Principal Fire Engineer

About the role

As a Principal Fire Engineer/Technical Lead, you will be responsible for the consistent and timely delivery of complex design projects, driving both technical and commercial contributions to our business. This role involves leveraging significant experience to develop long-term client relationships, secure new business, and provide high-level service across all fire engineering sectors. You will prepare fee proposals, manage projects from inception to completion, and ensure adherence to SYSTRA’s systems and policies.

Responsibilities

• Work across a variety of projects both independently and as part of a wider team.
• Provide continuous high-quality fire engineering services to customers.
• Keep abreast of market trends and identify future work streams.
• Provide advisory support and conduct site visits during the construction stage.
• Prepare technical engineering analysis (e.g., CFD modelling, structural fire engineering) using tools such as FDS/PyroSim, Pathfinder, SAFIR, B-Risk, etc.
• Conduct fire risk assessments, technical report writing, and third-party design verification.
• Understand fire safety issues and provide well-supported fire-engineered solutions through appropriate methods and tools.
• Negotiate and influence internal and external parties on design concepts.
• Identify solutions to correct problems and apply strategic, creative, and analytical thinking.
• Proactively seek skills in others to support problem-solving and team development.
• Help the team develop efficiencies in delivery and stay at the forefront of industry advancements.
• Understand and apply relevant legislation and design guidance (e.g., Approved Document B, BS 9999, BS 9991, BS 7974, BS EN 12845, BS EN 15004).
• Prepare and review fee proposals.
• Ensure SYSTRA UK&I systems and policies are followed and assist in their continued improvement.
• Maintain records to verify compliance with quality procedures, service levels, and contractual requirements.
• Lead and direct a team through the application of standards and procedures.
• Contribute to sustainable development and the evolution of the fire engineering discipline within SYSTRA UK&I.
• Provide support on the latest fire safety standards, regulations, and best practices.
• Demonstrate behaviours aligned with SYSTRA’s framework, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, respect, and empowerment.
• Maintain and manage strong client relationships and identify business development opportunities.
• Collaborate with architecture and multi-discipline colleagues to produce integrated built-environment design solutions.
• Interface with external parties, including Local Fire Authorities, Project Client Teams, Contractors, Statutory Authorities, Local Planning Authorities, and supply chain partners.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, development, performance management, and retention of team members to build a high-performing team.
• Communicate business updates, strategic objectives, and key information to the team.
• Ensure compliance with people policies and procedures, managing people-related risks.
• Create and maintain a working environment that reflects SYSTRA’s behavioural expectations.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in engineering (mechanical, structural, civil, or similar field).
• A postgraduate fire engineering qualification (certificate, diploma, or master’s).
• Involvement and recognition with a professional body.
• Broad experience and knowledge in a similar role.
• Robust knowledge of design and construction principles and standards.
• Ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy.