Senior/Principal Fire Engineer in Reading, Berkshire

Senior Fire Engineer / Principal Fire Engineer

Location: Reading, UK (Hybrid or Fully Remote)
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

An Exciting Opportunity for Experienced Fire Engineers

Are you an experienced Senior Fire Engineer or Principal Fire Engineer looking for your next career move?

An established multidisciplinary engineering consultancy, specialising in engineering and fire safety solutions, is looking to appoint an experienced Fire Engineer to join its growing team.

This is an excellent opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of technically challenging projects across data centres, industrial facilities, commercial developments and critical infrastructure, taking a leading role in delivering innovative fire engineering solutions.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to lead projects, influence technical design, work closely with clients and multidisciplinary teams, and contribute to the continued growth of the fire engineering function.

The Role and Responsibilities

Fire Engineering & Strategy

• Lead the development and delivery of fire strategies for new-build, refurbishment and existing-building projects.
• Develop both prescriptive and performance-based fire engineering solutions in accordance with BS 9999, BS 9991, BS 7974 and Approved Document B.
• Undertake assessments covering means of escape, fire compartmentation, fire resistance, smoke control and evacuation strategies.
• Prepare detailed fire strategy reports, technical assessments and engineering documentation.
• Review architectural, structural and MEP designs to ensure fire safety requirements are effectively incorporated throughout project delivery.

Fire Risk Assessments & Fire Protection

• Lead and deliver Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs) across commercial, industrial, data centre and complex facilities.
• Assess fire risks associated with generators, electrical infrastructure, fuel systems and battery energy storage installations.
• Review existing fire safety provisions and advise on compliance with relevant legislation, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
• Review active fire protection systems, including sprinklers, water mist, gaseous suppression, automatic opening vents (AOVs) and smoke control systems.
• Review fire alarm Cause & Effect matrices, contractor submissions and technical design proposals.
• Undertake or review fire modelling, smoke movement and evacuation assessments.

Project Management & Technical Leadership

• Take responsibility for the successful delivery of projects, managing technical quality, budgets, programmes and client deliverables.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, Building Control, fire authorities and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Review technical reports, lead project meetings and provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior engineers.
• Contribute to tender submissions, fee proposals and wider business development activities.

About You

We are looking for a technically strong and commercially aware Fire Engineer with the confidence to lead projects, manage client relationships and deliver high-quality engineering solutions.

Essential Requirements

• Degree in Fire Engineering, Fire Safety Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum 7 years' relevant experience for Senior level or 10 years' experience for Principal level.
• Demonstrable experience in delivering fire strategies and Fire Risk Assessments.
• Strong knowledge of UK Building Regulations, Approved Document B, BS 9999, BS 9991 and BS 7974.
• Experience with both active and passive fire protection systems, including smoke ventilation.
• Excellent technical report writing, project management and communication skills.

Desirable Experience

• CEng, MIFireE or equivalent professional membership, or actively working towards Chartership.
• Recognised fire risk assessor qualification, certification or professional registration.
• Experience working within data centres, industrial facilities, power generation or critical infrastructure.
• Familiarity with fire engineering software such as FDS, PyroSim, CFAST, Revit or AutoCAD.
• Knowledge of international standards, including NFPA and FM Global.

What's on Offer?

Alongside the opportunity to work on some exciting and technically challenging projects, the successful candidate will benefit from:

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience.
• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and an additional day off for your birthday.
• Company pension scheme.
• Flexible working arrangements, with hybrid or fully remote options available.
• Ongoing professional development and support towards Chartership.
• Exposure to high-profile UK and international projects.
• Genuine opportunities for career progression into technical and leadership positions.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Team social events and discretionary bonus opportunities.

Interested in Finding Out More?

If you're an experienced Senior Fire Engineer or Principal Fire Engineer ready to take the next step in your career, we'd love to hear from you.