Design Engineer

Protec Fire and Security Group; Cannock; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Protec Fire and Security Group is seeking an experienced Fire Alarm Design Engineer to join our growing design team. You will design fire detection and alarm systems, evacuation alert systems, and life-safety interfaces for commercial, industrial, healthcare and residential projects in the UK.

The role requires thorough knowledge of BS 5839-1:2026, BS 8629 and BS 5839-9:2021, plus the ability to produce compliant designs, costings and technical documentation for tender submissions.

Qualifications

• Experience in the fire alarm industry.
• Proven experience designing fire detection and alarm systems for commercial and residential applications.
• Experience preparing quotations, tenders and project cost estimates.

Responsibilities

• Design fire detection and alarm systems in accordance with BS standards and project specs.
• Produce detailed design drawings, schematics, calculations, and technical documentation.
• Develop cause and effect strategies and system interface requirements.
• Coordinate evacuation alert systems in line with BS 8629.
• Coordinate Emergency Voice Communication (EVC) systems.
• Prepare project costings and quotations using tendering workbooks.
• Analyse project requirements and develop cost breakdowns for diverse projects.
• Identify value-engineered solutions while maintaining compliance and performance.
• Prepare technical proposals and tender submissions to support bids.
• Liaise with sales to develop compliant tender solutions.
• Review fire strategies and project requirements for compliant designs.
• Participate in design reviews and multi-disciplinary meetings.
• Provide technical support throughout project delivery.
• Ensure all designs and submissions comply with standards and client requirements.

Skills

Mathematical ability

Verbal and written communication

Attention to detail

Commercial awareness

Multi-project management

Education

HNC/HND in Electrical Engineering

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Fire Alarm Design Engineer to join our growing design team. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design and development of fire detection and alarm systems, evacuation alert systems, and associated life safety systems across a wide range of commercial, industrial, healthcare and residential projects.

The role requires a strong technical understanding of current British Standards and industry best practice, together with the ability to produce compliant, coordinated and cost-effective system designs.

Key Responsibilities

• Design fire detection and alarm systems in accordance with relevant British Standards and project specifications.
• Produce detailed design drawings, schematics, calculations, and technical documentation.
• Develop cause and effect strategies and system interface requirements.
• Design and coordinate evacuation alert systems in accordance with BS 8629.
• Design and coordinate Emergency Voice Communication (EVC) systems.
• Prepare accurate project costings and quotations using company tendering and costing workbooks.
• Analyse project requirements and develop detailed cost breakdowns for a wide variety of project types and complexities.
• Identify and develop value engineered solutions that maintain compliance and performance requirements whilst delivering cost-effective outcomes for clients.
• Produce high-quality technical proposals, design narratives, and project-specific written submissions to support tender returns.
• Liaise closely with the sales team to develop competitive and compliant tender solutions.
• Review fire strategies, specifications, and project requirements to develop compliant system solutions.
• Participate in design review meetings and multidisciplinary coordination meetings.
• Provide technical support throughout project delivery.
• Ensure all designs and tender submissions comply with relevant standards, client requirements and company procedures.

Experience

• Experience within the fire alarm industry.
• Proven experience designing fire detection and alarm systems for commercial and residential applications.
• Experience preparing quotations, tenders and project cost estimates.

Technical Knowledge

• Thorough knowledge of BS 5839-1:2026 Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings.
• Strong understanding of BS 8629 (Code of Practice for Evacuation Alert Systems).
• Knowledge of BS 5839-9:2021 Emergency Voice Communication (EVC) systems.
• Understanding fire alarm cause and effect programming principles.
• Ability to interpret fire strategies, specifications, and technical drawings.
• Strong numerical and mathematical skills, with the ability to develop and verify detailed project costings.

Qualifications

• HNC, HND or equivalent qualification in Electrical Engineering.
• Full UK driving license.

Personal Attributes

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills.
• Ability to produce clear, concise, and technically accurate project-specific documentation.
• Strong commercial awareness and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively with sales teams, project managers, clients, and consultants.
• Proactive approach to identifying value engineered solutions and alternative design approaches.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple tenders and design projects simultaneously.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.