Principal Fire Systems Engineer (Suppression)

VVB Engineering; Bishop's Castle; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a skilled Fire Systems Design Engineer in Bishop's Castle. Your role will involve leading the design and verification of Fire Suppression Systems and managing designs from concept to implementation. Essential qualifications include a degree in Mechanical Engineering and comprehensive knowledge of fire standards. This position offers opportunities to work on major infrastructure projects and contribute to innovative solutions.

Benefits

Ongoing professional development

Support towards professional registration

Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of fire standards (BS9990, BS EN 12845).
• Extensive experience with active and passive fire safety systems.
• Proven record of managing multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and verification of Fire Suppression Systems.
• Manage and coordinate designs prepared by MEP consultants.
• Liaise with accreditation bodies to ensure compliance.

Skills

Fire Systems design

Stakeholder coordination

Problem-solving

CAD/BIM software

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar

Membership in relevant professional body

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking a skilled Fire Systems Design Engineer to lead the design and construction activities for Fire Suppression, Hydrant, and Dry/Wet Riser Services on medium to large-scale projects in the Rail, Highways, and Power Infrastructure sectors. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring technical excellence, compliance with standards, and efficient project delivery, working closely with project stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and design verification of Fire Suppression Systems, ensuring compliance with BS9990, BS EN 12845, and other relevant standards.
• Review, manage, and coordinate designs prepared by MEP consultants and contractors for safety, compliance, constructability, and maintainability.
• Develop and author complex Fire Alarm Cause & Effects documents, coordinating all third-party interfaces.
• Support Engineering Managers in resolving interface issues and ensuring full integration of systems.
• Provide technical responses and promote standardisation and value engineering initiatives.
• Liaise with accreditation bodies (e.g., BRE Global) to ensure compliance with scheme standards.
• Manage effective communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide support during procurement, tendering, and delivery stages.

Line Management Duties

• Contribute to staff development programmes and ensure mandatory training is completed.
• Familiarise team members with health and safety systems (e.g., Notify).
• Ensure compliance with information security and quality standards.

Person Specification

Technical Skills & Knowledge (Essential):

• Comprehensive knowledge of Fire Systems design and standards (e.g., BS9990, BS EN 12845).
• Extensive experience in both active and passive fire safety systems.
• Expertise in CAD/BIM software for Fire Systems design.
• Proven track record of managing multidisciplinary teams and stakeholder coordination.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

Qualifications (Essential):

• Degree/HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering or similar.
• LPCB Basic Sprinkler Design Competency.
• Membership in a relevant professional body (e.g., IFE, IMechE).
• Professional registration with the Engineering Council encouraged (EngTech, IEng, or CEng).

Experience (Essential):

• Designing Fire Suppression and Hydrant Mains Systems in the Rail sector.
• Managing designs from tendering through to installation and certification.

Why Join Us?

• Work on major infrastructure projects that make a difference.
• Be part of a collaborative team that values technical excellence and innovation.
• Receive ongoing professional development opportunities and support towards professional registration.

VVB values the benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to treating all prospective and current employees with dignity regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnerships, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. All employees must demonstrate commitment and enthusiasm in promoting the principles of equality in employment and service delivery.