At a Glance
- Tasks: Design fire detection and suppression systems, creating detailed CAD drawings and technical documentation.
- Company: Join a leading fire systems business with a focus on innovative design solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with long-term stability and exciting project challenges.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on complex projects while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in CAD design and fire systems is essential; strong communication skills are a must.
Salary: £50,000 - £65,000 depending on experience
Location: Reading
Type of work and hours: Full-time, hybrid working with 1 day per week office-based
Are you an experienced Design Engineer with a strong background in fire detection and/or suppression systems, looking for a technically varied role supporting complex projects from initial design through to delivery? Our client is looking for a capable Design Engineer to join its established design function, supporting the development of compliant, practical and commercially sound fire systems solutions across a range of construction and building services projects. This role would suit someone with proven CAD design experience, strong technical knowledge of relevant fire standards, and the confidence to work closely with project, commercial, sales and operational teams.
You will be responsible for producing accurate drawings, system layouts, calculations, technical documentation and project design packs, ensuring designs are suitable for installation, commissioning and handover. Experience within fire detection and/or suppression is essential, while exposure to data centre projects would be a distinct advantage. The role may also suit candidates operating at Designer or Senior Designer level, particularly those with experience reviewing design work or supporting junior colleagues.
Job Description
- Producing detailed CAD drawings, layouts, schematics and supporting technical design documentation for fire systems projects.
- Developing compliant fire detection and/or suppression system designs in line with client requirements, project specifications and relevant industry standards.
- Preparing calculations, method-related information, design notes and documentation to support procurement, installation and project delivery.
- Creating and updating as-built drawings, O&M information and other project handover documentation.
- Liaising with project managers, commercial teams, estimators, sales and site-based teams to ensure designs are practical, cost-effective and deliverable.
- Providing technical input for proposals, tenders, client meetings and internal project reviews.
- Supporting site teams with design-related queries during installation, commissioning and handover.
- Maintaining accurate design records and ensuring documentation is controlled, current and aligned with project requirements.
Person Specification
- Previous experience as a Design Engineer, CAD Designer, Fire Systems Designer, Building Services Designer or similar.
- Essential experience designing fire detection and/or fire suppression systems.
- Strong working knowledge of AutoCAD, Revit or similar CAD software, with 2D and ideally 3D capability.
- Good understanding of relevant standards and regulations, such as BS5839, BS5266, BS7671 or associated fire/building services standards.
- Experience producing accurate technical drawings, schematics, calculations and project documentation.
- HNC/HND, degree or equivalent technical qualification in Building Services, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to work confidently with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- A structured, detail-focused approach with the ability to manage several design priorities at once.
- Full UK driving licence and right to work in the UK.
- Data centre project experience would be highly desirable.
- FIA units, BS5839 training or other relevant industry certifications would also be advantageous.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a technically focused fire systems business offering complex project work, long-term stability and the chance to contribute to high-quality design delivery across specialist environments. The role offers a salary of £50,000 - £65,000 depending on experience, hybrid working with 1 day per week in the Reading office, and the opportunity to work on technically demanding fire detection and suppression projects, with data centre exposure particularly valued.
To apply, please submit your CV by clicking on the relevant links. If successful, you will be contacted by one of our consultants within 3 working days. Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we expect to receive for this vacancy, if you do not hear from us within this time, you should presume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Design Engineer in Reading employer: Grassroots Recruitment Ltd
Join a leading fire systems business in Reading, where you will thrive in a supportive and innovative work culture that values technical expertise and collaboration. With a focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to work on complex projects while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements. Our commitment to high-quality design delivery ensures that your contributions will be meaningful and impactful within the industry.
Contact Details:
Grassroots Recruitment Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Engineer in Reading
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Design Engineer role you’re after at Grassroots Recruitment Ltd.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Grassroots Recruitment Ltd a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Grassroots Recruitment Ltd.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Design Engineer at Grassroots Recruitment Ltd, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Engineer in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Design Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Grassroots Recruitment Ltd a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Grassroots Recruitment Ltd specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Grassroots Recruitment Ltd
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Grassroots Recruitment Ltd, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Grassroots Recruitment Ltd want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
