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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Fire & Security Engineer

💰 $60,000 - $85,000

EngineeringSkilled TradesSecurityFacilities Management

🎯 Role Definition

As a Fire & Security Engineer, you are the front-line expert and ambassador for our company, responsible for the end-to-end technical delivery of life safety and security solutions. You will be tasked with the installation, commissioning, planned preventative maintenance, and reactive fault-finding of a wide range of systems, including fire alarms, CCTV, access control, and intruder alarms. This field-based role requires a proactive problem-solver who can work independently, manage their time effectively, and provide exceptional customer service, ensuring all work is completed to the highest industry standards and in compliance with all relevant regulations.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Junior Security Technician
  • Apprentice Fire & Security Engineer
  • Electrician with a focus on security systems

Advancement To:

  • Senior Fire & Security Engineer
  • Technical Project Manager
  • Systems Design Engineer
  • Contracts or Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Technical Support Specialist
  • Fire & Security Sales Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Execute the full installation and commissioning of addressable and conventional fire alarm systems, ensuring strict adherence to BS 5839-1 standards and project specifications.
  • Install, configure, and maintain a diverse range of electronic security systems, including IP-based CCTV, access control (from standalone to networked systems), and intruder alarms.
  • Conduct comprehensive preventative maintenance and routine service visits on fire and security systems to ensure optimal functionality, system integrity, and compliance.
  • Perform advanced fault diagnosis, troubleshooting, and effective repairs on a variety of fire and security equipment from leading manufacturers like Gent, Morley, Advanced, Paxton, Hikvision, and Galaxy.
  • Complete all necessary electronic and paper-based documentation, such as service reports, commissioning certificates, and job sheets, with meticulous accuracy and in a timely manner.
  • Provide clear and concise technical training and handover demonstrations to clients, ensuring they are confident in operating their new or serviced systems.
  • Participate actively in a scheduled on-call rota to provide emergency out-of-hours support, delivering rapid and effective solutions to critical system failures.
  • Manage and maintain vehicle stock levels, ensuring all necessary tools, diagnostic equipment, and spare parts are available to complete jobs efficiently on the first visit.
  • Collaborate closely with project managers and the sales team to ensure installations are delivered on schedule, within budget, and exceed client expectations.
  • Adhere rigorously to all health and safety regulations, company policies, and safe working practices, both on-site and during travel.
  • Liaise directly with clients on-site to provide exceptional customer service, manage expectations, and identify potential opportunities for system upgrades or additional services.
  • Interpret and work from detailed technical drawings, system schematics, and project specifications to guide all installation and service activities.
  • Carry out small-scale installations and first/second fix wiring for new projects, demonstrating a high standard of workmanship.
  • Ensure all work complies with relevant British and European standards, including BS 5839, BS 50131, and NCP 104.
  • Program and commission complex integrated systems, including cause-and-effect programming for fire systems and integration between access control and CCTV.
  • Conduct thorough site surveys to accurately assess customer requirements and assist the sales team in preparing detailed quotations for new installations or system takeovers.
  • Maintain a professional appearance and a clean, organized work environment, representing the company to the highest standard at all times.
  • Keep abreast of the latest industry developments, emerging technologies, and legislative changes through continuous professional development and manufacturer training.
  • Perform small works projects from inception to completion, including coordinating with other trades and ensuring a smooth handover process.
  • Respond to reactive service calls efficiently, diagnosing issues and implementing robust solutions to minimize system downtime for the client.

Secondary Functions

  • Support the sales team by providing technical expertise during client meetings and site surveys.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of internal engineering processes, standards, and documentation.
  • Provide on-the-job mentorship and guidance to apprentices and junior engineers to foster their technical development.
  • Participate in team meetings and training sessions to share knowledge and best practices with the wider engineering team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Fire Systems Expertise: In-depth knowledge of installing and servicing fire alarm systems from manufacturers such as Gent, Morley, Advanced, Kentec, and Notifier.
  • Security Systems Proficiency: Proven experience with CCTV (Hikvision, Dahua), Access Control (Paxton, Salto), and Intruder Alarm (Texecom, Galaxy) systems.
  • Regulatory Knowledge: Strong understanding of relevant British Standards, particularly BS 5839 (Fire), BS 50131 (Intruder), and BS EN 62676 (CCTV).
  • IP & Networking: Solid understanding of IP networking principles, including configuration of IP cameras, NVRs, and other networked security devices.
  • Fault-Finding & Diagnostics: Advanced skills in systematically diagnosing and resolving complex technical faults across a range of integrated systems.
  • FIA Qualifications: Possession of FIA certifications (e.g., Fundamentals, Servicing, Installation) is highly desirable.
  • Safe Working: Possession of a valid ECS or CSCS card and a strong commitment to health and safety protocols.
  • Driving Licence: Full, clean UK driving licence is essential for this field-based role.

Soft Skills

  • Problem-Solving: A logical and methodical approach to troubleshooting technical challenges under pressure.
  • Customer Focus: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a talent for building rapport and trust with clients.
  • Autonomy: The ability to work independently, manage your own schedule, and take ownership of your responsibilities.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to installation quality, system programming, and completion of all paperwork.
  • Time Management: Strong organizational skills to effectively prioritize tasks and manage a demanding workload.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent (e.g., GCSEs in Maths, English, and a Science).
  • Relevant trade qualifications (e.g., City & Guilds in Electrical/Electronic Engineering).

Preferred Education:

  • Advanced technical certifications such as an HNC/HND in Electrical or Electronic Engineering.
  • Manufacturer-specific training certificates (e.g., Gent, Paxton, Advanced).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Telecommunications

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3 - 8 years

Preferred: A minimum of 4 years of dedicated, hands-on experience as a multi-disciplined Fire & Security Engineer, ideally within an NSI Gold or BAFE accredited organization. Demonstrable experience in servicing, fault-finding, and small-to-medium scale installations is essential.

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