Technical Safety & Architectural Lead Inspector
📍 Berlin, Germany (remote) → Dubai, UAE (fabrication yard) → Offshore
🕒 Contract / Long-term assignment | Start: December 2026
We are looking for an experienced Technical Safety & Architectural Lead Inspector to act as the Client / Owner's Representative for the fire protection, safety and architectural scope of a 2 GW HVDC offshore converter platform in the Baltic Sea, built for a German transmission system operator.
The scope covers:
Active fire protection: gaseous, foam, aerosol and helideck fire-fighting systems
Passive fire protection: fire-rated divisions, penetrations, fire doors, windows and dampers
Life-saving appliances and escape systems: lifeboats, life rafts, escape routes, muster areas and signage
Architectural outfitting, including accommodation modules
You follow this scope from requirements verification to offshore handover.
Assignment Timeline
Start: December 2026
Contract: 12 months, with option to extend
Work split: 50% on site in Dubai, 40% remote, 10% in Berlin
Key Responsibilities
Review the contractor's evidence against the Employer's Requirements in the verification plan (Relatics) and recommend compliance status
Review and comment on contractor and supplier documents, including:
ITPs and FAT procedures
fire protection plans and escape studies
certification matrices and test methods
Define client hold, witness, review and surveillance points and keep the Technical Safety & Architectural inspection register up to date
Assess Technical Queries, deviation and concession requests and NCRs
Witness FATs for safety equipment, including:
foam and gaseous extinguishing systems
fire alarm and fire extinguishing control systems
lifeboats, life rafts and associated equipment
Witness functional, discharge and integrated system tests
Verify type approvals, Marine Equipment Directive certificates and fire test certificates
Monitor the manufacture of accommodation modules, architectural assemblies and passive fire protection
Carry out release inspections and verify preservation, marking and packing before shipment
At the Dubai yard, inspect:
passive fire protection installations against approved certification
walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, insulation, stairs, ladders and handrails
accommodation module installation and completion
installation and preservation of fire-fighting and life-saving equipment
Walk down escape routes, muster stations, emergency access routes and safety signage
Witness commissioning, including:
fire detection, gaseous extinguishing and foam systems
helideck fire-fighting systems
emergency escape systems, life-saving appliances and access and egress systems
Plan inspection coverage, coordinate the client inspection team and make sure every hold and witness point is attended
Raise NCRs, assess root causes and verify closure of corrective and preventive actions
Carry out mechanical completion inspections and manage close-out of A, B and C punch items
Take part in final inspections, harbour acceptance tests (HAT) and load-out readiness reviews
Offshore: before manning, verify that life-saving appliances and escape routes are ready, and witness fire and safety system tests and statutory inspections
Issue daily, weekly and monthly inspection reports with KPIs (hold and witness point attendance, NCR status, punch list close-out)
Report HSE non-conformities and take part in safety walks and HSE reviews
Required Qualifications
Degree or certificate in fire protection / safety engineering, mechanical engineering or naval architecture
Minimum 8 years in QA/QC inspection of fire protection and safety systems and/or architectural outfitting, of which at least 5 years on offshore or marine projects
Proven experience inspecting passive fire protection (fire-rated divisions, penetrations, fire doors) and witnessing tests of fire-fighting and fire detection systems
Proven experience leading a team of inspectors
Experience as Lead Inspector, Client Representative or Owner's Inspector on offshore substations, HVDC platforms, oil & gas topsides or ships
Experience in FAT witnessing and surveillance at international sub-suppliers
Experience in mechanical completion, pre-commissioning and commissioning, including punch list and completion management systems
Fluent English, minimum C1 (spoken and written)
Valid work and travel permits for Europe and the UAE; willingness to travel to suppliers worldwide and to be deployed long-term at the Dubai yard and offshore
Working knowledge of codes and standards, e.g. DNV-ST-0145, DNV-OS-D301, IMO FTP Code, SOLAS, IMO LSA Code, Marine Equipment Directive, CAP 437, NFPA 11, EN 54, EN 13501, EN ISO 7010
All experience must be backed by personal project references stating client, period, scope and your role.
Nice to Have
ICorr / AMPP Passive Fire Protection Inspector certification
VdS, NFPA or equivalent fire protection system certification
Lifeboat and life-saving appliance inspection or service qualification
Accommodation module fabrication and installation
Helideck certification (CAP 437, ICAO) and EN 54 / integrated fire and gas testing
NEBOSH International Certificate or equivalent
Previous work on HVDC converter platforms, offshore substations or oil & gas topsides
Experience on European projects
DNV certification processes; yard experience in the Middle East or Asia
Additional Advantages
German and Arabic language skills
Valid GWO BST or OPITO BOSIET (incl. HUET) and offshore medical, or willingness to obtain them before the offshore phase
Knowledge of BSH offshore codes and German occupational safety rules (BetrSichV, DGUV, ASR)
Why This Role
Owner's-side position with real authority over the fire protection, safety and architectural scope
One platform from start to finish: verification, FATs, yard, load-out and offshore commissioning (2026 to 2031)
Lead Inspector role with your own team of inspectors at a major fabrication yard in Dubai
Grid connection project for the German energy transition, 2 GW HVDC
👉 Interested?
Apply directly or reach out for more information. Please send your CV with project references.