About the Role

The Estimation Engineer will play a central role in the pre-construction phase of fire protection and ventilation projects across Qatar. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing comprehensive, accurate cost estimates for fire alarm systems, fire suppression and fire fighting systems, emergency and exit lighting installations, and HVAC ventilation systems. This role demands both strong technical knowledge and commercial acuity.

Working closely with the design, procurement, and project management teams, the Estimation Engineer will analyze tender documents, interpret engineering drawings and specifications, and produce competitive bids that comply fully with Qatar Civil Defence Department (QCDD) standards and applicable international codes. Precision, speed, and an in-depth understanding of local market pricing are essential for success in this position.

Qatar continues to invest heavily in infrastructure, hospitality, healthcare, and commercial real estate — all of which require state-of-the-art fire protection and life safety systems. This makes experienced estimation engineers in this niche highly sought-after professionals in the region. If you hold the right qualifications and certifications, this is an exceptional opportunity to advance your career at the heart of Qatar’s construction sector.

Key Responsibilities

  • Prepare detailed and accurate Bills of Quantities (BOQ) and cost estimates for fire alarm, fire fighting, emergency/exit lighting, and ventilation system projects.
  • Study and interpret architectural, structural, and MEP drawings to determine scope, quantities, and material requirements for each project.
  • Coordinate with suppliers, subcontractors, and vendors to obtain competitive material and labour rates for estimating purposes.
  • Review client RFQs, tender packages, and specifications and prepare thorough technical and commercial bid submissions.
  • Conduct site visits and assessments where necessary to verify existing conditions and verify scope inclusions and exclusions.
  • Liaise with the design team to ensure system layouts and engineering calculations are properly reflected in cost estimates.
  • Track post-tender clarifications, addenda, and revisions and update estimates accordingly to maintain accuracy.
  • Maintain and update an internal rate database with current material prices, labour costs, and subcontractor quotes.
  • Ensure all estimates and designs comply with QCDD codes, NFPA standards, and Qatar construction regulations.
  • Support project handover by providing the operations team with cost breakdown sheets and estimation assumptions.
  • Prepare variation order estimates during project execution when scope changes arise.
  • Participate in tender review meetings with senior management and provide technical input on risk and value engineering opportunities.
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Required Qualifications & Experience

Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from a recognized and accredited university. A minimum of 5 to 7 years of hands-on experience in the design and estimation of MEP systems — with a specific focus on fire alarm, fire fighting, emergency lighting, and ventilation — is required. Candidates with experience exclusively in general electrical or civil estimation will not be considered for this role.

Proven experience working with MEP contractors, specialist fire protection companies, or systems integrators in the GCC — preferably in Qatar — will be a strong advantage. Familiarity with the Qatar Construction Specification (QCS), NFPA 72, NFPA 13, and BS EN 54 standards is expected. Candidates should be able to work independently and manage multiple simultaneous tender submissions under tight deadlines.

  • Degree: Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) from an accredited institution.
  • Experience: 5–7 years in design and estimation of fire protection and ventilation systems.
  • Technical Skills: Proficiency in AutoCAD for drawing interpretation; MS Excel for estimation; familiarity with estimation software is a plus.
  • Industry Knowledge: Strong understanding of fire alarm panels, sprinkler systems, gaseous suppression, smoke control, and ventilation equipment.
  • Communication: Excellent written and spoken English; Arabic language skills are an added advantage.
  • Analytical Ability: Strong numerical skills with attention to detail and the ability to identify scope gaps in tender documentation.

Systems Expertise

The ideal candidate must demonstrate deep knowledge of the following systems and their associated estimation methodologies:

🔥 Fire Alarm Systems 💧 Fire Fighting Systems 💡 Emergency Lighting 🚪 Exit / Escape Lighting 🌬️ Ventilation Systems Smoke Detection Sprinkler Systems Gaseous Suppression Smoke Control HVAC Integration NFPA Standards QCS Compliance BOQ Preparation Tender Management

Mandatory Certifications & Licences

Due to the regulatory environment in Qatar, certain professional certifications are non-negotiable requirements for this role. Applications that do not include valid copies of the certifications listed below will not be processed. Please ensure your resume clearly states the certification type, grade, and validity date.

Certification Requirement Level Details
UPDA – Engineers Qatar Mandatory Minimum Grade C or above. Issued by the Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA) Qatar. Required for all practicing engineers in Qatar.
QCDD Certification Mandatory Qatar Civil Defence Department certification for fire protection systems. Essential for working on fire alarm and fire fighting projects in Qatar.
Qatar Driving Licence Preferred A valid Qatar driving licence is preferred to enable site visits and coordination meetings independently. Not mandatory but strongly advantageous.
⚠️ Important Note: Candidates currently holding a UPDA registration below Grade C or whose QCDD certification has lapsed are advised to renew or upgrade prior to applying. The hiring company requires valid, active certifications at the time of interview. Copies of all certifications must be submitted along with your resume.
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Why Work in Qatar’s Fire Safety Sector?

Qatar remains one of the most active construction markets in the Middle East and North Africa. With an ongoing focus on infrastructure development, tourism expansion, healthcare investment, and smart city projects post the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the demand for qualified fire protection engineers and estimation professionals continues to grow strongly.

Fire safety engineers with UPDA and QCDD credentials are among the most in-demand professionals in Qatar’s engineering labour market. The combination of technical expertise and regulatory compliance makes certified estimation engineers particularly valuable to MEP contractors competing in Qatar’s tender-heavy project landscape. Compensation packages are competitive and typically include tax-free salary, accommodation allowance, annual flights, and medical insurance.

This is an ideal opportunity for mid-to-senior level engineers looking to deepen their expertise in the Gulf region, build a portfolio of major fire protection projects, and grow within a stable, established company with a strong pipeline of work.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their updated resume or CV along with copies of their academic certificates, UPDA registration, and QCDD certification. Please ensure your application clearly highlights your experience in fire alarm, fire fighting, and ventilation system estimation, the scale and value of projects you have worked on, and your current UPDA grade.

Applications should be submitted through the official link below. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. We appreciate the interest of all applicants and thank you for considering this opportunity.