airflow diagrams and system layouts.
• Review architectural, structural and MEP drawings and identify design requirements and coordination issues.
• Coordinate HVAC and smoke management systems with fire alarm, fire fighting, electrical, architectural and structural disciplines .
• Prepare technical drawings and documentation using AutoCAD and Revit/Revit MEP .
• Prepare design calculations, technical reports, specifications and equipment schedules.
• Review HVAC and smoke management drawings, shop drawings and technical submissions from contractors/vendors.
• Participate in design coordination meetings with clients, architects, consultants and contractors.
• Conduct site visits and support installation review, testing and commissioning activities when required.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable project requirements, authority regulations and relevant international standards.
• Provide technical inputs for tenders, proposals and project quotations.
• Support preparation of client presentations and technical submissions.

UAE & Dubai Codes and Standards – Required Knowledge

The candidate should have a good working knowledge of the UAE/Dubai regulatory environment and be familiar with the requirements applicable to HVAC, smoke management and fire/life safety design for projects in Dubai and the wider UAE.
Knowledge/experience should include, as applicable:

• UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice
• Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) requirements and approval procedures
• Dubai Building Code (DBC)
• Relevant UAE Building Code and local authority requirements
• ASHRAE standards and HVAC design principles
• NFPA standards relevant to smoke control and fire/life safety systems
• Relevant BS/EN standards applicable to HVAC, smoke control and fire safety systems
• Understanding of authority submission requirements, design review comments and approval processes
• Ability to incorporate DCD/authority comments into design drawings and calculations
• Familiarity with UAE project documentation, technical specifications and consultant coordination requirements

Experience working on Dubai/UAE projects and dealing with DCD or other UAE authority requirements will be an added advantage.
Key Technical Skills

• HVAC system design
• Smoke management and smoke control systems
• Staircase and lift lobby pressurization
• Mechanical smoke extraction systems
• Car park ventilation and smoke extraction
• Duct sizing and airflow calculations
• Fan selection and equipment sizing
• HVAC load calculations
• Fire and life safety requirements
• AutoCAD
• Revit / Revit MEP
• HVAC and smoke management coordination
• Preparation and review of technical drawings
• UAE/Dubai authority requirements

Preferred Experience

• 5+ years of relevant experience in HVAC design, smoke management or MEP consultancy.
• Experience in smoke control/management design is preferred.
• Experience working on UAE/Dubai projects will be highly advantageous.
• Practical experience with Dubai Civil Defence requirements and authority submissions is preferred.
• Experience with commercial, residential, hospitality, healthcare, high-rise or mixed-use projects will be an advantage.
• Good working knowledge of UAE Fire & Life Safety Code, DCD requirements, Dubai Building Code, NFPA and ASHRAE .
• Experience coordinating with architects, MEP consultants, contractors, authorities and other project stakeholders.

Educational Qualification

• Bachelor's degree/diploma in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline .
• Relevant experience in HVAC, smoke management and fire/life safety design or consultancy.

Key Competencies

• Strong technical and analytical skills
• Good understanding of HVAC and smoke management principles
• Strong knowledge of UAE/Dubai design and authority requirements
• Ability to interpret architectural and MEP drawings
• Strong AutoCAD/Revit skills
• Good coordination and communication skills
• Ability to respond to technical and authority review comments
• Attention to detail and design accuracy
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Willingness to attend project sites when required

Role Expectations

The successful candidate will work closely with fire & life safety engineers, MEP consultants, architects, contractors, clients and authority representatives to develop coordinated HVAC and smoke management solutions suitable for UAE/Dubai projects and compliant with applicable codes, standards and authority requirements.