Senior Tunnel Ventilation Engineer (Design)

As an accomplished Sr. Tunnel Ventilation Engineer, you will be responsible for leading the tunnel ventilation system (TVS) design, 1-D and 3-D simulation analysis, fire life safety studies and associated HVAC design for Metro, High-Speed Rail, Road Tunnel and major infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with international standards and UAE / KSA local authority regulations.

The candidate is expected to stay updated on industry trends, new technologies and best practices, and to be proficient in 1-D (IDA Tunnel / SES) and 3-D CFD (FDS / PyroSim, ANSYS) simulation software and HVAC load calculation tools (HAP). A minimum of 10 years of experience in the relevant field is preferred.

Design & Analysis:

1. In-depth knowledge of tunnel ventilation system (TVS) design principles and requirements with respect to international codes and standards for metro, high-speed rail and road tunnel projects.
2. Perform 1-D simulation analysis (IDA Tunnel / SES) for normal, congestion and emergency/fire scenarios, including pressure transient analysis, for underground stations, running tunnels and escape/cross-passage arrangements.
3. Carry out 3-D CFD smoke and fire modelling (FDS / PyroSim, ANSYS) to assess smoke movement, back-layering, evacuation tenability and tunnel–station integration, ensuring compliance with NFPA 130 / NFPA 502.
4. Prepare tunnel ventilation design calculations, including fresh-air requirements for pollutant dilution in road tunnels (CO, NOx, opacity), jet-fan sizing based on critical velocity, and fan selection and duty-point checks for tunnel and station ventilation systems.
5. Develop ventilation strategies and mode of operation tables based on tunnel geometry, gradient, airflow requirements and emergency response criteria; prepare operational write-ups and cause-and-effect inputs.
6. Carry out HVAC heat load calculations (HAP) for underground station public areas, technical rooms and utility buildings, and validate equipment sizing, duct pressure drop, external static pressure and pump head requirements.
7. Design and lay out fan rooms, plant rooms, shafts, dampers and mechanical rooms for tunnel and transit ventilation systems, including space-proofing and 3D model input.
8. Prepare and review design documents such as the Basis of Design (BOD), calculation reports, technical specifications, datasheets, equipment lists and layout drawings.
9. Deliver design and engineering within project timelines while adhering to maintenance, safety and quality standards, considering constructability, economics and operability at each project stage, including value engineering and optimization.
10. In-depth knowledge of applicable codes and standards, including NFPA 130, NFPA 502, PIARC, TSI, ASHRAE, UAE Fire and Life Safety Code, SBC and BS/EN, as relevant to tunnel ventilation and fire life safety.
11. Experience working on EPC / Design & Build projects, including tendering, BOQ preparation, preparation of Material Requisitions (MR) and Technical Bid Evaluations (TBE), and review of vendor submittals, datasheets and proposals for technical and contractual compliance.
12. Working knowledge of installation, testing and commissioning of tunnel ventilation systems, and support to construction teams, including resolution of TQs / RFIs.
13. Participate in design reviews, HAZID, constructability reviews and 3D / BIM model reviews.
14. Ensure all designs comply with relevant building codes, safety regulations and environmental standards.
15. Able to work on and support multiple projects simultaneously.

Design Collaboration:

1. Lead TVS and fire life safety design independently, and guide, mentor and support a team of junior engineers and BIM modellers.
2. Interact with clients, consultants and authorities to understand their requirements, present ventilation design proposals, and provide technical support and recommendations.
3. Collaborate with Civil, Architecture, Structure, Electrical, Fire Protection, Signalling, Instrumentation & Controls and other MEP disciplines to achieve a coordinated design and resolve interdisciplinary clashes.
4. Collaborate with the BIM team to prepare 3D models and 2D layouts of tunnel ventilation plant, shafts and stations using Revit MEP, Navisworks and BIM 360.
5. Maintain accurate records of all design documents, simulation models, calculations, review comments and correspondence.

1. Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline. A Master’s degree in a relevant field is an advantage.
2. Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in tunnel ventilation and fire life safety design, with demonstrated experience on metro, rail and/or road tunnel projects.
3. In-depth knowledge of TVS design principles and applicable codes and standards, including NFPA 130, NFPA 502, PIARC, EU Technical Specifications for Interoperability (SRT TSI), ASHRAE, UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice, Saudi Building Code (SBC 801) and relevant BS / EN standards.
4. Proficiency in IDA Tunnel and/or SES, FDS / PyroSim, ANSYS Fluent / CFX and Carrier HAP. Familiarity with evacuation modelling tools (e.g., Pathfinder, STEPS) is an advantage.
5. Registration with the UAE Society of Engineers or the Saudi Council of Engineers (or eligibility to register). Chartered status (e.g., CEng) is preferred.
6. Experience on GCC infrastructure projects is highly desirable.
7. Strong communication, presentation and leadership skills.