Structural Fire Engineer in Edinburgh

Ashton Fire is a dynamic and rapidly growing Fire Safety and Engineering Consultancy. Operating from an ethical platform, our social and environmental values are at the core of our organisation and service delivery. We strive to provide the highest quality, morally and ethically balanced service to our clients whilst maintaining a team-focused working environment.

As a Structural Fire Engineer at Ashton Fire you will work in an exciting and dynamic field where no two projects are the same. Your role will provide specialist technical expertise in the assessment and design of structural elements subject to fire exposure. Your role will encompass structural fire engineering analysis, fire resistance assessments, and the development of innovative solutions to complex fire safety challenges within both new build and existing structures. You will be supported by a specialised close-knit team of structural fire engineers, working collaboratively with our multi-disciplinary fire engineering team and external design teams to develop effective, buildable solutions that deliver value for our clients. You will be involved in a diverse range of projects including residential, commercial, industrial, heritage buildings, and specialist facilities. The role combines detailed technical analysis – including advanced computational modelling and finite element analysis – with practical engineering judgment and client-focused delivery.

Responsibilities

• Undertake structural fire engineering assessments and analyses for a variety of building types and structural forms, including steel, concrete, timber, and composite construction.
• Conduct fire resistance calculations and critical temperature assessments for structural elements in accordance with relevant design codes and standards (Eurocodes, BS standards, etc.).
• Perform thermal modelling and heat transfer analysis to determine temperature distributions in structural members under fire conditions.
• Utilise finite element analysis (FEA) software – such as SAFIR and Vulcan – and other computational tools to assess structural behaviour under fire loading, including non-linear analysis where appropriate.
• Develop fire protection strategies and specifications for structural elements, including passive fire protection systems such as intumescent coatings, board systems, and concrete encasement.
• Produce clear and concise technical reports outlining design assumptions, methodologies, calculations, and recommendations for structural fire protection.
• Work collaboratively with fire engineers, architects, structural engineers, and other design team members to integrate structural fire engineering into overall building design.
• Liaise directly with clients, consultants, and other stakeholders to understand project requirements and deliver solutions that meet their aspirations and budget constraints.
• Manage own projects and assume responsibility for setting and meeting deadlines, keeping track of own financial performance and budgets, and ensuring deliverables meet quality standards.
• Conduct site visits and inspections to assess existing structural conditions, verify installed fire protection measures, and provide technical advice during construction.
• Keep up to date with developments in structural fire engineering, including new materials, protection systems, design methodologies, and relevant codes and standards.
• Continually advance your knowledge and skills through continuous professional development, with an aim to achieve or maintain chartered engineer status (CEng) with a recognised professional body.

Skills you will bring

• Degree in Civil/Structural Engineering or closely related discipline (MEng or equivalent preferred).
• At least 3+ years of experience working as a structural engineer or 2+ years of experience as a fire engineer delivering structural fire engineering services.
• Strong technical knowledge of structural engineering principles and ideally structural behaviour under fire conditions, however this is not essential.
• Experience or keen interest in structural fire engineering, with knowledge of relevant design codes and standards.
• Familiarity with finite element analysis software (e.g., ABAQUS, ANSYS, SAFIR, Vulcan) or willingness to develop expertise in these tools.
• Working knowledge of heat transfer fundamentals and preferably the ability to conduct simple hand-calculations and thermal modelling, however this is not essential.
• Excellent technical ability with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to write clear, precise, and technically robust reports suitable for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of project budgets, timescales, and client requirements.
• Self-motivated with strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Perks & benefits

• Hybrid Approach: Work a blend of where you're most productive – whether from home or the office, the choice is yours.
• 9-Day Fortnight: Enjoy an extra day off every two weeks, giving you more time to focus on what matters most.
• Core Hours: Shape your workweek around our flexible core hours, making it easier to balance work and life.
• 25 Days Holiday: Take time to recharge with 25 days holiday (+bank holidays), rising to 30 days at 9 years' service.
• Flexible Bank Holidays: Choose when to take your bank holidays, giving you the freedom to celebrate what matters to you.
• Enhanced Pension: Enjoy peace of mind for the future with 6% employer pension contributions, rising to 8% at 5 years' service.
• Enhanced Parental Leave: Enhanced maternity leave and one month of fully paid paternity leave.
• Private Medical: Comprehensive health coverage through Bupa, plus access to our health cash plan.
• Mental Health Support: 24/7 access to medical advice through our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Bonus Scheme: Annual discretionary bonus based on both company and personal performance.
• Professional Registration Scheme: Bonus scheme to award for becoming chartered and registering for membership with professional institutions.
• Christmas Shutdown: Enjoy a company-wide break between Christmas and New Year on top of your annual leave.
• Company Events: Monthly socials with your local office and three company-wide events per year.

At Ashton Fire, we are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace, providing equal opportunities where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of age (within legal limits), disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We believe that a diverse team brings a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and ideas – and that's what drives innovation and excellence in everything we do.