Senior Fire Safety Engineer

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Diverse challenging projects

Professional development

Memberships & conferences

Collaborative environment

Career advancement

Flexible working

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Fire Safety Engineer to join our client’s Nelspruit team. You will lead fire safety design, risk assessments and strategy development across commercial, residential and healthcare projects.

You will mentor junior engineers, coordinate with architects and MEP teams, and ensure adherence to SA building codes and NFPA standards. Travel within Mpumalanga is expected as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Fire Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 6+ years of professional experience in fire safety engineering.
• Professional registration with ECSA as Pr. Eng. or Pr. Fire Eng. is highly preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of fire dynamics, combustion and heat transfer principles.

Responsibilities

• Develop fire safety strategies and designs for new buildings and retrofits.
• Conduct detailed fire risk assessments and hazard analyses.
• Design fire detection, alarm and suppression systems (sprinklers, gaseous suppression).
• Prepare fire safety reports, design documentation and performance-based fire engineering solutions.
• Ensure compliance with South African building codes and NFPA standards.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers and regulators to integrate safety measures.
• Provide expert advice to clients and authorities on fire safety matters.
• Conduct site inspections to verify implementation of fire safety systems.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Client relationship management

Project management

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Fire Engineering / related engineering

Tools

FDS

CFAST

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a specialist consultancy focused on building safety and compliance, is seeking an experienced Senior Fire Safety Engineer to join their established team in Nelspruit . This role is integral to ensuring the safety and compliance of buildings and facilities through expert fire safety design, risk assessment, and strategy development. You will be responsible for designing fire protection systems, conducting fire risk assessments, developing emergency evacuation plans, and advising clients on fire safety legislation and best practices. Working across a variety of project types, including commercial, residential, industrial, and healthcare facilities, you will collaborate closely with architects, engineers, and regulatory bodies to achieve optimal fire safety outcomes. This position offers a significant opportunity to lead fire safety initiatives and contribute to public safety within Mpumalanga .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive fire safety strategies and designs for new buildings and retrofits, incorporating active and passive fire protection measures.
• Conduct detailed fire risk assessments and hazard analyses to identify potential fire risks and vulnerabilities.
• Design fire detection, alarm, and suppression systems (e.g., sprinklers, gaseous suppression) in accordance with relevant codes and standards.
• Prepare fire safety reports, design documentation, and performance-based fire engineering solutions.
• Ensure compliance with national building regulations, fire codes (e.g., SANS 10400-T, NFPA standards), and client requirements.
• Collaborate with project teams, including architects, structural engineers, and MEP engineers, to integrate fire safety measures effectively.
• Provide expert advice to clients, developers, and authorities on fire safety matters.
• Conduct site inspections to verify the implementation and effectiveness of fire safety systems during construction and post-occupancy.
• Stay abreast of advancements in fire science, new technologies, and changes in fire safety legislation.
• Mentor junior fire engineers and contribute to the technical development of the fire safety team in Nelspruit .

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Fire Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 6 years of professional experience specifically in fire safety engineering.
• Professional registration with ECSA as a Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) or Fire Engineer (Pr. Fire Eng.) is highly preferred.
• In‑depth knowledge of fire dynamics, combustion, and heat transfer principles.
• Proficiency in fire modeling software (e.g., FDS, CFAST) and relevant design tools.
• Thorough understanding of South African building codes, fire regulations, and international standards (NFPA).
• Experience in performance-based fire design is a significant advantage.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to present complex technical information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to manage projects and client relationships effectively.
• Willingness to undertake site visits and travel within Mpumalanga as needed.

Benefits

• A competitive salary package reflecting your expertise and contribution.
• Opportunity to work on diverse and challenging projects with significant safety impact.
• Comprehensive professional development and training opportunities.
• Contribution towards professional body memberships and conference attendance.
• A professional and collaborative working environment in Nelspruit .
• Career advancement opportunities within a growing consultancy.
• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.