Design & Estimation Engineer - Smoke Management System (HVAC)

NAFFCO; Dubai; On-site; AED 250,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

NAFFCO is seeking a Design & Estimation Engineer for Smoke Management Systems to produce design calculations, drawings, and cost estimates for smoke control projects in the UAE. You will size fans, ducts, and dampers, prepare BOQs and tender submissions, and coordinate with MEP disciplines to meet codes and client requirements.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a minimum of five years’ relevant experience, with UAE/Gulf region familiarity preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of design and estimation experience in smoke control/smoke management systems or related building services.
• Experience in the UAE or Gulf region preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop smoke control designs, including pressure differential, exhaust, and containment strategies.
• Perform hydraulic, airflow, and thermodynamic calculations for sizing fans, ducts, and dampers.
• Create CAD/Revit drawings and coordinate with architectural, structural, and MEP teams.
• Prepare equipment schedules, specifications, and installation details for smoke control systems.
• Review tender documents, supplier quotes, and develop cost breakdowns and BOQs.
• Coordinate with project teams to implement design intent and resolve constructability issues.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Client liaison

Cost estimation principles

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD

Revit BIM

CFD

Job description

The Design & Estimation Engineer - Smoke Management System will produce accurate design calculations, technical drawings, and detailed cost estimates for smoke control and management systems across NAFFCO SMS projects. The role ensures compliance with applicable codes and standards, meets client requirements, and coordinates with other disciplines to support successful delivery. It also provides timely design documentation, bill of materials, and cost breakdowns to Sales, Project, and Technical teams.

Key Responsibilities

Design Engineering

• Develop natural and mechanical smoke control designs, including pressure differential, smoke exhaust, and smoke containment strategies.

• Carry out hydraulic, airflow, and thermodynamic calculations to size fans, ducts, and dampers in line with codes (e.g., NFPA, EN, BS) and client requirements.

• Create engineering drawings, schematics, layouts, and single-line diagrams in CAD/Revit and coordinate with architectural, structural, and MEP disciplines.

• Prepare equipment schedules, specifications, and installation details for smoke control assemblies and control systems.

• Review tender documents, client drawings, and third-party designs to identify scope, risks, and coordination needs.

Estimation & Tender Support

• Prepare competitive cost estimates and bill of quantities for smoke management systems, covering labour, materials, equipment, and subcontractors.

• Develop tender submissions with scope, clarifications, assumptions, exclusions, and pricing breakdowns per commercial guidelines.

• Evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations, validate pricing, and recommend preferred vendors.

• Maintain estimation databases, standard rates, and material take-off templates for accuracy and consistency.

• Support bids by responding to technical queries and contributing to post-tender negotiations.

Project Coordination & Support

• Coordinate with project managers, site teams, and subcontractors to implement design intent and resolve constructability issues.

• Provide technical support and clarifications through design, procurement, and construction.

• Attend design reviews, progress meetings, and site inspections as needed.

• Review and approve submittals, shop drawings, and material data for compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years experience in design and estimation of smoke control/smoke management systems, building services, or fire protection engineering.

• Proven ability to prepare design calculations, technical drawings, and cost estimates for commercial, industrial, or high-rise projects.

• Experience in the UAE or Gulf region and familiarity with local statutory requirements is preferred.

• Construction site coordination experience is beneficial.

Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills

• Knowledge of smoke control design methods, airflow calculations, fan performance, and duct design.

• Proficiency in CAD and Revit (BIM) and engineering calculation tools; CFD experience is an advantage.

• Strong numerical and analytical skills with attention to detail.

• Understanding of procurement, costing, and commercial tendering.

Behavioural Competencies

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for liaising with clients, consultants, and project teams.

• Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams, managing priorities and deadlines.

• Proactive problem-solving with risk identification and mitigation.

• High integrity, professionalism, and commitment to quality.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Accurate, complete design calculations and drawings.

• Timely delivery of estimates and tender documentation.

• Bid wins supported by technical and estimation input.

• Reduced design-related site queries and rework.

• Compliance with NAFFCO quality and safety standards.