Facade and Glass SME

Description

The Senior Subject Matter Expert (SME) – Facade and Glass Systems will function as the ultimate Technical Authority for all exterior building envelope systems across strategic segments of The Line. Reporting directly to Executive Leadership, this role demands a professional with a minimum of 25 years of progressive global experience in facade engineering, building physics, and the successful delivery of landmark, complex glazed structures.

The SME will be responsible for defining and enforcing the highest technical standards, validating specialized designs, resolving critical interface challenges, and ensuring the facade systems meet the project’s exceptional performance requirements for sustainability, energy efficiency, and futuristic aesthetics.

3. Key Responsibilities

Technical Authority and Design Validation :

Serve as the principal technical reviewer and final approver for all facade, structural glazing, curtain wall, and building envelope system designs.

Lead expert reviews of complex facade engineering calculations, including advanced analysis for structural loads (wind, seismic), thermal performance, building movement tolerance, and acoustic isolation.

Develop and maintain the overarching facade technical specifications and performance criteria to ensure compliance with NEOM's groundbreaking design intent and international best practices.

Provide high-level guidance on material selection, specifically for advanced glass technologies (e.g., smart glass, triple-glazing, high-performance coatings) and specialized cladding materials.

Project Assurance and Risk Management :

Oversee and audit the Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA / QC) programs for global facade manufacturers, fabricators, and specialized installation contractors.

Proactively manage and resolve complex technical interface conflicts between the facade systems, primary structure, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) integration, and the overall building envelope.

Direct the testing protocols for facade components, including full-scale mock-ups, performance testing (Airtightness, Water Penetration, Structural Integrity), and durability assessments in the harsh desert and coastal environment.

Lead failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) for facade systems to mitigate structural or operational risks.

Leadership and Stakeholder Management :

Act as the senior technical representative in high-stakes meetings with the Client (NEOM), design consultants, and major international facade vendors.

Mentor and guide Parsons’ in-house engineering and site teams on complex facade installation techniques, safe work practices (working at heights), and long-term maintenance requirements.

Drive the implementation of digital solutions and BIM methodologies for facade design coordination and clash detection.

4. Required Qualifications

Education : Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Structural, or Architectural Engineering. A postgraduate degree focused on Facade Engineering or Building Physics is highly advantageous.

Experience : Minimum of 25 years of progressive experience in the design, engineering, procurement, and construction of large-scale, iconic, and architecturally complex facade systems globally.

Sector Expertise : Direct experience managing facade systems on at least three projects valued over $1 billion USD, including high-rise or large-scale integrated urban developments.

Technical Knowledge : Deep, demonstrable expertise in structural glazing, unitized and stick-built curtain wall systems, advanced cladding, and performance specifications for high-wind / seismic zones.

Skills : Proven executive communication, negotiation, contract management, and leadership skills. Must demonstrate the ability to influence technical decisions at the highest project levels.

5. Desired Attributes

Previous experience in the delivery of highly sustainable or Net-Zero energy building facades.

Prior working experience in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, or in regions with extreme heat / solar gain challenges.

Relevant professional chartership or registration (e.g., CEng, PE, or international equivalent).

Published author or speaker on topics related to next-generation facade technology or material science.

Parsons equally employs representation at all job levels no matter the race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information.

We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY!

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