Senior Fire Engineer SME (m/f/d)

NTT Global Data Centers Americas, Inc.; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

NTT Global Data Centers is seeking a Senior Fire Engineer, EMEA Design Execution SME, to lead fire engineering across concept to execution. You will localise the OPR and GRD, mentor engineers, and coordinate with Architects, GCs, OFCI vendors, and ops teams to ensure MVP delivery and regulatory compliance.

You will drive continuous improvement in fire protection systems, collaborate across time zones, and contribute to design processes and customer engagements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Engineering.
• Experience in data centres / mission-critical M&E industries.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary design teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex engineering projects from a fire engineering perspective.
• Localise OPR and GRD to MVP execution.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to fire engineers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive improvements in fire protection systems.
• Stay informed on trends and apply best practices to operations.
• Prepare and present technical reports to senior management.
• Lead Root Cause Analysis studies.
• Support commissioning for green and clean delivery.
• Review submissions to minimise errors and ensure MVP delivery.
• Perform QA/QC during design and construction and site visits.

Skills

Life safety systems

VESDA & smoke detection

Fire suppression systems

Structural fire engineering

Smoke control modelling

Passive fire protection

Regulatory compliance (BS 9999, NFPA,

Leadership & mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering

Professional institution membership

Job description

Make an impact at NTT Global Data CentersJoin NTT Global Data Centers and be part of a team that drives innovation and sustainability in the digital world. With over 150 data centers across more than 20 countries globally, we offer unparalleled opportunities to work on cutting-edge technology and transformative projects. Experience a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive workplace where your ideas are valued, and your growth is supported.Your role at a glanceAs our Senior Fire Engineer, EMEA Design Execution SME, is a key member of the NTT EMEA Design & Engineering Execution team, delivering the localisation of the NTT GID Design ‘Product’ defined Owners Project Requirements (OPR) and the Global Reference Design (GRD) through all stages of project execution, including design, permitting, construction, and handover to Operations.As the Fire Engineer SME, you will work closely with the Design Manager to direct and coach Architects & Engineers (AEs), Owner Furnished Contractor Installed (OFCI) Vendors, General Contractors (GCs), and their supply chains, making technical decisions to deliver NTT's desired business outcomes.You will provide regional (EMEA) understanding of the GRD and its engineering detail as it is required to be localised and deployed through third-party AEs and GCs.You will interface with internal stakeholders from parallel business functions, including the NTT Product Team, Global Standards Team, Ops Central Engineering, Construction, Global Solutions Engineering, Customer Delivery Managers, and Sales, to drive the resolution of technical issues as an Intelligent Customer and support decisions that align technical solutions with NTT strategic outcomes.You will lead discipline-specific project design reviews at all stages of project design and delivery.You will consult with members of our Engineering, Expansion, Construction, Commissioning, Quality, Safety, Operations, Product, and Sales teams to ensure optimal design decisions are made with careful assessment of risks and opportunities.You will work closely with the Design Director to drive effectiveness, efficiency, and predictability at scale in the development and adoption of best-practice design processes and procedures.You will support the management of the Design Execution team, advising on workload, prioritisation, and development areas.What we are looking forKnowledge & AttributesIn-depth expertise in core life safety systems for the protection of high-value, high-airflow, continuously operating IT infrastructure, including Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus (VESDA), aspirating smoke detection systems that perform reliably under high-airflow server cooling conditions, specialised fire suppression systems, water mist systems, structural fire engineering, smoke control modelling, and passive fire protection measures such as compartmentation, intumescent paints, and fire stoppingRegulatory and code compliance expertise across Europe, including performance-based codes such as BS 9999, as well as NFPA, ISO, and EN standards. Strong business continuity focus and understanding of insurance risk standardsHighly developed understanding of commissioning (CX) processes and test scripts related to fire protection systemsComprehensive understanding of data centre infrastructure and its integration with engineering systemsStrong leadership and mentoring skills, with the ability to guide internal and external engineering teamsProficient in managing personal and professional commitments while collaborating with teams across multiple time zonesStrategic thinker with a structured and goal-oriented approach.Strong qualitative and analytical skillsAbility to work effectively in multinational, interdisciplinary, and culturally diverse teamsPassion for start-up and scale-up environmentsPassion for engaging with stakeholders and customers, combined with a world-class delivery and service mindsetRecognised technical expert in a field of design and/or specification relevant to the data centre industryAcademic Qualifications and CertificationsBachelor's or Master's degree in EngineeringMembership of a professional institution recognised as relevant to the data centre sectorRequired ExperienceSeveral years of experience in data centres and/or other mission-critical M&E-led industriesExperience working within multidisciplinary design teams, preferably in a lead roleExperience in design consultancy, client engineering, site engineering, and/or contractor engineering rolesInternational experience across different organisations and project environmentsIdeally, experience working with hyperscale customers.Preferably, detailed knowledge of data centre operational functionalityWhat you will doLead and oversee complex engineering projects from a fire engineering perspective, from concept to execution, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. Implement and localise the OPR and GRD to ensure minimum viable product (MVP) executionProvide technical guidance and mentorship to mid-level and entry-level fire engineersCollaborate with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement and innovation in electrical systems for Data Centre infrastructureContribute to the development and optimisation of active and passive fire protection systems and upgradesStay informed about emerging trends and best practices in fire systems and engineering and apply them to enhance our operations.Prepare and present technical reports and updates to senior managementLead Root Cause Analysis studiesSupport the commissioning team as necessary to ensure \"green and clean\" deliveryMake decisions to drive projects aligned with NTT's strategic business objectives during the design, construction, and commissioning phasesReview and sign off AEs', OFCI Vendors', and GCs' design and technical submissions to minimise errors and ensure minimum viable product delivery throughout the project lifecycle, including design, construction, commissioning, and handoverPerform QA/QC during the design and construction phases, including periodic visits to site to ensure Resident Engineers (REs), along with NTT Construction and QA Managers, are properly supervising GCs and OFCI Vendors to ensure that what is being built meets the required technical and construction standardsResolve technical disputes between third parties during design, construction, and commissioningContribute to the continual improvement of Design and Engineering processes and proceduresInterface with customers and assess the technical impact of customer changesWho we areAs the third largest data center provider, we operate over 150 data centers in more than 20 countries and regions. We understand that every business – large and small – has its own unique needs and goals. We offer local-to-global data center expertise, aligned with our connected platform of AI-ready data centers to create solutions that enable our clients to seamlessly scale their digital businesses, anywhere and anytime.