At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fire engineering projects and mentor junior engineers while shaping technical standards.
- Company: Dynamic fire engineering consultancy with a focus on innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, training budget, and excellent holiday package.
- Other info: Tight-knit team culture with regular social events and support for professional development.
- Why this job: Join at a pivotal growth stage and make a real impact in fire safety engineering.
- Qualifications: BSc/BEng in fire engineering, 4+ years experience, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: London (Hybrid — 2–3 days in office)
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience + benefits package
Hours: Full-time, flexible working
Several years ago, this fire engineering consultancy consisted of a handful of engineers with a shared frustration: too many fire safety careers are built on rigid hierarchies, endless overtime, and compliance-box-ticking rather than engineering judgement. And they decided to build something different.
Today that team has grown nearly fourfold, split across two fast-scaling offices, with plans to open in further UK cities and launch further divisions in the coming months. Working out of London allows exposure to a genuinely varied stock of high-profile, complex projects. With growth still very much underway, this is a genuinely rare point to join at senior level. Allowing for technical ownership and real influence over how the team and its standards take shape, rather than stepping into a structure that's already fixed.
The role
We're looking for a Senior Fire Engineer to take technical ownership of projects and play a leading role as this team continues to grow. You'll provide high-quality fire engineering input for clients, guide and develop less experienced engineers, and be a genuine driving force behind how the practice's technical standards and client relationships evolve.
What you'll actually be doing:
- Taking full technical ownership of projects, from concept through to completion
- Managing client relationships directly and coordinating with the wider project and consultant team
- Providing line management, mentoring and structured support to engineers at all levels
- Preparing fee proposals and supporting commercial growth, estimating costs, scoping resource, and helping win new work
- Undertaking expert witness duties where required
- Playing an active role in recruitment and shaping the team as it scales
- Working closely with the leadership team on workload planning and resourcing decisions
- Representing the practice within the wider fire safety community: industry forums, committees, technical contributions, and in time, conference or publication work
What we're looking for:
- A BSc, BEng or higher in fire engineering or a closely related engineering discipline
- A minimum of 4 years' fire engineering experience, UK experience desirable
- AIFireE (Associate, Institution of Fire Engineers), with support to progress further
- Strong commercial awareness: genuinely comfortable owning budgets, proposals and client relationships, not just technical delivery
- An upbeat, proactive personality with strong integrity and excellent communication skills
- Comfortable working across a multidisciplinary project team
- Bluebeam or similar software experience is a bonus
What you'll get:
- Hybrid working: typically 2–3 days in the office, with flexibility around how that works for you
- A real training budget: dedicated annual training allowance per person, plus a personal growth plan agreed directly with your line manager, not a generic CPD checklist
- One of the best holiday/working splits in the industry, scaling with your experience
- Private medical insurance, company bonus scheme, enhanced pension, life assurance, and an Employee Assistance Programme
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
- Professional membership subscriptions paid for you
- An operations team behind the scenes handling the admin, travel and training logistics, so you can focus on the engineering and your team
- Regular company social events and a genuinely tight-knit, growing team culture
Why now
Joining a business at this stage of its growth as a senior hire is rare. You'd be shaping technical standards, mentoring structures and client relationships as the practice scales, with a genuine say in how the team looks in a few years' time, rather than inheriting someone else's rigid style. If you're ready to lead rather than just deliver, this is a great time to get onboard.
Senior Fire Engineer in London employer: 1st Select
1st Select is an excellent employer for Graduate Mechanical & Electrical Surveying Engineers, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees benefit from extensive training opportunities and the chance to travel across the UK, enhancing both their skills and career prospects. The supportive environment and commitment to high-quality service make it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Fire Engineer in London
✨Get Involved with Local Fire Services
Join community groups or volunteer with local fire departments to get a foot in the door. It’s a great way to showcase your commitment to fire safety and emergency services while also making valuable connections in the field.
✨Attend Firefighting Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for firefighting job fairs and emergency services recruiting events in your area. These are goldmines for meeting staff from companies like 1st Select and other emergency services, giving you a chance to chat and make a lasting impression.
✨Connect with Industry Professionals Online
Utilise platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn to find fire service groups and forums. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can elevate your profile and help us to learn from those already in the field, potentially leading to job openings.
✨Keep Your Training Up-to-Date
Make sure your qualifications are current! Pursuing additional training, like first aid or specialised firefighting courses, shows your dedication and might just set you apart from the crowd when applying for roles at 1st Select.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Fire Engineer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Commitment to Safety:In the fire and emergency services sector, it's crucial to showcase your understanding of safety protocols and emergency response challenges. Mention any relevant training or certifications you've completed, like First Aid or Fire Safety courses, and highlight your commitment to public safety in your cover letter.
Highlight Your Teamwork Skills:This field is all about collaboration! Make sure your CV emphasises your ability to work in a team under pressure. Detail examples of teamwork from previous roles, volunteer work or community involvement. Hiring managers at 1st Select will love to see how you thrive in a group dynamic.
Detail Your Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, don't just mention your job titles – dig into your responsibilities and achievements that relate specifically to fire and emergency services. Include any volunteer work, internships, or projects that display your hands-on experience in this field, especially if you're transitioning from another area.
Craft a Strong Motivation Statement:As you're applying for a full-time role, it’s key to articulate why you want to join 1st Select specifically. Dive into your motivation for working in fire services, and how this aligns with your career goals. We want to see your passion for contributing to the community and the impact you wish to make!
How to prepare for a job interview at 1st Select
✨Know Your Emergency Protocols
Since you're eyeing a role in fire emergency services, brush up on the latest firefighting techniques and protocols. Understanding the fundamentals of fire behaviour, rescue operations, and safety measures will show that you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the field.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Expect situational questions that test your ability to make quick decisions in high-pressure scenarios. Think of examples from your previous experiences or training where you had to think on your feet—this will really highlight your suitability for the role and show that you can handle real emergencies.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Community Engagement
Fire emergency services rely heavily on teamwork, so come prepared to discuss how you've worked with others in stressful situations. Additionally, showcase any community involvement or outreach you've done—it's a great way to demonstrate your commitment to public safety and your understanding of community dynamics.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Training
Make sure you’re ready to talk about any relevant training or certifications you have. Whether it’s emergency response training or a first aid qualification, make it clear how these experiences prepare you for a full-time position in fire emergency services with 1st Select. It shows you’re proactive about your professional development!
