Intermediate Fire Engineer (Project Contract)

C&N Solutions; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy is seeking an Intermediate Fire Engineer for project-based work in Gauteng. The candidate will design fire safety systems, conduct risk assessments, and manage project documentation. A Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field and 3-5 years of experience in fire engineering are required. This role demands strong analytical skills, teamwork, and the ability to meet strict project deadlines.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of post-graduate experience in fire engineering.
• Registration as a Candidate Engineer with ECSA is highly advantageous.
• Active membership with a professional body (e.g., SAICE Fire Engineering, IFE).

Responsibilities

• Leading the design of active fire protection systems.
• Conducting fire risk assessments and developing Performance-Based Designs.
• Coordinating with project teams to resolve site-related design issues.
• Managing project documentation and preparing technical close-out reports.

Skills

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

Communication

Project Management

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's Degree or BTech in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit/BIM

Fire/smoke modelling software (e.g., FDS)

Job description

Job Specification: Intermediate Fire Engineer (Project Contract)

Job Title: Intermediate Fire Engineer (Project Contract)

Employment Type: Project-Based Contract (Initial term and renewal subject to project requirements)

Location: Gauteng, South Africa, and Surrounds (Work primarily at project sites and virtual/client offices)

Reporting To: Project Manager/Lead Fire Engineer

1. Position Summary

We are seeking a proactive and skilled Intermediate Fire Engineer to join our team on a project-by-project contract basis, primarily for construction and building services projects within Gauteng and its surrounds. The successful candidate will be responsible for the detailed design, review, and management of fire safety strategies and systems for specific, time-bound projects, ensuring full compliance with national and international codes. This role requires flexibility, autonomy, and a proven ability to deliver high-quality technical work under project deadlines.

2. Key Responsibilities

The Intermediate Fire Engineer will be responsible for the entire fire engineering scope of assigned individual projects, which includes:

• Project Fire Safety Design & Delivery: Leading the design of active fire protection systems (e.g., sprinklers, detection, smoke control, gaseous suppression, hydrants, hose reels) in accordance with project-specific standards (SANS, ASIB, NFPA).
• Compliance & Rational Design Management: Conducting fire risk assessments and developing Performance-Based Designs (Rational Designs), and managing the full submission and approval process with the relevant local Fire Authority.
• Site and Team Integration: Coordinating directly with project-specific multidisciplinary teams and providing decisive technical solutions to site-related design issues that arise during construction.
• Contract Administration & Close-Out: Meticulously managing all project documentation, drawings, and preparing technical close-out reports upon project completion.

3. Required Qualifications & Experience

Education

• A Bachelor's Degree or BTech in Mechanical Engineering, Fire Engineering, Fire Protection Engineering, or an equivalent relevant engineering field.

Experience

• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of post-graduate experience specifically within the fire engineering and building services consulting environment.
• Proven success in contracting/consulting roles in the Gauteng region.

Professional Affiliations

• Registration as a Candidate Engineer with ECSA is highly advantageous.
• Active membership with a professional body (e.g., SAICE Fire Engineering, IFE).

Technical Knowledge and Software

• In-depth knowledge of SANS 10400-T and supporting codes, ASIB standards, and relevant NFPA standards.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit/BIM, and experience with fire/smoke modelling software (e.g., FDS).

4. Benchmark Profile of Desired Project Experience

Applicants must demonstrate project experience consistent with the following profile:

• Industrial/Warehouse: Experience in designing and hydraulically calculating high-hazard sprinkler systems, such as ESFR (NFPA 13), and integrating large-scale smoke/heat exhaust ventilation systems.
• Commercial/Mixed-Use: Successfully delivered designs for high-rise or large commercial buildings, including detailed means of egress analysis, wet/dry riser systems (SANS 10287), and integrated fire detection systems (SANS 10139).
• Specialised Risk: Proven involvement in projects requiring specialist suppression, such as gaseous clean agent systems (e.g., Data Centres, Archives) or foam systems.
• Contractual Delivery: Track record of managing project deliverables to strict deadlines, conducting site quality audits, and managing the technical interface between designers and contractors on multiple projects.
• Rational Design: Proven ability to develop the full Rational Fire Design Report for a minimum of 2-3 significant projects and successfully secure approval from the local Fire Authority.

5. Competencies & Attributes

• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to assess complex fire hazards, conduct detailed analyses, and develop innovative, compliant solutions under pressure.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical report writing, client presentations, and professional liaison with authorities.
• Project Management: Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple deliverables, meet project deadlines, and work effectively as an independent contractor.
• Teamwork: A proactive and collaborative approach to integrate fire safety solutions seamlessly with other engineering disciplines.

6. Contractual Terms

• This is a Project-Based Contract role.
• Remuneration will be competitive and negotiated based on experience, specific project scope, and the contract duration.

The work will be largely site-based and office-based in Gauteng and its surrounds, requiring reliable transport and flexibility to move between different project locations.