Design Compliance Inspector (Mechanical / Electrical)

Job description / Role

Job Title: Design Compliance Inspector – MEP (Mechanical / Electrical)

Location: Dubai, UAE
Employment Type: Full-Time

Role Overview

We are seeking a technically strong Design Compliance Inspector – MEP to review, assess, and approve mechanical and/or electrical fit-out design submissions for projects within DMCC and JLT developments. This role is focused on design-stage compliance, ensuring all MEP systems meet authority regulations, master developer guidelines, and applicable UAE codes before construction works commence.

The position plays a critical governance role in ensuring safety, quality, and regulatory compliance of MEP designs across commercial and retail fit-out projects.

Key Responsibilities

Review and assess MEP design submissions, including:

• HVAC, ventilation, and smoke extraction systems
• Electrical power, lighting, emergency lighting, and low current systems
• Fire & life safety systems (in coordination with relevant codes and requirements)
• Plumbing and drainage (if applicable to project scope)

Ensure full compliance with:

• DMCC and JLT fit-out guidelines
• Dubai Civil Defence and relevant authority regulations
• UAE building codes and applicable international standards

Verify alignment between:

• MEP design submissions
• Authority requirements
• Approved master developer standards
• Provide technical comments, mark-ups, and formal compliance feedback on design submissions
• Approve or reject MEP design packages based on technical and regulatory compliance

Coordinate with:

• MEP consultants and designers
• Fit-out contractors
• Project managers and relevant stakeholders
• Review material submittals and technical specifications related to MEP systems
• Ensure designs are coordinated with architectural and interior layouts

Maintain accurate records of:

• Design reviews and approvals
• Revisions, resubmissions, and compliance comments
• Support site inspection teams by ensuring approved MEP designs are clear, compliant, and buildable
• Provide technical guidance to tenants and consultants on MEP compliance requirements during the design stage

Technical Requirements & Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in:

• Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline
• Minimum 5+ years experience in:
• MEP design review, authority approvals, technical compliance, or consultancy roles in the UAE

Strong knowledge of:

• DMCC / JLT fit-out guidelines and approval processes
• Dubai Civil Defence and relevant local authority codes
• HVAC, electrical systems, fire & life safety, and MEP coordination for fit-out projects

Proven experience reviewing:

• MEP design packages for commercial, office, and retail fit-out projects

Strong ability to interpret:

• MEP drawings, schematics, and specifications
• Codes, standards, and authority requirements

Skills & Competencies

• Strong technical judgment and compliance-focused mindset
• Excellent attention to detail and document review discipline
• Clear and professional written communication for technical comments and reports
• Ability to manage multiple design submissions and deadlines
• Confident in challenging non-compliant or technically weak designs
• Strong coordination and stakeholder management skills
• Proficient in MS Office and design review / document control systems

Preferred / Advantageous

• Prior experience working with DMCC, JLT, or master developers
• Background in authority approvals, design governance, or compliance roles
• Fire & Life Safety, MEP, or QA/QC-related certifications (advantage)
• Experience in commercial, retail, and mixed-use fit-out developments

About the Company

Service

Our aim is to provide our clients and candidates with a consistent, quality service that goes beyond the norm, giving them peace of mind and complete trust in our ability to meet their needs.

Knowledge

Big Fish consultants specialise in their fields and have extensive experience in the region and beyond. We take pride in our knowledge and network and believe that our relationships are built on trust and integrity and are made for the long term.

Care

At Big Fish, as well as caring for the people we work with, we also care about the world and environment we live in, that's why Big Fish support initiatives that promote human welfare, environmental protection and sustainability.