Fire Specialist

Vantage Data Centers; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading data center operator in the UK is seeking an experienced Fire Specialist to lead the design and management of fire suppression and detection systems. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in fire protection engineering, a strong understanding of NFPA codes, and the ability to manage large-scale projects. This role offers a competitive total compensation package and a collaborative work environment.

Benefits

Competitive total compensation package

Comprehensive health benefits

Paid leave benefits

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of fire protection engineering experience in mission-critical environments.
• Deep understanding of NFPA codes and standards.
• Proven experience managing contractors on large-scale projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of fire suppression and detection systems.
• Ensure compliance with NFPA standards and business-specific design criteria.
• Coordinate with external consultants and oversee installation quality.

Skills

Fire protection engineering

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fire Protection Engineering or related discipline

Tools

Fire modeling software

BMS/EPMS integration tools

Job description

Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world’s well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.

Position Summary

We are looking for an experienced Fire Specialist to lead the design, implementation, and management of fire suppression and detection systems across our data center facilities. This role is mission-critical to ensuring system reliability, operational uptime, and life safety compliance. You will serve as the technical authority on fire protection engineering, working cross-functionally with design, construction, operations, and innovation teams to ensure scalable, cost-effective, and compliant fire protection solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

Architect fire suppression and detection systems using internal financial modeling tools to support scalable, cost-effective solutions for hyperscale and colocation data centers.

Drive all phases of fire protection engineering: conceptual design, basis of design, construction documents, and procurement strategy.

Ensure system designs comply with NFPA standards, AHJ requirements, and business-specific design criteria.

Project Execution & Oversight

Lead coordination with external fire protection consultants, contractors, and design-build partners.

Review and approve technical submittals, RFIs, and engineering analyses for system effectiveness and compliance.

Attend on-site meetings, conduct job walks, and oversee installation quality for conformance with design and operational needs.

Provide detailed design progress reporting and risk assessments to leadership.

Cross-functional Collaboration

Interface with internal engineering teams (mechanical, electrical, controls) to ensure holistic, integrated system performance.

Support data center commissioning and validation activities, especially fire/life safety systems and sequences of operation.

Partner with Operations to troubleshoot live systems and develop corrective action plans with minimal disruption to services.

Conduct ROI/IRR analysis and value engineering reviews for fire systems and related infrastructure.

Participate in internal product innovation cycles and contribute to patent applications for novel systems or processes.

Help establish company-wide design standards and commissioning protocols for fire systems in all facilities.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.

Minimum 5+ years of fire protection engineering experience in mission-critical or high-availability environments (preferably data centers).

Deep understanding of applicable codes and standards (NFPA 72, 75, 2001, IBC, IFC, FM Global).

Proven experience managing contractors and multidisciplinary teams on large-scale projects.

Strong analytical, communication, and reporting skills.

Proficiency in fire modeling, system selection, and commissioning documentation.

Preferred:

Professional Engineering (PE) license or Chartered Engineer (CEng) status in Fire Protection.

Experience supporting sales, RFP responses, or customer-facing engineering discussions.

Familiarity with BMS/EPMS integration and control systems relating to fire systems.

NEBOSH Fire Safety or CFPS certification.

Vantage Data Centers does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage Data Centers.

We operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each other’s strengths and respecting each other’s weaknesses. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above market total compensation package. We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations.

Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community.

Don't meet all the requirements? Please still apply if you think you are the right person for the position. We are always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values.

Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Vantage Data Centers does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage Data Centers.