Senior Façade Engineer

Design high-performing, sustainable building envelopes as a Facade Engineer with Buro Happold in Riyadh.

Here at Buro Happold, expect the exceptional.

From the projects you will work on to the clients we work with.

From career-defining opportunities to an inclusive and diverse practice where we all contribute to a more equitable world.

From our reputation to our relationships.

Wherever your Buro Happold career takes you, it’ll be anything but ordinary.

Your next role

Buro Happold has a clear strategic plan, strong learning culture and entrepreneurial mindset that will allow you to thrive.

You’ll be part of something bigger than us all where sustainability, equity, social and performance outcomes matter.

All of Buro Happold is committed to doing the right thing, even when that’s the hardest thing.

This is a genuine opportunity to make impact - and leave real legacy.

Your key duties

We are looking for an established Facade Engineer with strong technical capability and a practical understanding of facade design, construction and performance.

Based in Riyadh, you will join a collaborative multidisciplinary team and take a leading role in delivering facade engineering solutions for complex building projects.

You will work closely with clients, architects, structural engineers, building services engineers, fire engineers, contractors and specialist suppliers to transform design intent into elegant, buildable and durable facade solutions.

This role offers the opportunity to further advance your career while developing expertise across all stages of facade design - from early concept and technical development through procurement, construction, testing and site support.

• Lead facade engineering delivery on medium-sized projects, with support from senior technical leaders where required.
• Work as part of single-discipline and multidisciplinary teams, attending and chairing meetings with clients, architects, contractors, consultants and specialist subcontractors in an advisory capacity.
• Develop facade designs from initial client requirements, architectural concepts or remediation proposals.
• Prepare and coordinate facade details, performance specifications, technical reports, calculations, schedules and tender documentation.
• Review contractor and supplier technical submissions, including shop drawings, material proposals, samples, mock-ups and testing documentation.
• Attend site visits to monitor and assess facade installation, workmanship, quality and compliance with the approved design.
• Support inspections and technical investigations of existing facade systems and contribute to repair, remediation or refurbishment recommendations where required.
• Attend project, site and technical meetings, providing clear advice on facade design, construction, performance and coordination matters.
• Support senior staff in providing design leadership on facade issues to the wider client and design team.
• Identify facade-related technical risks and develop practical, coordinated and deliverable solutions.
• Provide input to bids, design competitions, proposals and work-winning activities.
• Maintain strong and professional client relationships throughout project delivery.
• Work effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to technical knowledge sharing across the facade engineering team.
• Carry out other duties reasonably required to support the successful delivery of projects and the wider business.

Your skills and experience

We are looking for a technically competent and motivated engineer with a solid foundation in facade engineering.

You will be confident applying design principles in a practical manner and comfortable working in a fast-paced, creative and multidisciplinary environment.

You will ideally demonstrate experience in most of the following areas:

• Facade design involving at least four of the following materials: aluminium, steel, concrete, stone, glass and timber.
• Robust knowledge of facade weather-performance requirements, including air permeability, water penetration, drainage, pressure equalisation, condensation control and long-term durability.
• Architectural component-detail design, with an understanding of aesthetic intent, technical performance and buildability.
• Working knowledge of building physics, including ventilation, solar-gain control, thermal insulation, overheating, glare control and occupant comfort.
• Understanding of structural design principles relevant to facades, including movement, tolerances, support, restraint, deflection and differential movement.
• Knowledge of glass structural design and glazing-system performance.
• Awareness of sustainability design drivers and the role of facade design in reducing energy demand and improving whole-life building performance.
• Solid understanding of passive fire-protection strategies, including cavity barri