Fire Alarm & Suppression Systems Designer in Reading

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE: To lead and deliver technical design solutions across multiple projects, from concept to completion, ensuring compliance with relevant standards, client specifications, and company procedures. The role involves producing and overseeing accurate technical drawings, calculations, and documentation to support project delivery and installation. Working closely with the wider project team, including sales, commercial, operations, and service, you will ensure that design solutions are practical, cost-effective, and aligned with the strategic goals of the business. In a senior capacity, the role will also involve mentoring junior design staff, reviewing technical submissions, and contributing to innovation and design best practices across the organisation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead and manage all design-related activities including layouts, calculations, system schematics, method statements, and health & safety considerations.
• Produce detailed engineered system designs and technical submissions to meet project requirements and comply with current legislation and industry standards (e.g. BS, EN, NFPA standards).
• Create, review, and issue as-built drawings, O&M manuals, and other post-installation documentation.
• Develop technical build budgets and design documentation prior to procurement or mobilisation phases.
• Manage and coordinate design resources, including internal staff and external consultants or CAD technicians.
• Monitor and update design records to ensure alignment with contractual, technical, and operational requirements.
• Provide on-site technical guidance and support during project delivery, installation, and commissioning.
• Work collaboratively with the sales and estimating teams to provide design input for proposals, tenders, and client meetings.
• Stay up to date with supplier and manufacturer product changes, assessing their impact on current and future projects.
• Maintain close liaison with the service, projects, and commercial departments to ensure seamless project progression and alignment between design and delivery.
• Maintain a professional and approachable presence in client meetings, promoting the company’s technical credibility and reputation.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by sharing design knowledge, introducing efficiencies, and identifying opportunities for innovation.
• Monitor competitor technical capabilities and innovations to help the business remain at the forefront of the industry.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:

• Demonstrable experience in a similar role (CAD Design Engineer, Building Services Designer, Fire Systems Designer, etc.) within the construction or building services sector.
• Strong working knowledge of CAD software (e.g. AutoCAD, Revit, or similar), including 2D and 3D drawing capabilities.
• Proven ability to produce compliant and accurate technical designs, schematics, and detailed drawings.
• Experience in interpreting and applying relevant standards and regulations (e.g. BS5839, BS5266, BS7671, etc.).
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Word.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, often under tight deadlines.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail and a structured, methodical approach to design and document control.
• Client-facing experience with the ability to present and justify design decisions professionally.
• Experience managing or mentoring junior design staff (Senior Designer level).

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

• Good working knowledge and experience of current LPC, British Standards, NFPA and FM Global Standards, working with software including AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks and various work sharing platforms such as ACC & Bim Collaborate.
• Designing of systems and providing models, drawings, calculations & reports from early concept work stages, right through to completion and handover as applicable.
• Willingness to take a Technical Lead Design Role in projects, working closely with Project Staff and Commercial Teams.
• Strong professional communication skills and participation in Client Design Team meetings while maintaining client rapport & promoting the company.
• Occasionally carry out site surveys, assist with site related design issues and problem solving, and provide support for Installation Engineers when required.
• HNC/HND or Degree in Building Services Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline (Essential).
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and/or Revit (Essential).
• Relevant industry certifications (e.g. FIA Units, BS5839, or equivalent) (Desirable).
• Health & Safety awareness training (e.g. IOSH Working Safely or similar) (Desirable).
• Full UK driving licence (Essential).
• Right to work in the UK (Essential).

Benefits:

• 25 days holiday (increasing with 1 day per completed year of service, up to a maximum of 30 days)
• Holiday Purchase Scheme (the opportunity to purchase up to 5 days annual leave, per year)
• Company Bonus Scheme (up to 10% per year)
• Health Cash Plan
• Company Events