Technical Director - Fire Engineering

Technical Director - Fire Engineering

Full-Time On-site
H

HKA is a leading global consultancy in risk mitigation, dispute resolution, expert witness and litigation support. We anticipate, investigate and resolve complex challenges by harnessing world-leading multi-disciplinary expertise and experience.

As trusted independent consultants, experts and advisors, we deliver solutions amid uncertainty, dispute and overrun, and provide the insights that make the best possible outcomes a reality for public and private sector clients worldwide. Our experts have testified across the globe on many of the largest quantum, delay, engineering and commercial damages matters.

What To Expect At HKA

  • A globally respected consultancy with a market‑leading reputation in engineering expert witness services.
  • Exposure to diverse, high‑impact commissions, including major international disputes and multidisciplinary expert appointments.
  • A collaborative and supportive culture where technical excellence is celebrated and expertise is strengthened through shared knowledge.
  • Tailored development, mentoring and structured pathways to help further your expert journey, whether you already testify or are expanding your scope.
  • The opportunity to work alongside high‑performing experts across multiple engineering disciplines, broadening your technical, forensic and strategic experience.
  • A commitment to continuous learning, professional growth and the development of strong expert witness capability.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a highly credible Fire Engineering specialist, ideally operating at Director or Principal Consultant level, to join our Forensic Technical Services (FTS) team.

This is a key role within our engineering expert practice, offering the opportunity to work on high‑profile construction and infrastructure disputes while developing, or further strengthening your position as an expert.

You Will

  • Lead technical analysis on fire engineering issues within complex disputes, providing robust, defensible insight across sophisticated technical challenges.
  • Collaborate with appointed Expert Witnesses, contributing to the preparation of expert reports, joint statements and forensic analysis.
  • Act as a trusted advisor, offering clarity on fire safety regulations, codes, standards and engineering judgement for clients and legal teams.
  • Provide peer review and quality assurance, ensuring all technical outputs meet the highest standards of accuracy and consistency.
  • Support and guide multidisciplinary expert teams, shaping case strategy and providing technical leadership.
  • Play an active role in developing the FTS practice, mentoring junior colleagues, contributing to thought leadership and helping drive innovation in fire engineering consultancy.

Whether you already act as an expert or are developing into a lead expert role, we will support you with structured expert witness training, guidance from experienced experts and opportunities to take on increasingly complex appointments.

What You Will Bring

We’re looking for a fire engineering specialist who brings:

  • A degree in Fire Engineering or a closely related discipline, with 10+ years’ technical experience in consultancy.
  • Deep knowledge of UK fire regulations, codes and standards, with exposure to international fire engineering frameworks.
  • Experience acting as a testifying expert or significant experience supporting expert witnesses, with a strong interest in progressing to full expert appointments.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex fire engineering issues clearly, confidently and concisely.
  • Strong analytical capability, attention to detail and a commitment to producing rigorous, defensible technical work.
  • A collaborative, professional approach, with the confidence to contribute to high‑stakes projects and the drive to continue building expert authority.
  • A passion for technical excellence, continuous learning and high‑quality consultancy delivery.

What We Offer

At HKA, you’ll join a consultancy that genuinely invests in your professional growth and expert journey. We offer competitive compensation, a flexible and supportive working environment, and access to world‑class training, resources and expert development pathways. You’ll collaborate with leading practitioners across engineering, quantum, delay and forensic disciplines, gaining exposure to major international disputes and complex technical challenges. Most importantly, you’ll be part of a culture that values integrity, excellence and collaboration — where your contribution is recognised, your expertise is nurtured and your career can thrive.

ED&I At HKA

HKA has a thriving ED&I committee working hard to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment for a truly diverse set of employees. We are committed as a business on the continued improvement of our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy, please visit our careers page for further information or feel free to ask our recruitment team for further information.

All HKA employment decisions are firstly made on merit and shall be made without regard to age, disability, gender or gender reassignment, marriage, and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation, or anyother basis in compliance with local legislation.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Technical Director - Fire Engineering employer: HKA

HKA is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, empowering employees to drive meaningful change in the realm of people analytics and systems. With a strong focus on professional development, you will have access to extensive growth opportunities and the chance to work alongside a diverse global team in a dynamic environment. Located in a vibrant area, HKA offers unique advantages such as flexible working arrangements and a commitment to employee well-being, making it an ideal place for those seeking a rewarding career.

H

Contact Details:

HKA Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Technical Director - Fire Engineering

✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups

Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!

✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces

Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!

✨Leverage the Power of Internships

While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.

✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites

When you find a role at a company you love, like HKA, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!

Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to HKA specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!

Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!

How to prepare for a job interview at HKA

✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes

Before you walk into the interview with HKA, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.

✨Technical Questions Are Key

Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!

✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.

✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety

In a full-time role, companies like HKA value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.