Chief Engineer – Plumbing and Drainage

Wynn Al Marjan Island; Ras Al Khaimah; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury resort in Ras Al Khaimah seeks a Chief Engineer – Plumbing and Drainage to oversee all water systems ensuring operational performance and compliance with UAE codes. The ideal candidate will lead a team, manage infrastructure maintenance, and drive sustainability initiatives. Strong technical expertise and leadership capabilities are required for ensuring the resort's plumbing operations are top-notch and environmentally responsible.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in plumbing and mechanical systems.
• Deep understanding of UAE plumbing and drainage codes.
• Expertise in diagnostics and lifecycle planning.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operation and maintenance of water-based infrastructure.
• Ensure compliance with UAE Public Health Code.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team to maintain operational readiness.

Skills

Leadership

Diagnostics

Sustainability Management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Public Health, or Building Services Engineering

Diploma in plumbing/hydronic with extensive experience

Tools

CMMS platforms

BMS/SCADA data interpretation

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

General Purpose

We are seeking a technically proficient Chief Engineer – Plumbing and Drainage to lead the operational performance, safety, and compliance of all water and wastewater infrastructure within a luxury resort environment. The role encompasses potable water distribution, grey and black water drainage systems, stormwater management, and treatment plant operations. It requires a firm grasp of UAE codes, global public health standards, and a proactive approach to diagnostics, maintenance, and sustainable water management. This role integrates with the resort’s wider hydronic and mechanical systems and contributes to the overall reliability of water-based engineering operations.

Technical Oversight and System Management

• Oversee daily operation and maintenance of all water-based infrastructure including potable water, hot/cold water loops, greywater and blackwater systems, stormwater drainage, and their respective pumping and storage components.
• Supervise integrated hydronic systems such as water-boosting sets, filtration units, buffer tanks, sump pumps, and chemical dosing equipment.
• Conduct site reviews of plantrooms, risers, valve chambers, and treatment units to validate maintenance completion and system performance.
• Troubleshoot faults using schematics, BMS/SCADA interfaces, and manual test instruments to resolve low flow, pressure loss, or contamination issues.
• Monitor key operating parameters such as differential pressures, return temperatures, flow consistency, and tank levels to maintain efficiency and reduce system stress.
• Validate system handovers during commissioning or retrofits, ensuring flushing, disinfection, pressure testing, and control logic align with operational requirements and UAE codes.
• Plan and manage isolation, bypass, or rerouting operations to support planned maintenance or emergency interventions without service disruption.
• Coordinate closely with HVAC and mechanical teams where shared distribution, drainage, or pumping infrastructure affects thermal comfort systems.
  
  

Compliance and Sustainability

• Ensure plumbing and drainage systems comply with Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, Civil Defense, and UAE Public Health Code regulations.
• Maintain readiness for inspections by preparing audit records, calibration logs, water test results, and maintenance documentation.
• Implement SOPs for flushing, chlorination, confined space entry, dosing safety, and emergency shutdown/startup procedures.
• Lead water conservation initiatives including greywater reuse, low-flow fixture adoption, automated leak detection, and water metering strategies.
• Optimize water circulation and consumption by rebalancing hydronic loops, auditing water features, and analyzing seasonal consumption trends.
• Support resort-wide sustainability goals, aligning plumbing operations with certifications such as LEED or Estidama.
  
  

Diagnostics and Performance Optimization

• Use smart sensors, flow meters, and BMS trend data to detect anomalies such as stagnant zones, short-cycling pumps, or pressure fluctuations.
• Conduct thermal imaging, ultrasonic flow measurement, and vibration analysis to diagnose hidden or emerging mechanical issues.
• Analyze repair histories and CMMS data to identify chronic failure points and adapt maintenance regimes accordingly.
• Benchmark performance of water systems against internal KPIs and external industry best practices to support continuous improvement.
• Identify and implement automation upgrades, energy-efficient pumping strategies, and load-optimized operations to reduce system stress.
• Propose targeted CAPEX interventions supported by diagnostics, asset age profiling, and ROI assessment.
  
  

Documentation and Departmental Integration

• Maintain up-to-date asset registers, test reports, as-built layouts, and hydraulic diagrams for all water and drainage systems.
• Collaborate with Facilities, Culinary, Housekeeping, and Spa teams to ensure engineering activities are planned with minimal disruption.
• Integrate plumbing maintenance with broader mechanical PPM schedules, especially where overlaps exist in utility corridors or shared plantrooms.
• Liaise with external contractors, review method statements and scopes of work, and ensure outsourced delivery is compliant with specifications.
• Track spare part usage, forecast replenishment needs, and align procurement with maintenance demand and budget constraints.
  
  

Team Supervision and Field Leadership

• Lead a multidisciplinary team including plumbers, drainage technicians, and outsourced specialists to maintain full operational readiness.
• Deliver field training on fault diagnostics, safety procedures, water quality control, and pressure zone management.
• Monitor workforce performance using KPIs such as response times, repair quality, and system downtime.
• Conduct team briefings, toolbox talks, and hazard assessments aligned with site-wide safety culture and engineering department objectives.
• Ensure staffing coverage across all shifts, with preparedness for high-demand periods, peak seasons, and night operations.
  
  

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Public Health, or Building Services Engineering preferred. Diploma holders with extensive plumbing/hydronic experience will also be considered.

Experience

• 10+ years in plumbing and mechanical water system operations in resorts, hospitals, or large commercial facilities.
• Demonstrated expertise in commissioning, diagnostics, lifecycle planning, and code compliance.
  
  

Certifications and Technical Knowledge

• Deep understanding of UAE plumbing, drainage, and water safety codes.
• Ability to interpret mechanical layouts, hydraulic schematics, and BMS/SCADA data.
• Knowledge of filtration, dosing systems, greywater recycling, and mechanical-hydronic integration.
  
  

Language and IT Skills

• Fluent in English; Arabic or other regional languages an advantage.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, CMMS platforms, and smart building interfaces.
  
  

Other Requirements

• Capable of leading emergency responses, managing contractor interfaces, and driving safety compliance.
• Committed to continuous technical improvement, sustainability leadership, and operational excellence.