Principal Fire Systems Engineer

PSR Solutions; England; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent rail contractor is seeking a Principal Fire Systems Engineer to lead Fire Detection systems design across major infrastructure projects in the UK. Applicants should have significant experience in rail sector projects, ensuring compliance with industry standards. You'll be responsible for mentoring junior engineers and coordinating with stakeholders. This full-time role offers a chance to influence large-scale projects while developing your career in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of Network Rail / TfL standards.
• Significant experience designing Fire Detection and Suppression Systems in Rail sector projects.
• Strong track record of managing client expectations and design integration.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Fire Detection system design

Stakeholder coordination

Technical adequacy

Compliance assurance

Mentoring junior engineers

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar

LPCB Basic Sprinkler Design Certification

Professional body membership (IFE, IMechE)

Tools

BIM/CAD

Job description

PSR Rail Team is recruiting a Principal Fire Systems Engineer to work full-time in Central London for a well-established rail contractor involved in one of the UK's biggest projects. Don't miss out!

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).
• 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 (listed even though suppression-related).
  • 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:
  • Network Rail / TfL standards
  • Passive and active fire safety systems
  • Skilled in Fire Detection system design, BIM/CAD, and design assurance.
  • 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!

  Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

  Employment type

  Full-time

  Job function

  Rail Transportation and Fire Protection