Senior MEP Engineer Swimming Pools

JOB PURPOSE:

To lead the design, engineering, coordination, installation, testing and commissioning of Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) systems for swimming pools, spas, water features and aquatic facilities. The role ensures that all pool water treatment, hydraulic, mechanical and electrical systems are delivered safely, on time, within budget and in full compliance with project specifications, international aquatic standards and local authority requirements.

SCOPE OF PROJECTS:

• Competition and training pools (FINA / World Aquatics compliant), public and municipal pools
• Hotel, resort and residential pools, infinity and rooftop pools, lagoons
• Spas, jacuzzis, plunge pools, saunas, steam rooms and wellness facilities
• Water features, fountains, splash pads, water play areas and water parks

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Design & Engineering:

• Develop, review and finalise MEP designs for pools and water features, including filtration, circulation, balance tanks, overflow/skimmer systems and pipework layouts.
• Carry out pool hydraulic calculations: turnover rates, flow rates, filtration velocity, pump head and pipe sizing.
• Select and specify plant equipment: pumps, sand/glass media, cartridge and regenerative media filters, strainers, heat exchangers and heat pumps.
• Design water treatment and disinfection systems: chlorine/bromine dosing, salt chlorination, ozone, UV, pH control and automatic chemical controllers.
• Design pool heating and cooling systems, including heat pumps, chillers, solar heating and heat recovery.
• Coordinate pool hall HVAC and dehumidification for indoor pools, including condensation and corrosion control.
• Design pool electrical systems: plant room power, control panels, underwater lighting (SELV), equipotential bonding and earthing per IEC 60364-7-702 and local regulations.
• Specify automation and controls (PLC/BMS integration), water level control, make-up water, backwash and drainage arrangements.
• Integrate energy-efficient and sustainable solutions such as VFDs, pool covers, backwash water recovery and low-energy plant.
• Prepare and review technical specifications, design calculations, equipment schedules and BOQs.

Project Execution & Site Management:

• Lead MEP execution on site from mobilisation through handover, ensuring work follows approved drawings, specifications and method statements.
• Review and approve shop drawings, material submittals, technical data sheets, method statements and ITPs.
• Coordinate MEP works with structural, civil, waterproofing, tiling and finishing trades, including embedded pool fittings (inlets, main drains, skimmers, lights).
• Plan and monitor MEP resources, subcontractors, suppliers and procurement of long-lead items.
• Monitor progress against programme, report variances and implement recovery actions.
• Support cost control, variation assessment, quantity take-off and interim payment certification for MEP works.

Testing, Commissioning & Handover:

• Develop and execute testing and commissioning plans: pressure tests, flow tests, leak/water-tightness tests, electrical tests and control system verification.
• Supervise pool fill, start-up, water balancing and chemistry stabilisation to achieve required water quality parameters.
• Ensure entrapment-prevention and suction-safety measures are verified before handover.
• Prepare and approve as-built drawings, O&M manuals, warranties and handover documentation.
• Train client operation and maintenance staff on pool plant operation, chemical handling and safety.

Compliance, Quality & HSE:

• Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards, including World Aquatics (FINA) facility rules, PWTAG guidance, DIN 19643, EN 15288, EN 13451, ANSI/APSP/ICC, ISPSC, NSF/ANSI 50, ASHRAE, CIBSE and local authority regulations.
• Obtain approvals from relevant authorities (e.g. municipality, civil defence, electricity and water authorities).
• Implement QA/QC procedures, conduct inspections and close out NCRs and snag lists.
• Enforce safe storage and handling of pool chemicals, confined-space and electrical safety, and all project HSE requirements.
• Prepare risk assessments for pool plant rooms, chemical dosing and electrical works.

Coordination & Stakeholder Management:

• Act as the main MEP technical point of contact for clients, consultants, architects, landscape architects and main contractors.
• Attend design, coordination and progress meetings; respond to RFIs and technical queries.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations and value-engineering proposals.

Leadership & Technical Support:

• Lead, mentor and develop MEP engineers, supervisors and draughtsmen.
• Troubleshoot operational and water quality problems on completed facilities, including turbidity, chemical imbalance, hydraulic and equipment failures.
• Support tendering with technical studies, design proposals, equipment selection and cost estimates.
• Keep up to date with new technologies, products and standards in aquatic engineering.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering (preferred) or Electrical Engineering from a recognised university.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of MEP engineering experience, including at least 5 years dedicated to swimming pool, spa, water feature or aquatics projects.
• Proven track record delivering commercial, hospitality or public aquatic facilities from design through commissioning.
• Regional experience and familiarity with local authority approval processes is an advantage.

Certifications (Preferred)

• Professional Engineer registration (PE / CEng / Society of Engineers membership or equivalent).
• Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) or equivalent swimming pool technical qualification (e.g. PWTAG / SPTO).
• PMP or equivalent project management certification.
• Valid local engineering authority approval / grade (where required).

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Pool hydraulics, filtration, circulation and balance tank design
• Water chemistry and disinfection technologies (chlorine, ozone, UV, salt electrolysis)
• Pool heating, HVAC and dehumidification for indoor aquatic environments
• Pool electrical safety, underwater lighting, bonding and earthing
• PLC/BMS controls and pool automation systems
• Water feature and fountain nozzle, jet and choreography systems
• Familiarity with leading pool equipment manufacturers and their product ranges
• Software: AutoCAD, Revit MEP / BIM, MS Project or Primavera P6, MS Office; hydraulic calculation tools

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Strong technical judgement and problem-solving ability
• Leadership, team development and delegation
• Clear written and verbal communication in English (Arabic is an advantage)
• Client focus and stakeholder management
• Attention to detail, quality and safety mindset
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:

• Projects delivered on schedule and within MEP budget
• Design and submittal approval rate at first submission
• Zero major HSE incidents on MEP works
• Water quality and system performance achieved at commissioning
• Number of NCRs, rework and post-handover defects
• Client satisfaction and team development