At a Glance
- Tasks: Service and maintain fire alarm systems while ensuring safety and compliance.
- Company: Join CDS, a respected leader in fire safety and security solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, overtime pay, 25 days holiday, and a company van.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a positive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in safety while enjoying a supportive work environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with fire alarm systems and a customer-first mindset required.
CDS Fire Alarm Service Engineer – South London areas and the South (field-based, home based)
Package: up to £45000 basic plus overtime, call out and company benefits (package circa £49000)
About CDS
For more than 30 years, CDS has been one of the UK’s most respected providers of fire detection, life safety, and security systems. Our mission is simple: to protect you, your people, and your business. We support a wide range of environments—from business parks to leisure centres, nurseries to secondary schools, and from country estates to large housing portfolios, combining national capability with a local, responsive approach, we deliver trusted, high-quality compliance solutions wherever they’re needed.
CDS is proudly part of Obsequio Group; Our businesses all deliver expert safety and compliance services across the UK, supporting both public and private sector clients, solving complex compliance challenges for operators, developers, estates teams and within facilities management.
About the Role
- Produce best-in-class engineer reports and job documentation on the day (test results, findings, actions taken, compliance notes, and further works)
- Work in line with relevant British Standards, site requirements, RAMS, and CDS procedures—maintaining high safety and quality standards
- Communicate clearly and professionally with customers on site—explaining faults, actions and next steps
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out planned servicing and maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems across a diverse customer base
- Attend reactive callouts, fault-find efficiently, and complete repairs or make-safe actions with clear follow-on recommendations
- Maintain control of tools, test equipment, van stock and paperwork, supporting right-first-time completion and smooth job close-out
- Participate in the call-out rota where required
Essential Requirements
- Strong, proven experience servicing and fault-finding on a range of fire alarm systems, with the confidence to work independently in live environments
- Demonstrable experience on leading panels/devices (e.g., GENT, Notifier, Advanced or equivalent), with the ability to diagnose root cause and verify performance
- A disciplined approach to testing, compliance and documentation—reports that are accurate, clear and audit-ready
- A professional, customer-first mindset—reliable, calm under pressure, and a strong representative of CDS on site
- Enhanced DBS (or willingness to obtain)
- Full UK driving licence
What We Offer
- Base salary up to £45000 DOE, with overtime and call out payments (OTE circa £49000)
- Overtime rates: 1.5x standard, 2x Sundays, plus call out pay
- Paid door-to-door travel
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays (plus additional holiday for long service)
- Company van (with personal use)
- AVIVA pension scheme
- Supportive management and a positive working environment
CDS is an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background. This job specification is not exhaustive and may be subject to modification in line with business requirements.
Fire Alarm Engineer employer: CDS
CDS is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary package and a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With over 30 years of experience in fire safety and compliance, employees benefit from extensive training opportunities, a positive working environment, and the chance to make a meaningful impact across diverse sectors in South London and beyond.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fire Alarm Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fire safety industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty! If you can, volunteer for projects or offer to help out with fire alarm installations or maintenance. This not only boosts your experience but also shows potential employers your commitment to the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and customer service skills. Be ready to discuss specific systems you've worked with and how you handled challenges on-site. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining CDS. It shows initiative and helps us get to know you better.
We think you need these skills to ace Fire Alarm Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Fire Alarm Engineer role. Highlight your experience with fire alarm systems and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how you fit into our mission at CDS!
Show Off Your Skills:When detailing your experience, focus on your ability to fault-find and service fire alarm systems. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise with leading panels like GENT or Notifier. This will help us see your confidence in action!
Be Professional and Clear:Since communication is key in this role, ensure your written application is clear and professional. Avoid jargon and keep it straightforward. We appreciate a well-structured application that reflects your disciplined approach to documentation.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at CDS!
How to prepare for a job interview at CDS
✨Know Your Fire Alarm Systems
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of various fire alarm systems, especially the ones mentioned in the job description like GENT and Notifier. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with these systems and how you've tackled faults in the past.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life situations, such as how you'd handle a reactive callout or communicate with a customer about a fault. Practise articulating your thought process clearly and confidently, showcasing your problem-solving skills.
✨Showcase Your Documentation Skills
Since producing accurate reports is key in this role, be prepared to discuss how you ensure your documentation is clear and audit-ready. Bring examples of past reports if possible, and highlight your disciplined approach to compliance.
✨Demonstrate a Customer-First Mindset
CDS values a professional attitude, so think of examples where you've gone above and beyond for customers. Be ready to explain how you maintain calm under pressure and represent your company positively while on-site.
