Fire & Security Systems Engineer in England

Fire & Security Systems Engineer in England

England Full-Time 37000 - 37000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Serco

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Maintain fire detection, life safety, and security systems; perform reactive and preventative maintenance.
  • Company: Serco operates at Yarl’s Wood Immigration Centre, focusing on justice and immigration facilities management.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a contributory pension scheme, and access to over 1,100 internal courses.
  • Other info: Role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard clearance and may involve additional security checks.
  • Why this job: Make a direct impact on safety while working in a supportive environment with clear development opportunities.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience with fire and security systems; ONC-level electrical/electronics qualification or equivalent required.

The predicted salary is between 37000 - 37000 £ per year.

Permanent, Full Time (Mon-Fri 8:00-16:30pm – on call roster)

Up to £37,000 per annum + £160 per week for on call duties (with travel expense and overtime payment for any time on site)

As a Fire & Security Engineer in our UK&E Justice and Immigration Facilities Management team, you’ll help keep people safe by maintaining the systems that protect our sites. You’ll work across fire detection, life safety and security systems to ensure they’re well‑maintained, compliant and performing at their best. Your work will have a direct and positive impact — helping safeguard colleagues, visitors and the wider community. By ensuring essential safety systems are reliable, you’ll support secure, resilient environments and contribute to a safer future for everyone on site.

What you’ll do as a Fire & Security Engineer:

  • Carry out reactive and preventative maintenance across fire detection, life safety and security systems.
  • Work safely and in line with Health and Safety legislation at all times.
  • Keep planned maintenance schedules up to date and complete.
  • Install, test, commission and service systems including CCTV, access control, intruder detection and fire alarms.
  • Prioritise workload, work to tight timescales and use your own initiative to solve problems effectively.
  • Participate in material ordering and procurement processes.
  • Support the wider FM team through multi‑trade assistance when required.
  • Carry out fault‑finding, defect rectification and equipment investigations, producing recommendations where necessary.
  • Maintain accurate records of tools and escort contractors in line with written procedures.

Does this sound like you?

You’ll be a great fit for this role if you have:

  • Proven experience installing, testing, commissioning and servicing fire and security systems.
  • Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and database systems.
  • Technical knowledge across standards such as BS EN 50131 (Alarm Systems), BS EN 50132 (CCTV), BS EN 50133 (Access Control) and BS5839 (Fire Detection).
  • A minimum ONC‑level electrical/electronics qualification or equivalent.
  • The ability to communicate clearly and work effectively with colleagues at all levels.
  • A proactive, self‑motivated approach and the ability to stay composed in challenging environments.

Vetting and checks:

This role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance, which involves verifying your identity, employment history, nationality, and criminal record to meet government security standards. In addition, depending on the nature of the role, you may need to obtain formal Security Clearance (such as CTC or SC), which includes more detailed background checks on employment, criminal record, and financial history to ensure suitability for working in secure environments. Please note that UK residency requirements may apply for certain levels of clearance. You will also complete an Occupational Health Questionnaire so we can identify and provide any support you may need to undertake the role effectively.

What We Offer:

  • 25 days plus bank holidays
  • Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
  • Free on-site parking
  • Over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships (including L3 Team Leader and L5 Operations Manager apprenticeships), mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression
  • Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, 30% off at Serco‑managed leisure centres, and 24/7 access to a virtual GP service
  • Discounts across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel
  • Paid volunteering day, tax‑free charitable giving through Payroll Giving Scheme, donate your pennies from your monthly pay to the Serco People Fund Charity

Our networks support inclusion and connection by providing spaces for collaboration, learning, and belonging. They represent and empower all our colleagues including LGBTQIA+ employees, women, parents and carers, people with disabilities, veterans, and people from all cultural backgrounds.

Let’s impact a better future, together. Apply today.

About Serco:

At Serco, not only is the nature of the work we do important, everyone has an important role to play, from caring for vulnerable people to managing complex public services. We are a team of 50,000 people responsible for delivering essential public services around the world in areas including defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare and citizen services. We are innovators, committed to redesigning and improving public services for the benefit of everyone.

By joining Serco you will have unlimited access to our Global Employee Networks – SercoInspire (Gender), SercoEmbrace (Multicultural), SercoUnlimited (Disability) and (LGBT & Networks). Serco Employee Networks, led by colleagues who are passionate about diversity, inclusion and belonging.

Please click on the apply button to complete your application. Occasionally we receive a large volume of applications for our roles and when that happens we sometimes bring the closing date forward, so please apply promptly to avoid disappointment.

At Serco, we see people first and foremost for their performance and potential. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all. As such we will make reasonable adjustments at interview through to employment for our candidates and strongly encourage applications from a diverse candidate pool. We are open to discussions around flexibility and flexible working. We operate a hybrid work structure in many of our business areas. We are proudly Disability Confident Leader employers and holder of the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview.

At Serco we support fair access to employment for those with unspent criminal convictions through the ‘Ban the Box’ pledge (some may be exempt due to the nature of the role and the security clearance required).

Fire & Security Systems Engineer in England employer: Serco

Serco is a leading employer with 50,000 staff delivering essential public services globally. Located in Bedford, they offer extensive training opportunities and a focus on diversity and inclusion, including support for LGBTQIA+ employees and veterans.

Serco

Contact Details:

Serco Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Fire & Security Systems Engineer in England

Get Involved with Local Fire Services

Join community groups or volunteer with local fire departments to get a foot in the door. It’s a great way to showcase your commitment to fire safety and emergency services while also making valuable connections in the field.

Attend Firefighting Job Fairs

Keep an eye out for firefighting job fairs and emergency services recruiting events in your area. These are goldmines for meeting staff from companies like Serco and other emergency services, giving you a chance to chat and make a lasting impression.

Connect with Industry Professionals Online

Utilise platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn to find fire service groups and forums. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can elevate your profile and help us to learn from those already in the field, potentially leading to job openings.

Keep Your Training Up-to-Date

Make sure your qualifications are current! Pursuing additional training, like first aid or specialised firefighting courses, shows your dedication and might just set you apart from the crowd when applying for roles at Serco.

We think you need these skills to ace Fire & Security Systems Engineer in England

Fire Detection Systems
Life Safety Systems
Security Systems
CCTV Installation and Maintenance
Access Control Systems
Intruder Detection Systems
Fire Alarm Systems

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Commitment to Safety:In the fire and emergency services sector, it's crucial to showcase your understanding of safety protocols and emergency response challenges. Mention any relevant training or certifications you've completed, like First Aid or Fire Safety courses, and highlight your commitment to public safety in your cover letter.

Highlight Your Teamwork Skills:This field is all about collaboration! Make sure your CV emphasises your ability to work in a team under pressure. Detail examples of teamwork from previous roles, volunteer work or community involvement. Hiring managers at Serco will love to see how you thrive in a group dynamic.

Detail Your Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, don't just mention your job titles – dig into your responsibilities and achievements that relate specifically to fire and emergency services. Include any volunteer work, internships, or projects that display your hands-on experience in this field, especially if you're transitioning from another area.

Craft a Strong Motivation Statement:As you're applying for a full-time role, it’s key to articulate why you want to join Serco specifically. Dive into your motivation for working in fire services, and how this aligns with your career goals. We want to see your passion for contributing to the community and the impact you wish to make!

How to prepare for a job interview at Serco

Know Your Emergency Protocols

Since you're eyeing a role in fire emergency services, brush up on the latest firefighting techniques and protocols. Understanding the fundamentals of fire behaviour, rescue operations, and safety measures will show that you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the field.

Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills

Expect situational questions that test your ability to make quick decisions in high-pressure scenarios. Think of examples from your previous experiences or training where you had to think on your feet—this will really highlight your suitability for the role and show that you can handle real emergencies.

Highlight Teamwork and Community Engagement

Fire emergency services rely heavily on teamwork, so come prepared to discuss how you've worked with others in stressful situations. Additionally, showcase any community involvement or outreach you've done—it's a great way to demonstrate your commitment to public safety and your understanding of community dynamics.

Be Ready to Discuss Your Training

Make sure you’re ready to talk about any relevant training or certifications you have. Whether it’s emergency response training or a first aid qualification, make it clear how these experiences prepare you for a full-time position in fire emergency services with Serco. It shows you’re proactive about your professional development!