Senior Design Engineer

Senior Design Engineer

Full-Time 50000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Cento

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design of a major fire alarm project from start to finish.
  • Company: Join a growing team in a dynamic construction environment.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, hybrid working, and career progression.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with exciting future projects on the horizon.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on a flagship project with long-term opportunities.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in fire alarm projects and strong communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.

Design Estimator (Fire Alarm Systems) | Hybrid (Home, Office & London Site Visits) | £50,000–£55,000 + £475 per month Car Allowance | Start

  • Date: September (or as soon as possible thereafter)
  • Salary & Benefits
  • £475 per month car allowance
  • Hybrid working
  • Opportunity to work on a flagship, multi-year project
  • Long-term career progression with future projects already in the pipeline
  • We are seeking an experienced

Design Estimator to join our growing team and play a pivotal role in the delivery of a major, long-term fire alarm project.

This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of the design function on a flagship project with an anticipated lifecycle of approximately three years, before progressing onto future projects within the business.

Working within a collaborative environment, you will lead the design element of the project, coordinating closely with BIM partners, contractors, and on‑site teams to ensure successful project delivery from concept through to completion.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the design function for a large-scale fire alarm installation project throughout its full lifecycle.
  • Produce and coordinate fire alarm system designs in line with project specifications and industry standards.
  • Work closely with BIM partners to develop and coordinate 3D models.
  • Liaise with main contractors, consultants, subcontractors, and site teams to ensure effective design coordination.
  • Support project delivery by attending design meetings and resolving technical design queries.
  • Utilise Auto CAD (and Bluebeam where applicable) to produce and review drawings and documentation.
  • During quieter project phases, provide design and estimating support across the wider department.
  • Following completion of the initial project, transition onto future projects within the business.

About You

We're looking for someone who brings both technical expertise and strong coordination skills, with a proven background in construction-based fire alarm projects.

Essential Requirements

  • Minimum 5 years' experience delivering large-scale fire alarm projects.
  • Strong background within the construction industry (applications from Facilities Management backgrounds will not be considered).
  • Experience leading or coordinating the design of fire alarm systems.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively across multiple stakeholders.
  • Ability to manage priorities across a long-term project lifecycle.

Desirable Skills

  • Proficiency in Auto CAD.
  • Experience using Bluebeam.
  • Previous experience working alongside BIM teams and coordinating 3D models.
  • Working Arrangement

This is a hybrid position , with time split between home working, the office, and project meetings/site visits in London.

  • Please Note
  • This is not a fully remote role.
  • Candidates must live within a commutable distance and be able to attend the office and London project locations as required.
  • #J-18808-Ljbffr
Cento

Contact Details:

Cento Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Design Engineer

Join Construction Networks

Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!

Show Off Your Skills on Site

If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.

Utilise Construction Job Sites

Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Cento, to express your interest!

Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles

Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Senior Design Engineer at Cento.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Design Engineer

Design Estimation
Fire Alarm Systems
Project Lifecycle Management
BIM Coordination
3D Modelling
AutoCAD
Bluebeam

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.

Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.

Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.

How to prepare for a job interview at Cento

Brush Up on Technical Knowledge

For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.

Showcase Your Projects

Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.

Understand the Team Dynamics

Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.

Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving

Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!