Facilities Engineer

Role Overview

Facilities Engineer – HVAC, Wasl, Dubai. The HVAC Engineer in a Facilities Management environment is responsible for ensuring the continuous, safe, and energy-efficient operation of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems across commercial, residential, and industrial facilities.

Company Overview

Wasl was founded on May 25, 2008, from the union of the Dubai Development Board and Real Estate Department. Today, Wasl stands as one of Dubai's largest and most diversified real estate management companies, overseeing an expansive portfolio of landmark assets entrusted by DREC and other esteemed partners. The company is committed to a customer-centric approach rooted in trust, respect, and a relentless pursuit of innovation in asset management.

Role Purpose

The role encompasses technical expertise, asset management, contractor supervision, compliance monitoring, and strategic planning to extend equipment life, minimize downtime, and support high-performance FM operations.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Technical Management

• Oversee the daily operation of all HVAC equipment, including chillers (air-cooled and water-cooled), VRF/VRV systems, AHUs, FAHUs, FCUs, exhaust systems, heat pumps, cooling towers, and ventilation systems.
• Monitor system performance through BMS (Building Management System); analyze alarms, trends, and control logic to maintain optimal climate conditions.
• Perform routine rounds to assess equipment health, temperature control, pressure levels, electrical loads, lubrication needs, vibration levels, and airflow conditions.
• Implement operating procedures that maximize system reliability and minimize energy consumption.

Preventive, Corrective & Predictive Maintenance

• Prepare and execute comprehensive maintenance plans in accordance with OEM guidelines, FM best practices, and ASHRAE standards.
• Lead preventive maintenance activities such as filter replacement, coil cleaning, belt tensioning, lubrication, checking refrigerant levels, and calibration of sensors and thermostats.
• Conduct predictive maintenance using vibration analysis, thermal imaging, BMS trends, pressure testing, and performance data to forecast failures.
• Execute corrective maintenance, troubleshoot faults, replace defective parts, and restore equipment functionality with minimal downtime.
• Maintain detailed maintenance history for each asset and update CAFM/CMMS records regularly.

Troubleshooting & Diagnostics

• Identify root causes of equipment breakdowns including electrical faults, mechanical failures, refrigerant leaks, control system issues, and airflow restrictions.
• Utilize diagnostic tools: manifold gauges, multimeters, airflow meters, psychrometers, clamp meters, leak detectors, and data loggers.
• Provide technical advice during emergencies and ensure rapid resolution to restore HVAC performance.
• Recommend long-term corrective solutions and reliability improvements.

Health, Safety, Compliance & Standards

• Ensure compliance with local authority requirements, including UAE Fire & Life Safety Code, Municipality regulations, Civil Defense approvals, and Dubai Green Building Regulations & Estidama (where applicable).
• Follow international standards: ASHRAE, SMACNA, NFPA, and ISO guidelines.
• Conduct risk assessments and ensure proper lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) procedures during maintenance.
• Maintain MSDS for refrigerants, chemicals, and ensure safe handling of hazardous materials.
• Support environmental sustainability initiatives and indoor air quality programs.

Energy Management & Optimization

• Analyze HVAC energy consumption patterns and identify inefficiencies.
• Recommend improvements such as optimization of chiller sequencing, upgrading motors to VFDs, adjusting BMS control strategies, and enhancing insulation and reducing heat gain.
• Lead energy conservation measures (ECM) and contribute to reducing operational costs.
• Participate in energy audits and sustainability reporting.

Contractor, Vendor & Stakeholder Coordination

• Supervise subcontractors performing HVAC services; ensure adherence to quality, safety, and contractual SLAs/KPIs.
• Review method statements, risk assessments, and ensure compliance with FM standards.
• Validate contractor reports, service checklists, and verify completion with evidence.
• Assist procurement teams in evaluating supplier capability, product selection, and technical compliance.

Asset Management & Documentation

• Maintain accurate HVAC asset inventory, serial numbers, warranty status, lifecycle data, and equipment condition assessments.
• Contribute to annual maintenance plans, CAPEX forecasts, and replacement strategies.
• Update CAFM/CMMS systems (Maximo, Concept Evolution, FSI, and others) with work orders, PPM schedules, AMC records, and asset performance metrics.
• Prepare technical reports, downtime analysis, root cause analysis (RCA), and monthly FM performance summaries.

FM Project Support

• Support FM-led refurbishment projects such as HVAC retrofits, energy upgrades, tenant improvements, and system replacements.
• Participate in review of shop drawings, as-built drawings, O&M manuals, and technical submittals.
• Conduct site inspections, snagging, and commissioning activities.
• Provide expert input during handover of new installations or major overhauls.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering (preferred) or equivalent technical qualification.
• 3–10 years of experience in HVAC maintenance, preferably within Facilities Management operations.
• Professional certifications (advantage): HVAC Technician Certification, ASHRAE Membership, Chiller Operation Certification, or FM-related qualifications (e.g., IFMA, CFM, FMP).

Skills & Competencies

Technical

• Expertise in HVAC systems, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and refrigeration cycles.
• Skilled in diagnosing mechanical, electrical, and control-related issues.
• Strong understanding of BMS, control logic, and HVAC automation.
• Proficiency in reading mechanical drawings, schematics, and O&M manuals.

FM-Specific

• Understanding of SLA/KPI-driven service delivery.
• Knowledge of asset lifecycle management and CAFM/CMMS systems.
• Familiarity with FM budgeting, AMC management, and performance reporting.

Soft Skills

• Strong communication skills for interacting with clients, tenants, and contractors.
• Leadership mindset in managing technicians and service personnel.
• Problem-solving, decision-making, and prioritization skills in fast-paced FM environments.

Additional Information

• Site-based role with daily interaction across facility floors and plant rooms.
• Occasional shift work or on-call rotation for emergency maintenance.
• Work may involve confined spaces, heights, and exposure to high-temperature equipment.