Lead MEP Engineer (Electrical, HVAC & Plumbing – Design, Calculations & Drawings)

Company Description At Xantory, we believe high-performance agriculture, automation and AI infrastructure depend on extraordinary “vitals.” The Lead MEP Engineer will own the complete electrical, HVAC and plumbing design for our Vertical Farms, PV-Integrated Greenhouses, AI Data Rooms and industrial facilities. The role is hands-on: you will produce and own the engineering calculations, cost estimates and MEP drawings yourself, from concept through authority approval, tender, construction and commissioning. You will lead the group’s multi-discipline MEP design from Dubai as part of an elite engineering team. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Electrical Systems • Design LV power distribution systems, including MDBs, SMDBs, final distribution boards, cable routing, containment, earthing and lightning protection. • Perform electrical load calculations, maximum demand, cable sizing, voltage drop, short-circuit and protection coordination (discrimination) studies. • Design power supply for LED grow lighting, general and emergency lighting, small power and process equipment, including 24V/48V DC control circuits. • Size and integrate standby generators, UPS, PV and battery storage systems, and define power quality and redundancy concepts. • Coordinate ELV systems (CCTV, access control, data, fire alarm interfaces) and power for automation, PLC and BMS panels. • Ensure compliance with IEC / BS 7671 and local utility regulations (DEWA in Dubai, the respective distribution utility in Abu Dhabi / Al Ain). HVAC & Climate Control • Perform cooling and heat load calculations using Carrier HAP (or equivalent) for indoor farms, greenhouses, data rooms, offices and industrial spaces. • Carry out psychrometric analysis for controlled-environment agriculture, including latent loads from plant transpiration, dehumidification and air-change requirements. • Select and design chillers, DX/VRF systems, AHUs, FCUs, CRAC/CRAH units, dehumidifiers, ventilation and extract systems, and CO2 distribution. • Perform duct sizing, airflow distribution and external static pressure calculations; use CFD where airflow uniformity or hot spots are critical. • Define control sequences together with the automation/BMS team and optimise energy efficiency in line with ASHRAE standards and UAE green building regulations. Plumbing, Irrigation & Drainage • Design cold and hot water supply, drainage, vent and rainwater systems, including pipe sizing, pump head, booster and tank calculations. • Design irrigation, fertigation and nutrient recirculation systems for vertical farms and greenhouses, including RO/water treatment and condensate recovery. • Design chilled water and process water piping systems, including pumps, valves, expansion, balancing and water treatment. • Engineer leak-prevention, containment and floor drainage measures around wet areas, water-cooled and liquid-carrying equipment. • Ensure compliance with UPC/IPC and local authority requirements (Dubai Municipality, Abu Dhabi authorities). Calculations, Cost Estimation & Specifications • Prepare and own complete, traceable design calculation packages for all three disciplines (electrical, HVAC, plumbing) as the basis for approval and construction. • Prepare load schedules, cable schedules, equipment schedules and technical data sheets. • Prepare quantity take-offs, BOQs and MEP cost estimates for budgeting and tendering, and keep them updated through design changes. • Write technical specifications and tender documents, and perform technical bid evaluations of contractor and supplier offers. • Assess the technical and cost impact of change requests and variation claims. Drawings, BIM & Design Coordination • Produce and own MEP drawings in AutoCAD and Revit MEP: layouts, single-line diagrams, schematics, riser diagrams, sections and details. • Prepare drawing sets for authority submissions and approvals (Dubai Civil Defence, DEWA, Dubai Municipality and Abu Dhabi equivalents). • Run clash detection (Navisworks or equivalent) and coordinate MEP design with architecture, structure, automation and container/modular suppliers. • Review contractor shop drawings and as-built drawings, and maintain the drawing register and revision control. Leadership & Project Delivery • Lead MEP design strategy from concept through detailed design, tender, construction, testing and commissioning. • Review contractor and consultant submittals, material approvals and method statements; carry out site inspections and snag lists. • Witness testing and commissioning, and ensure complete handover documentation (O&M manuals, as-builts, test certificates). • Coordinate with procurement, automation, IT, vertical farming and authority stakeholders, and guide junior engineers and draughtsmen. QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering (or related MEP discipline); Master’s is an advantage. • 8+ years of MEP design experience, including at least 3 years in a lead role covering both electrical and mechanical (HVAC and plumbing) design. • Proven track record of delivering complete MEP design packages (calculations, drawings, BOQs) for industrial, agricultural, data center or commercial facilities; a portfolio of own work is required at interview. • Experience with UAE authority approvals (Dubai Civil Defence, DEWA, Dubai Municipality; Abu Dhabi equivalents) is strongly preferred. • Experience with controlled-environment agriculture, greenhouses or cold rooms is an advantage. • Registration with the UAE Society of Engineers is an advantage. • Based in Dubai or willing to relocate before starting; valid UAE driving licence preferred. KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES • Expert proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit MEP; working knowledge of Navisworks. • Proficiency in electrical design software (e.g. ETAP, Amtech or Ecodial) and lighting design software (DIALux). • Proficiency in Carrier HAP (or Trane TRACE) and in duct and pipe sizing tools. • Strong skills in quantity take-off, BOQ preparation and cost estimation; advanced MS Excel. • Strong understanding of power distribution, thermal dynamics, psychrometrics and hydraulics. • Strong technical leadership, coordination and problem-solving skills. • Clear technical reporting and communication with management and contractors. Show more Show less