At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape safer buildings through fire research and engineering advice on real projects.
- Company: Join BRE, a world-leading research and advisory organisation focused on building safety.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and access to unique fire research facilities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth and learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in fire safety while developing your expertise in structural fire engineering.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate degree in structural fire engineering or related field with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Make an impact Help shape safer buildings through specialist fire research, testing and engineering advice. This is an opportunity for an early-career structural fire engineer to join BRE’s Built Environment team, working on real projects for government and private sector clients. You will use your postgraduate research, modelling and analytical skills to support fire safety research, consultancy and testing that has a practical impact across the built environment.
What you’ll be doing
- Support fire safety analysis and research projects involving structural fire experiments, fire compartmentation, numerical analysis, site investigations and façades/cladding.
- Contribute to large and small-scale fire research projects using modelling and analysis tools to support technical assessments.
- Analyse data and draw evidence-based conclusions.
- Review technical information, drawings and project evidence.
- Prepare clear technical reports and project outputs.
- Support proposals and help deliver work to the agreed scope and deadlines.
- Manage defined pieces of project work, with support from experienced colleagues.
- Represent BRE in project meetings and technical discussions where appropriate.
What we’re looking for
- A postgraduate qualification in structural fire engineering, or a closely related field with relevant fire, structural or modelling content.
- Exposure to finite element analysis, ideally including SAFIR, or related modelling tools.
- Strong numerical, analytical and data interpretation skills.
- The ability to read construction drawings and work with technical documentation.
- Familiarity with CAD software.
- An interest in UK fire safety codes, building regulations and Eurocode fire parts.
- Clear written communication skills, including the ability to produce technical reports.
- The ability to organise your work, manage priorities and meet project deadlines.
- Curiosity and willingness to keep learning as project needs develop.
Experience in fire engineering consultancy, fire research, fire testing, structural engineering, façade/cladding, certification/testing, construction products, government‑funded research or regulated technical consultancy would be helpful, but is not essential if your academic background is strong.
Location and working pattern
This role is based at the BRE Science Park in Watford / Garston. The hybrid pattern is 3 days per week on site, plus customer site visits where required. This may vary slightly during busy or training periods.
Recruitment timeline
- Closing date: 28th June 2026
- Interview with Ryan (our AI interviewer): 29th June to 2nd July
- In‑person interview at the BRE Science Park: 6th to 10th July
Why join BRE
BRE is a world‑leading independent research, advisory and testing organisation focused on making buildings safer, more sustainable and better for people. You will join a specialist team with access to unique fire research and testing facilities, working on projects that combine technical depth with real‑world impact. This role offers the chance to build your expertise in structural fire engineering while learning from experienced colleagues across fire research, testing and consultancy.
Ready to apply? If you have a postgraduate background in structural fire engineering, strong analytical skills and an interest in applying your research to practical fire safety challenges, we would like to hear from you. We welcome applications from people with different backgrounds and experiences. Even if your experience does not match every point, but your qualification and technical foundation are relevant, we encourage you to apply.
BRE contributes to a thriving and sustainable world by developing science‑led solutions to built environment challenges. Our vision is to be the world‑leading innovation, science, and data hub for the built environment. We’re ambitious in terms of quality and global scope. We want governments and commercial markets to recognise us and demand our services, products and solutions. We want to be world‑class, innovative, science‑led and provide solutions.
Junior Fire Engineer in Watford employer: BREEAM Official
At BRE, we pride ourselves on being a world-leading independent research and advisory organisation dedicated to enhancing the safety and sustainability of buildings. Our vibrant work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing junior fire engineers with unparalleled access to cutting-edge research facilities and mentorship from seasoned professionals. With a commitment to employee growth and a focus on impactful projects, joining our team in Watford offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful advancements in fire safety while developing your expertise in a supportive environment.
