Principal Engineer - Electronic Security

The Engineer; Watford; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading innovation organization in Watford seeks a Principal Engineer to drive technical excellence in electronic security. This role involves managing testing and certification projects while ensuring high-quality delivery standards. Candidates should have a degree in Electronic Engineering and substantial industry experience, particularly in a leadership capacity. The position is on-site and offers a competitive salary alongside a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Financial & Security Benefits

Health & Wellbeing

Career Development

Qualifications

• Significant industry experience in a related role within the security industry.
• Proven experience managing or overseeing a small technical team.
• A track record of delivering projects on time and within budget.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the technical delivery of electronic security testing.
• Ensure projects are completed on time and to budget.
• Drive continuous improvement in processes and service delivery.

Skills

Electronic Engineering knowledge

Project management

Strong communication

Team leadership

Attention to detail

Experience with measurement instrumentation

Education

Degree in Electronic Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Teams

Job description

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About the job

Lead the Future of Electronic Security – Join BRE as our Principal Engineer!Are you ready to shape the next generation of electronic security standards and innovation? At BRE, we’re looking for a visionary Principal Engineer to drive technical excellence and lead groundbreaking projects in our dynamic Electronic Security department. This is your chance to make a real impact in a trusted, mission-driven organisation committed to safety, performance, and sustainability.

Help BRE make buildings safer and more sustainable!BRE aims to be the world’s leading innovation, science and data hub for the built environment. For more than a century, we have provided government and industry with cutting‑edge research and testing. Join us to help deliver products, advice, services, standards and qualifications used around the globe to make buildings better for people and the environment. Through science‑led solutions to urgent challenges, we will build a thriving and sustainable world.

Your role at BRE As a Principal Engineer, you willlead the Electronic Security team within BRE Global, overseeing the evaluation and assessment of electronic security products and systems. Thisposition ensures high-quality technical and commercial delivery, directly supporting product certification under the LPCB brand.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

• Lead and manage the technical delivery of electronic security testing and certification projects
• Oversee the operation and development of team capabilities and laboratory facilities
• Ensure projects are completed on time, to budget, and in line with client expectations
• Support the growth of the team to meet increasing demand from commercial and public sector clients
• Maintain high standards of technical quality, accuracy, and compliance with relevant standards EN , EN , EN )
• Undertake hands‑on testing and technical assessments where necessary
• Contribute to business planning, budgeting, and financial performance monitoring
• Drive continuous improvement in processes, reporting, and service delivery
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external clients to deliver high‑impact outcomes

Your profile

Essential

• A qualification in Electronic Engineering (preferably at degree level)
• Significant industry experience in a related role, such as within the security industry, a quality or testing laboratory, or another electronics‑based environment
• Proven experience managing or overseeing a small technical team
• A track record of delivering projects on time and within budget
• Experience with financial planning, budgeting, and business performance monitoring (including P&L responsibility)
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently with clients and internal stakeholders at all levels
• Proactive and motivated approach, with the ability to make informed decisions and lead others in complex situations
• High standards of quality, accuracy, and attention to detail
• Practical experience using measurement instrumentation multimeters, oscilloscopes)
• Understanding of uncertainty of measurement and its application in testing environments
• Competence in common IT tools including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Teams
• Ability to interpret technical documentation such as circuit schematics and technical drawings

Desirable

• Familiarity with the security industry and general knowledge of security products and systems
• Experience with the EN , EN , and EN series of standards
• Background in quality control or compliance
• Experience managing multiple engineering projects concurrently
• Ability to convert technical specifications into actionable test or project plans
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills

BRE Benefits

At BRE, we offer a competitive salary, reviewed annually, along with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial security, well‑being, and career development.

• Financial & Security Benefits
• Health & Wellbeing
• Career Development

For full details on our benefits, visit : BRE Employee Benefits

Work Location Options

On‑Site – This role requires full‑time presence at our Watford office. You must live within a commutable distance.

Recruitment Process

Online Assessment Shortly after you apply (within approximately minutes), you’ll receive a link to complete an online assessment. This takes around minutes and helps us better understand your skills and suitability.

Note to Employment Agencies

At BRE, we value the relationships we have built with our preferred recruitment partners. We do not accept unsolicited CVs from employment agencies. Any CVs submitted directly to a BRE employee or hiring manager without a signed BRE Employment Agency Agreement and an active engagement for the specific role will be considered unsolicited. In such cases, no fees will be payable should the candidate be hired through this or any other means.

Equal Opportunities Statement

BRE is an equal opportunities employer. We assess all qualified applicants based on merit and do not discriminate on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristics.