Principal Fire Engineer (Chartered Engineer – CEng Required)

IFE; Norwich; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

20 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Ongoing investment in training and professional development

Free private on-site parking

Job summary

A leading fire engineering firm in the UK is seeking a Chartered Engineer to deliver fire engineering solutions across multiple complex projects. The ideal candidate will have extensive fire engineering experience and lead collaboration with clients and regulators. Responsibilities include developing fire strategies, maintaining compliance with UK fire safety legislation, and mentoring junior engineers. This full-time role offers a competitive salary and benefits, including generous leave and ongoing professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Proven delivery of fire strategies for complex and higher-risk buildings.
• Maintain expert knowledge of UK fire safety legislation and standards.
• Able to lead national fire engineering delivery across multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop compliant and proportionate fire strategies.
• Communicate complex fire engineering concepts to clients and regulators.
• Take responsibility for technical assurance and professional judgment.

Skills

Chartered Engineer (CEng)

Fire engineering expertise

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Full professional membership of the Institution of Fire Engineers (MIFireE)

10 years post-graduate fire engineering experience

Job description

Full-Time, Permanent

Location: Norwich or Bicester

Salary: £100,000 - £120,000 per annum, dependent on experience.

This role is open only to Chartered Engineers (CEng) with demonstrable professional competence in fire engineering.

Engineering Council / IFE Competency Alignment

This role has been explicitly aligned with UK-SPEC (Engineering Council) and IFE professional competency frameworks.

• 20 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays, increasing by one additional day per completed year of service up to a maximum of 25 days
• Ongoing investment in training and professional development
• Free private on-site parking

Company Overview

Hughes & Associates is a well-established chartered surveying practice providing UK-wide services from its Norwich head office. The firm specialises in consultancy, contracting, project management, facilities management, and fire risk assessment services. Our RICS contract management team delivers comprehensive, reliable solutions, supporting clients with a consistent and professional approach.

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) registered with the Engineering Council
• Full professional membership of the Institution of Fire Engineers (MIFireE or above) or equivalent
• Minimum 10 years post-graduate fire engineering experience
• Proven delivery of fire strategies for complex and higher-risk buildings
• Experience working across multiple sites nationally, including regular travel

UK-SPEC Alignment

• Apply advanced fire engineering principles to complex buildings and fire scenarios
• Maintain expert knowledge of UK fire safety legislation, Approved Documents, BS standards, and emerging guidance

Design, Development & Problem Solving

• Develop compliant and proportionate fire strategies
• Resolve complex fire safety issues involving means of escape, external wall systems, compartmentation and occupancy risk
• Lead national fire engineering delivery across multiple projects
• Manage and mentor surveyors and junior fire engineers
• Take responsibility for technical assurance and professional judgement

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Communicate complex fire engineering concepts clearly to clients, regulators and internal teams
• Lead regulatory discussions with Building Control and Fire Authorities

Professional Commitment

• Uphold ethical, professional and safety standards
• Contribute to CPD, internal training and professional development pathways

The role requires both office work and on-site supervision, with occasional travel to various project locations. The ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing project demands is essential.