Principal Fire Systems Engineer

PSR Solutions; City Of London; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Rail contractor in Central London is seeking a Principal Fire Systems Engineer to design Fire Detection systems for large infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Mechanical Engineering, significant experience in Fire Detection design, and strong leadership skills to manage junior engineers. This role offers a full-time position with opportunities for professional development and involvement in major UK projects.

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of BS 5839-1 (Fire Detection & Alarm design).
• Significant experience in Rail sector projects.
• Skilled in documentation authoring and design assurance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and verification of Fire Detection systems.
• Ensure design compliance with BS 5839-1 and client standards.
• Mentor junior engineers and manage project delivery.

Skills

Fire Detection system design

Stakeholder coordination

Technical documentation

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Education

Degree/HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering or similar

LPCB Basic Sprinkler Design Certification

Professional body membership (IFE, IMechE)

Tools

BIM/CAD

Job description

Overview

PSR Rail Team are currently recruiting for a Principal Fire Systems Engineer to work full time in Central London. This will be working for a well established Rail contractor who are working on one of the biggest projects in the UK.

Role summary

Fire Detection Systems Design Engineer – Role Summary: This role focuses on leading the design and construction of Fire Detection and Alarm (FD&A) systems across medium to large infrastructure projects in Rail, Highways, HS2, and Power sectors. It demands technical expertise, stakeholder coordination, compliance assurance, and leadership of junior team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Design & Delivery: Lead the design and design verification of Fire Detection systems.
• Ensure compliance with BS 5839-1 and client-specific standards (e.g., Network Rail, TfL).
• Review and manage MEP consultants' designs for: Safety by design; Technical adequacy; Constructability & maintainability; Interface integration.
• Documentation & Compliance: Develop and author Fire Alarm Cause & Effects documents.
• Coordinate all third-party system interfaces (e.g., HVAC, BMS, life safety).
• Ensure design standards meet BRE Global / FM Global accreditation criteria.
• Manage the LPS1014 F353 form to maintain compliance.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Work with Engineering Managers, Project Managers, and CREs to ensure design strategy meets cost, quality, and timeline targets.
• Provide technical responses, lead standardisation efforts, and promote value engineering.
• Represent the team during meetings with accreditation bodies and clients.
• Project & Line Management: Oversee and support procurement, tendering, and installation phases.
• Mentor and develop junior, graduate, and intermediate engineers.
• Lead small engineering teams in project delivery.
• Actively participate in H&S management via the Notify system.
• Ensure mandatory training and information security compliance.

Person Specification

Qualifications (Essential)

• Degree/HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering or similar.
• LPCB Basic Sprinkler Design Certification (even though it\'s more suppression-related, it\'s listed here).
• Fire Detection Training: BS 5839-1 Fundamentals - Units 1 & 2
• BS 5839-1 Fundamentals to Advanced
• Professional body membership (IFE, IMechE).
• Engineering Council registration encouraged (EngTech / IEng / CEng).

Technical Skills & Knowledge (Essential)

• Deep understanding of: BS 5839-1 (Fire Detection & Alarm design)
• Network Rail / TfL standards
• Passive and active fire safety systems
• Skilled in Fire Detection system design, BIM/CAD, and design assurance.
• Authoring complex Cause & Effect documentation.
• Familiarity with audit processes (BRE Global etc.).

Experience (Essential)

• Significant experience designing Fire Detection and Suppression Systems in Rail sector projects.
• Strong track record of managing client expectations, stakeholder coordination, and design integration.

Contact Dan Confrey at PSR Solutions for more info