MEP Network Engineer

Role Overview

MEP Network Engineer at Nova Construction, based on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. This is a specialist role focused on the interface between external utility networks and internal MEP systems within a large-scale, phased Design & Build residential development.

Company Overview

Nova International General Contracting is a well-established UAE-based general contracting and construction company specializing in branded residences. The company is committed to delivering excellence through the highest standards of quality, innovation, and client satisfaction, with ambition to grow as a trusted partner and deliver landmark developments that shape the future of the UAE's built environment.

Role Purpose

The MEP Network Engineer ensures seamless integration between external utility networks and building-level MEP systems by reviewing and verifying MEP design deliverables produced by the appointed design consultant. The role is embedded within the utilities team and focuses on where internal building MEP systems connect to, receive from, or depend on external utility networks overseen by the Senior Utilities Network Engineer. This is not a standalone building MEP role; the primary focus is on plumbing, internal electrical distribution, mechanical connections, and fire fighting provisions interfacing correctly with external utility feeds including potable water, irrigation, LV power, and telecoms.

Key Responsibilities

MEP-Utilities Interface Design Review

• Review internal plumbing and sanitary designs to verify correct connection, sizing, and pressure compatibility with the external potable water network supplied by ADDC.
• Check internal cold and hot water distribution systems, booster pump provisions, and storage tank sizing relative to external water supply parameters.
• Review internal irrigation distribution connections and verify alignment with the external irrigation network design.
• Assess internal LV electrical distribution designs including DB layouts, cable sizing, and metering arrangements to confirm correct connection to the external ADDC LV network.
• Review internal earthing, bonding, and lightning protection designs for compliance with ADDC and authority requirements.
• Check fire fighting system designs including sprinkler networks, hydrant connections, and FM200 provisions, and verify correct connection to the external potable water supply and fire authority requirements.
• Review mechanical connection provisions including any building-level pumping, pressurisation, or booster systems tied to external utility feeds.
• Verify that MEP system designs at building level are fully coordinated with external utility network capacities, pressures, and connection points as established by the Senior Utilities Network Engineer.
• Identify design deficiencies or interface mismatches and prepare draft technical review comments for consultant response and close-out.
• Maintain and update the MEP design submission register and review comment tracker.

Coordination & Integration

• Work closely with the Senior Utilities Network Engineer to ensure building MEP systems are correctly sized and specified relative to external utility network parameters.
• Flag any discrepancies between external utility network designs and internal MEP connection requirements for resolution by the consultant.
• Coordinate with the design consultant's MEP and utilities discipline leads to resolve interface issues between external and internal systems.
• Support BIM/3D coordination reviews to verify clash-free integration of MEP systems with structural and architectural elements at the building level.

Authority & Compliance

• Support the preparation of MEP-related packages for submission to ADDC, ADSSC, Civil Defence, DM, TASAREEH, and other relevant Abu Dhabi authorities.
• Assist in tracking authority comments on MEP submissions and coordinating consultant responses for NOC and approval processes.
• Maintain working knowledge of Abu Dhabi MEP codes, ADDC connection standards, UAE Fire & Life Safety requirements, and Civil Defence approval processes.

Construction Support

• Assist in reviewing MEP shop drawings, equipment data sheets, contractor submittals, and method statements during the construction phase.
• Support resolution of technical queries (RFIs) and design clarifications related to MEP-utility interface works during construction.
• Participate in site visits to verify MEP installations and utility connections are executed in accordance with approved designs.
• Support MEP commissioning and testing activities, particularly for systems connected to external utility networks.

Reporting & Administration

• Maintain accurate records of MEP design submissions, review cycles, and comment status.
• Attend design review meetings and MEP/utilities coordination workshops as required.
• Escalate unresolved interface issues or technical concerns to the Senior Utilities Network Engineer promptly.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related MEP discipline — mandatory.
• Membership or working towards membership of a recognised professional body (IMechE, IET, CIBSE, or equivalent) — advantageous.

Experience

• Minimum 4 years of experience in MEP engineering within the UAE, with a focus on building services connected to external utility networks.
• Demonstrated experience reviewing internal plumbing, LV electrical, and fire fighting system designs on residential or mixed-use developments in Abu Dhabi — preferred.
• Understanding of external utility network parameters (water pressure, LV supply characteristics, ADDC standards) and how they govern internal MEP system design — essential.
• Familiarity with ADDC connection requirements, Civil Defence fire system approvals, and ADSSC drainage connection standards — advantageous.
• Experience in Design & Build or contractor environments — advantageous.
• Prior exposure to Yas Island projects or Abu Dhabi authority submission processes — highly advantageous.

Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in AutoCAD — mandatory for MEP design review and mark-up.
• Ability to interpret MEP drawings, system schematics, riser diagrams, equipment schedules, and load calculations.
• Understanding of hydraulic calculations for internal water supply and fire fighting systems.
• Familiarity with BIM/Revit MEP coordination and clash detection tools — advantageous.
• Knowledge of Abu Dhabi MEP codes, UAE Fire & Life Safety Code, and Civil Defence requirements.
• Working knowledge of document control systems and Microsoft Office suite.

Core Competencies

• MEP-Utilities Interface Engineering.
• Internal Plumbing, Electrical & Fire Fighting Systems Review.
• External Utility Network Integration.
• ADDC, Civil Defence & Abu Dhabi MEP Compliance.
• Design Coordination & Clash Detection.
• Attention to Detail & Technical Accuracy.

Soft Skills

• Strong attention to detail with a focus on system interface accuracy and design integration.
• Good coordination and communication skills for working within the utilities team and interfacing with the design consultant.

Additional Information

Authority & Standards Knowledge

• Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC) — LV electrical connection standards, potable water supply parameters, and metering requirements.
• Abu Dhabi Civil Defence — fire fighting system approval requirements including sprinklers, hydrants, and fire alarm infrastructure.
• Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC) — internal drainage and plumbing connection standards.
• Department of Municipalities (DM) — building permits and MEP compliance approvals.
• TASAREEH — permit and approval management platform for Abu Dhabi construction works.
• Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (ADDED) — energy efficiency and sustainability compliance for building MEP systems.

Other Requirements

• Valid UAE driving licence — required.
• Good written and spoken English; Arabic is advantageous.

What the Role Offers

• Opportunity to play a key role in delivering a flagship luxury residential project with strong backing from an experienced developer.
• Senior-level responsibility at project level with close interaction with leadership.
• Opportunity to shape how project control is done in a fast-growing contracting organization.
• Chance to be part of a long-term success story with a growing project pipeline for those motivated by challenge and ownership.